Condenser (Steam Turbine)

A critical element of condensing steam turbines, its main purposes are to condense the exhaust steam from the turbine for reuse in the cycle and to maximize turbine efficiency by maintaining proper vacuum. As the operating pressure of the condenser lowers, and vacuum increases, the enthalpy drop of the expanding steam in the turbine will also increase. This will increase the amount of available work from the turbine, or electrical output. By lowering the condenser operating pressure, there will be increased turbine output, increased plant efficiency, and reduced steam flow for a given plant output. For these reasons it is advantageous to operate the condenser at the lowest possible pressure, and highest vacuum.