Energy-saving methods for pipe electric heaters

In recent years, with the demand for desulfurization projects of large units in power plants, the power of pipeline electric heaters has increased, some reaching as high as 400KW or more. The power consumption is high and the operating cost is high. It is necessary to consider the following aspects to reduce the power as much as possible.

(1) Reasonable description of air volume and temperature rise. The power of air electric heaters is determined based on the calculation of air volume and temperature rise. Under the premise that the air volume and temperature rise have met the requirements, it is not advisable to use excessive air volume and excessive temperature rise. Excessive air volume and temperature rise will directly lead to excessive power of the heater and increase energy consumption. Excessive air volume and temperature rise are unnecessary. Comprehensive consideration, reasonable description, and determination of appropriate parameters are required.

(2) The surface of the pipeline electric heater should be insulated. When using air electric heaters, most power plants (owners) only insulate the pipes at the outlet of the electric heater, and do not perform any insulation treatment on the surface of the electric heater itself. Comparative data shows that adding an insulation layer to the surface of the electric heater can reduce energy consumption by 5% to 10%. Over a long period of operation, the energy savings are very significant. Power plants (owners) should install insulation layers on the air heaters at the same time as they install insulation layers on the pipes.

(3) Reduce the pressure loss of the pipe heater itself. When the air to be heated flows through the interior of the air heater, pressure loss occurs. The greater the pressure loss, the greater the energy consumption of the fan. Improvements and innovations should be made to the layout of the air heater itself to minimize the pressure loss.