APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR INCREASING POWER PLANT EFFICIENCY AT PARTIAL LOADS

摘要

A method for increasing power plant efficiency during periods of variable heat input or at partial loads is described, comprising the steps of cycling a motive fluid through a Rankine cycle power plant having a vaporizer and a superheater such that the motive fluid is delivered to a turbine at a selected inlet temperature at full admission; and adjusting a percentage of a superheated portion of the motive fluid during periods of variable heat input or at partial loads while virtually maintaining the inlet temperature and power plant thermal efficiency. Furthermore, a power plant is described having increased efficiency during periods of variable heat input or at partial loads.