Abstract

The paper presents and analyzes new type air heater, which uses the thermosyphon’s technology, aims to replace the existing horizontal tubular air heater of first-degree for steam generators Nos. 5,6,7 and 8 at TPP Maritsa East-2 in Bulgaria. The main advantage of the air heater with heat pipes is the ability to lower the temperature of exhaust gases to levels that are impossible for the conventional tubular air heaters, thus increasing the efficiency of the steam generator. Along with the increased energy efficiency, reductions in CO₂, SO_x and NO_x emissions into the atmosphere are achieved. The preheating of the air, used for air combustion by recirculation relieving the operation and improving the combustion in the steam generator, is also reduced.