Increasing the manoeuvrability of power units of the thermal power plants due to applying the hydrogen-oxygen systems

Abstract The article describes a method for providing additional peak power of a power-unit with help of an additional energy circuit involving a peak turbine and a hydrogen–oxygen system for energy storage and generation. This method is described on the example of K-300-240 turbine power unit. The proposed technical solutions result in the nominal, most economical mode of a power-unit operation during a day. Consequently, the specific fuel consumption is decreased, and reliability of equipment operation is increased. We have developed the technology for high-pressure gases generating that is realized in the membrane-less electrolysers. Thus, there is no need in the use of expensive and energy-intensive compressor equipment for the energy storage systems. That means that the cost of power unit modernization is reduced. Taking into account the environmental and economic factors, the use of hydrogen–oxygen systems for energy storage at the power generating enterprises provides a value of the energy return coefficient that is practically the same as for hydro-storage power plant. But capital costs of power unit modernization are significantly lowered and negative impact on the environment is minimal.