Benson technology

Benson technology is a proven process for large-scale steam generation in power plants. The heart of this process is the once-through principle. Combined with sliding pressure operation, this allows for highly efficient, flexible, and reliable power plant operation. Our Benson technology and our associated Benson license will improve your specific steam generator and, consequently, benefit your power plant performance. Find out more below or contact us.

Since 1933, leading steam generator manufacturers worldwide have built Benson steam generators under licence from Siemens Energy. Benson technology is widely used in fired steam generators for steam power plants, with over 1,300 units commissioned worldwide. Today, we are focusing on deploying Benson technology in heat recovery steam generators (HRSGs) for highly efficient combined cycle power plants to support the energy transition.

Superior technology for the latest power plant applications

Today's combined cycle power plants must be more efficient and flexible than ever before. They need to:

Cover peak loads
Serve as backup reserves for renewables

This is where Benson HRSGs make an important contribution. Benson HRSGs can be constructed either horizontally or vertically and will fit into any power plant architecture.

Benefits compared with drum-type steam generators

Steam parameters can be increased because there is no pressure limitation
Increased efficiency in part-load operation and at high ambient temperatures, thanks to reduced attemperator flows compared with a drum-type HRSG
Increased operational flexibility: no limit on gas turbine load transients during startup and load changes, and no limit on load transients for possible duct firing

The first combined cycle power plant with a Benson heat-recovery steam generator (HRSG) – the 390-MW Cottam CDC, located in Great Britain – was successfully commissioned in 1999. More than 130 Benson heat-recovery steam generators have been commissioned to date or are currently under construction.

Start with something good – and make it even better

Thanks to continuous research and development, Benson steam generators are recognised for their excellent operating characteristics and high reliability. Depending on the specific boundary conditions of your project, we refine and optimise the design of your Benson evaporator. Another priority is developing Benson-specific control concepts, which play a key role in ensuring your system operates at its best.

From 1975 to 2023, Siemens Energy operated a dedicated Benson test rig for conducting thermohydraulic investigations of two-phase flows in evaporator tubes. These campaigns generated an extensive database on heat transfer and pressure drop in Benson evaporator tubes. The Benson test rig was also used to investigate the physical phenomena of dynamic instabilities. All of these findings support the development and validation of Siemens Energy's Benson design software.

In 1925, Siemens acquired the right to use Benson's patent, and in 1926–27 the first large Benson boiler in Berlin-Gartenfeld was built. Siemens improved the technology and developed it as an internationally acknowledged standard for large steam generators. In 1933, Siemens decided that it would no longer manufacture steam generators in its facilities, but would instead award licenses based on its own patents and expertise. This story goes still further:

Siemens Energy manages existing licence agreements for fired Benson steam generators and Benson heat recovery steam generators (HRSGs). New licences are issued exclusively for Benson HRSGs.

The Benson licence primarily covers the thermodynamic and thermohydraulic design of the evaporator system in Benson steam generators. It basically comprises the following components:

Use of Siemens Energy patents for the construction of Benson steam generators
Use of specifically developed and highly specialized Benson design software
Training and consulting
Transfer of the latest findings from research and development

In addition to providing the Benson license, we also advise utilities on questions related to the evaporator system of once-through steam generators.

Kraftwerk in Aegypten in der Vogelperspektive

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Benson® technology

Highly efficient, flexible and reliable technology for steam generation

Experience and expertise

Superior technology for the latest power plant applications

Learn more about Benson HRSGs

Start with something good – and make it even better

Learn more about the Benson test rig

History of the Benson Licence

A profound package

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Articles

Download Benson low mass flux evaporators

Download Breakthrough in measurements [...]

Download History of the Benson licence

Download Article New Benson evaporator for vertical HRSGs exceeds expectations

Flyers

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References

Download references of fired Benson steam generators

Download references of Benson HRSGs

Download list of licensees

Equipment of three combined cycle power plants

Eco-friendly combined cycle power plant for the USA

Asia's most efficient combined cycle power plant

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