This tutorial simulates steam generation to meet process steam requirements. Steam is required in two different pressure stages, 16 and 8 bar. The steam can be expanded from the 16 bar steam line to 8 bar via a throttle with water injection.
Demand can be met in two ways: either by own generation with a natural gas-operated steam generator or by purchase via a connected steam network. The cost ratio of the own steam generation depending on the fuel price to the purchase of the steam is the object of the optimization.
The most economical mode of operation with the given prices consists in own generation at the optimum operating point of the steam generator (at 4 t/h). The peak loads required in addition to this are realized through additional purchases. If in rare cases less steam than 4 t/h is required, it makes more economic sense to purchase the small amount of steam than to generate it yourself. The following chart compares the negative demands with the positive production and the positive purchase.
