In regenerative cycles, the heat used for feedwater heating is typically obtained from which source?

• A. Turbine extraction stage
• B. Boiler outlet
• C. Condenser inlet
• D. Feedwater heater

Answer: (A)

In regenerative cycles, the purpose of feedwater heating is to improve overall efficiency by using some of the turbine’s energy before it exits to the condenser. This is done by bleeding steam from the turbine at selected extraction points and directing that steam to feedwater heaters. The heat carried by this extracted steam is transferred to the feedwater, raising its temperature before it enters the boiler. That’s why the heat source for feedwater heating is turbine extraction steam — it provides high-temperature, high-energy heat without adding fuel consumption to the boiler. The boiler outlet, condenser inlet, or the heater itself isn’t the source of that heat in this regimen; they either represent the equipment being heated or a different part of the cycle rather than the heat source.