Specific Steam Consumption
Calculate the specific steam consumption (steam rate) of a turbine, SSC = 3600 ÷ Δh, dividing 3600 (s/h) by the available enthalpy drop in the turbine (kJ/kg). The result, in kg/kWh, gives how many kilograms of steam are needed to generate one kilowatt-hour. The lower the specific consumption, the more efficient the conversion: larger enthalpy drops (hotter steam and greater expansion) cut the steam needed per kWh. It is a practical indicator to compare turbines and estimate the steam flow required for a given power. Enter the available enthalpy drop.
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Specific steam consumption (steam rate)
The specific steam consumption (SSC, or steam rate) gives a practical answer to: how many kilograms of steam do I need to generate 1 kWh? It is the inverse of the energy each kilogram of steam delivers, adjusted for the units: SSC = 3600 ÷ Δh, where Δh is the enthalpy drop available across the turbine (kJ/kg) and 3600 converts seconds into an hour (1 kWh = 3600 kJ). The result comes out in kg/kWh. The reading is straightforward: the lower the specific consumption, the better — it means each kilogram of steam yields more energy. And what lowers the SSC is a larger enthalpy drop, obtained with hotter and more highly pressurized inlet steam and with the lowest exhaust pressure available. The SSC is handy for comparing turbines at a glance and for sizing the steam flow a boiler has to supply in order to reach a target power output: just multiply the SSC by the power. Enter the enthalpy drop available across the turbine.
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The results provided by this tool are for general informational and educational purposes only and do not constitute professional, financial, medical, legal, tax or accounting advice. Always confirm important decisions with a qualified professional and official sources.