The incorporation of Hygroscopic Cycle Technology (HCT) into the cooling system will provide the plant, among other advantages:
The main advantages obtained are:
The Hygroscopic Cycle is a thermodynamic cycle that uses a steam absorber where hygroscopic compounds come into direct contact with the steam flow, allowing the steam to condense without water consumption and in an efficient way.
The physical and chemical principles of this technology evolve the Rankine cycle by providing higher net electric efficiency, better cooling conditions, elimination or significant reduction of cooling water, reduction of O&M and investment costs, and greater operational flexibility.
This cycle can include all improvements incorporated into the Rankine cycle (increase in initial expansion pressure, reduction of final expansion pressure, steam superheating, reheating, regeneration, supercritical conditions).
Smaller volume than ACC, better efficiency, especially at ambient temperatures above 25°C.
Net electric efficiency equal to or greater than cooling towers. Cooling water consumption is eliminated.
Lower annual self-consumption of electricity compared to previous systems.
No power limitation and lower operating and maintenance costs compared to traditional systems.
The Rankine cycle is a thermodynamic cycle aimed at converting heat into work. Any thermal power plant that produces electricity operates under this cycle (biomass plants, nuclear, solar thermal, cogeneration, etc.).
Among the main components of any Rankine cycle (boiler, pump, and turbine), the condensation of the exit steam from the turbine is essential. To achieve this condensation, cooling towers can be used, which operate based on evaporative cooling at the expense of water consumption, or “dry” technologies that use ambient air to condense the steam.
Currently, the water consumption associated with a cooling tower is around 3.8 m³/h per megawatt of electricity produced. This consumption is mainly due to water evaporation within the tower and the purges to avoid mineral concentration. As an example, a 50 MW biomass plant (roughly sufficient to supply 12,500 homes), operating 7800 hours a year, would consume around 1.5 million cubic meters annually, equivalent to 440 Olympic swimming pools.
Thus, cooling tower water consumption is significant, especially in thermal solar plants located in regions with high water stress, where higher production coincides with the driest months of the year.
In addition to the visual impact caused by the plume and high water consumption, cooling towers also have the following disadvantages:
The hygroscopic cycle can be used and has already been successfully implemented in the following two applications:
It can currently be applied commercially to power plants that use a Rankine cycle at any power level.
Most equipment and materials are the same as those used in a Rankine cycle (turbine, boiler, deaerator, pumps, etc.).
Can be implemented in new plants or by improving existing ones.
All equipment and materials are commercial and 100% guaranteed by the manufacturers.
Research and development, as well as commercialization and implementation, are carried out internally.
The technology can be applied to any process that requires steam condensation or emits gases containing a high amount of humidity, such as those from drying systems.
It can be implemented in both new and existing plants.
Sectors: paper, ceramics, pharmaceuticals, petrochemical, food, steel, chemical, etc.
It is estimated that around 53 billion cubic meters of freshwater are used globally for thermoelectric production.
Reduction of CO₂ and other gases (NOx, SOx…) per kWh produced.
Minimizes visual impact on natural surroundings by avoiding large water vapor plumes and large structures like ACC.
This dry technology prevents effluents, protecting the environment, flora, and fauna, as well as eliminating microorganism emissions like Legionella.
Allows thermodynamic cycle plants to be located in water-scarce areas or where low environmental impact is needed.
The steam turbine operates at full load with the lowest possible condensation pressures for more hours per year, resulting in a lower annual average of self-consumption of electricity.
Increases the life of the plant, reliability, and availability. The implemented equipment is standard without any modifications and is very easy to operate and maintain.
Compatible with all Rankine Cycle improvements. Can be implemented in both new and existing plants.
Savings in cooling water consumption.
Reduction of O&M costs.
The operation of this technology allows for substantial fuel consumption savings.
Savings in demi water and additive consumption for the water cycle in cooling circuits.
Reduction of investment costs for the steam cycle.
Reduced O&M costs combined with improved net electric efficiency increases plant competitiveness.
Reduction of implementation and start-up costs compared to other traditional systems.