What does capture of waste heat in HRSGs contribute to?

The capture of waste heat in heat recovery steam generators (HRSGs) primarily contributes to improved overall efficiency of the energy cycle. HRSGs are designed to take the exhaust heat from gas turbines and use it to generate steam, which can then be utilized to produce additional electrical power or for other thermal processes. By utilizing heat that would otherwise be lost to the environment, HRSGs maximize the output from the fuel consumed, resulting in a higher efficiency of the entire energy production system.

In power generation, the concept of combined cycle systems showcases how gas turbines and HRSGs work together to achieve this efficiency. By capturing and reusing waste heat, the overall conversion of fuel to electricity can be significantly improved, leading to a more sustainable and economically viable energy generation process. This increase in efficiency is a key advantage in modern power plants, making it a crucial aspect of effective energy management.