Economics of the heat pipe air preheater for primary air service

Journal Article · Sun Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1984 · Energy Eng.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6283977

Franklin, H N

The heat pipe air preheater takes advantage of the high thermal conductance of the heat pipe. This efficient device, unlike conventional rotary regenerative air heaters, permits no leakage between the combustion air and flue gas. Heat pipe air preheaters are currently commercially available in sizes consistent with primary air heater service for large utility steam generators. An evaluation of capital cost was dominated by the savings in precipitator and scrubber costs which result from the reduced flue gas volume for the zero leakage heat pipe primary air heater. Capital cost reductions of from $1.20/kw to $1.49/kw are projected. The use of the heat pipe primary air heater results in operating cost savings, due to reduced fan power requirements and increased boiler efficiency. For the examples presented the heat pipe primary air heater generates operating cost reductions of from $3.32/kw to $7.88/kw. Though the capital and operating cost savings are specific to the cases presented, the general magnitude of the savings-several million dollars-is representative of the potential savings available. And though the examples presented show a wide range of fuel cost and boiler performance, both examples show a significant cost advantage for the heat pipe primary air preheater.

• Research Organization: FW Energy Applications, Livingston, NJ
• OSTI ID: 6283977
• Journal Information: Energy Eng.; (United States), Journal Name: Energy Eng.; (United States) Vol. 81:2; ISSN EENGD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
320303* -- Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization-- Industrial & Agricultural Processes-- Equipment & Processes
AIR HEATERS
AIRTIGHTNESS
BOILERS
CAPITALIZED COST
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
COST
COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS
EFFICIENCY
FLUE GAS
GASEOUS WASTES
HEAT PIPES
HEATERS
OPERATING COST
STEAM GENERATORS
VAPOR GENERATORS
WASTES