Arrangement for the use of residual pressure steam for power generation in process steam plants
By integrating a power generation plant between the process steam consumption device and condenser, steam systems efficiently generate electricity from residual pressure, improving efficiency and reducing CO2 emissions.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- DE202026000517
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Utility models
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2026-02-04
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-28
- Estimated Expiration
- 2036-02-29
AI Technical Summary
Existing steam systems fail to effectively utilize the residual pressure remaining after process use for electricity generation, leading to inefficiencies and a negative CO2 balance.
A power generation plant is integrated between the process steam consumption device and the condenser, utilizing the residual steam pressure through a steam turbine and generator to produce electrical energy, with the option to bypass steam directly to the condenser if needed.
This solution enhances energy efficiency, reduces external energy demand, improves the CO2 balance, and allows for modular design to accommodate various plant sizes, while generating additional electricity from residual pressure.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
1. Technical field
[0001] The invention relates to an arrangement for the use of steam in industrial process steam plants, in particular a device for utilizing the residual pressure of the steam remaining after process use for electricity generation. 2. State of the art
[0002] Steam systems are known in which the steam, after use in process steam consumers (B), is fed directly to a condenser (D). Steam turbines / rotary piston expanders for power generation are also known. However, a system that specifically utilizes the residual pressure (1) remaining after use in industrial process steam systems to generate electrical energy and thus increase the efficiency of the overall system is lacking. 3. Object of the invention
[0003] The aim of the invention is to increase the energy efficiency of process steam systems, to positively influence the CO2 balance and to make sensible use of the residual pressure of the steam for electricity generation. 4. Solution to the task
[0004] The problem is solved by the arrangement according to claim 1, in which a power generation plant (C) is arranged between the process steam consumption device (B) and the condenser (D). The plant uses the residual pressure (1) of the steam after process use to generate electrical energy via a steam turbine (E) and a generator (F).
[0005] This arrangement allows the steam (2) to be fed directly to the condenser (D) after power generation, without the need for an additional pressure increase. 5. Advantages of the invention • Additional electricity generation from residual pressure • Improvement of the overall efficiency of the steam system • Reduction of external energy demand • Positive CO2 balance • Modular design for different plant sizes (1-1000 t / h) • Possibility of bypass control to adapt to different process conditions 6. Definition of terms
[0006] For the purposes of the invention, the term residual pressure (1) refers to the vapor pressure that remains after the completion of the process-related use of the steam in the process steam consumption device (B) and is usually supplied to condensation without further energy use. 7. Brief description of the drawings • Fig. 1: Overall diagram of the arrangement with steam generator (A), process consumer (B), power generation plant (C) and condenser (D) • Fig. 2: Detailed view of the power generation plant (C) (turbine / rotary piston expander (E) and generator (F)) • Fig.3: Variant with bypass line and control unit 8. Example of implementation
[0007] In one embodiment, after process utilization, the steam flows via pipelines into a steam turbine / rotary lobe expander coupled to an electric generator. The steam, expanded by the turbine, is then fed to the condenser. A control system automatically adjusts the turbine output to the residual pressure. If necessary, a bypass can direct the steam directly to the condenser.
[0008] The arrangement can be designed modularly for small plants (1 t / h) up to large plants (1000 t / h). Reference symbol list A steam generator B Process consumers C Power generation plant D capacitor E Turbine / rotary piston expander F Generator G Control valve 1 H Control valve 2 1 Remaining pressure 2. Residual pressure lower 3. Feeding electricity into the company's own or public grid 4 Bypass lines
Claims
Arrangement for the use of steam in an industrial process steam plant, comprising: - a steam generation unit (A) - at least one process steam consumption device (B) - a condenser for condensing the steam (D) characterized in that a power generation plant (C) is arranged between the process steam consumption device and the condenser, which is configured to use the residual pressure (1) of the steam after process use to generate electrical energy (3). Dependent claims Arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the power generation plant (C) comprises a steam turbine / rotary piston expander designed for residual pressure operation (1). Arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the power generation plant (3) is designed for a steam throughput between 1 tonne per hour and 1000 tonnes per hour. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the power generation plant (3) has an electric generator (F). Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the steam is supplied to the condenser (D) after passing through the power generation plant (C) without any further pressure increase. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a bypass line (4) is provided, through which the steam can bypass the power generation plant (3). Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a control or regulating unit (2) is provided which regulates the current generation depending on the residual pressure. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the power generation plant (C) is modular in design.
