Fuel Consumption Index for Proper Monitoring of Power Plants: Revisited

2002 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fred D. Lang
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Consumption ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Systems Approach ◽  
Combustion Process ◽  
Heat Rate ◽  
Second Law ◽  
Plant Design ◽  
Plant Operator ◽  
Consumption Index ◽  
Loss Method

This paper presents an method for heat rate monitoring of power plants which employs a true “systems approach”. As an ultimate monitoring parameter, derived from Second Law concepts, it quantifies system losses in terms of fuel consumption by individual components and processes. If electricity is to be produced with the least un-productive fuel consumption, then thermodynamic losses must be understood and minimized. Such understanding cuts across vendor curves, plant design, fuels, Controllable Parameters, etc. This paper demonstrates that thermal losses in a nuclear unit and a trash burner are comparable at a prime facia level. The Second Law offers the only foundation for the study of such losses, and affords the bases for a true and ultimate indicator of system performance. From such foundations, a Fuel Consumption Index (FCI) was developed to indicate specifically what components or processes are thermodynamically responsible for fuel consumption. FCIs tell the performance engineer why fuel is being consumed, quantifying that a portion of fuel which must be consumed to overcome frictional dissipation in the turbine cycle (FCITCycle), the combustion process (FCIComb), and so forth; and, indeed, how much fuel is required for the direct generation of electricity (FCIPower). FCIs have been particularly applicable for monitoring power plants using the Input/Loss Method. FCIs, Δheat rates based on FCIs, and an “applicability indicator” for justifying the use of Reference Bogey Data are all defined. This paper also presents the concept of “dynamic heat rate”, based on FCIs, as a parameter by which the power plant operator can gain immediate feedback as to which direction his actions are thermally headed: towards a lower or higher heat rate.

Performance Improvements at the Boardman Coal Plant as a Result of Testing and Input/Loss Monitoring

2002 ◽  
Author(s):  
David A. T. Rodgers ◽  
Fred D. Lang
Keyword(s):  
Systems Approach ◽  
Heat Rate ◽  
Powder River Basin ◽  
Heating Value ◽  
Performance Improvements ◽  
The Past ◽  
Second Law Analysis ◽  
On Line ◽  
Loss Method ◽  
The Impact

This paper presents methods and practices of improving heat rate through testing and, most importantly, through heat rate monitoring. This work was preformed at Portland General Electric’s 585 MWe Boardman Coal Plant, which used two very different Powder River Basin and Utah coals ranging from 8,100 to over 12,500 Btu/lbm. Such fuel variability, common now among coal-fired units was successfully addressed by Boardman’s on-line monitoring techniques. Monitoring has evolved over the past ten years from a Controllable Parameters approach (offering disconnected guidance), to a systems approach in which fuel chemistry and heating value are determined on-line, their results serving as a bases for Second Law analysis. At Boardman on-line monitoring was implemented through Exergetic System’s Input/Loss Method. Boardman was one of the first half-dozen plants to fully implement Input/Loss. This paper teaches through discussion of eight in-plant examples. These examples discuss heat rate improvements involving both operational configurations and plant components: from determining changes in coal chemistry and composite heating value on-line; to recognizing the impact of individual rows of burners and pulverizer configurations; to air leakage identifications; to examples of hour-by-hour heat rate improvements; comparison to effluent flows; etc. All of these cases have applicability to any coal-fired unit.

Monitoring and Improving Coal-Fired Power Plants Using the Input/Loss Method: Part IV

2004 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fred D. Lang
Keyword(s):  
Error Analysis ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Heat Rate ◽  
Calorific Value ◽  
Mineral Matter ◽  
Fuel Flow ◽  
Direct Measurements ◽  
On Line ◽  
Plant Data ◽  
Loss Method

The Input/Loss Method is a unique process which allows for complete thermal understanding of a power plant through explicit determinations of fuel chemistry including fuel water and mineral matter, fuel heating (calorific) value, As-Fired fuel flow, effluent flow, boiler efficiency and system heat rate. Input consists of routine plant data and any parameter which effects system stoichiometrics, including: Stack CO2, Boiler or Stack O2, and, generally, Stack H2O. It is intended for on-line monitoring of coal-fired systems; effluent flow is not measured, plant indicated fuel flow is typically used only for comparison to the computed. The base technology of the Input/Loss Method was documented in companion ASME papers: Parts I, II and III (IJPGC 1998-Pwr-33, IJPGC 1999-Pwr-34 and IJPGC 2000-15079/CD). The Input/Loss Method is protected by US and foreign patents (1994–2004). This Part IV presents details of the Method’s ability to correct any data which effects system stoichiometrics, data obtained either by direct measurements or by assumptions, using multi-dimensional minimization techniques. This is termed the Error Analysis feature of the Input/Loss Method. Addressing errors in combustion effluent measurements is of critical importance for any practical on-line monitoring of a coal-fired unit in which fuel chemistry is being computed. It is based, in part, on an “L Factor” which has been proven to be remarkably constant for a given source of coal; and, indeed, even constant for entire Ranks. The Error Analysis feature assures that every computed fuel chemistry is the most applicable for a given set of system stoichiometrics and effluents. In addition, this paper presents comparisons of computed heating values to grab samples obtained from train deliveries. Such comparisons would not be possible without the Error Analysis.

Monitoring and Improving Coal-Fired Power Plants Using the Input/Loss Method: Part V

2007 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fred D. Lang
Keyword(s):  
Relative Humidity ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Online Monitoring ◽  
Heat Rate ◽  
Heating Value ◽  
Ambient Relative Humidity ◽  
Fuel Flow ◽  
Boiler Efficiency ◽  
Loss Method

This paper presents generic methods for verifying online monitoring systems associated with coal-fired power plants. It is applicable to any on-line system. The methods fundamentally recognize that if coal-fired unite are to be understood, that system stoichiometrics must be understood in real-time, this implies that fuel chemistry must be understood in real-time. No accurate boiler efficiency can be determined without fuel chemistry, heating value and boundary conditions. From such fundamentals, four specific techniques are described, all based on an understanding (or not) of real-time system stoichiometrics. The specific techniques include: 1) comparing a computed ambient relative humidity which satisfies system stoichiometrics, to a directly measured value; 2) comparing a computed water/steam soot blowing flow which satisfies system stoichiometrics, to a directly measured value; 3) comparing computed Energy or Flow Compensators (based on computed boiler efficiency, heating value, etc.), to the unit’s DCS values; and 4) comparing a computed fuel flow rate, based on boiler efficiency, to the plant’s indication of fuel flow. Although developed using the Input/Loss Method, the presented methods can be applied to any online monitoring system such that verification of computed results can be had in real-time. If results agree with measured values, within defined error bands, the system is said to be understood and verified; from this, heat rate improvement will follow. This work has demonstrated that use of ambient relative humidity is a viable verification tool. Given its influence on system stoichiometrics, use of relative humidity immediately suggests that effluent (Stack) flow can be verified against an independently measured parameter which has nothing to do with coal-fired combustion per se. Whether an understanding of coal-fired combustion is believed to be in-hand, or not, use of relative humidity (and, indeed, soot blowing flow) provides the means for verifying the actual and absolute carbon and sulfur emission mass flow rates. Such knowledge should prove useful given emission taxes or an imposed cap and trade system. Of the four methods examined, success was not universal; notably any use of plant indicated fuel flow (as would be expected) must be employed with caution. Although applicable to any system, the Input/Loss Method was used for development of these methods. Input/Loss is a unique process which allows for complete understanding of a coal-fired power plant through explicit determinations of fuel chemistry including fuel water and mineral matter, fuel heating (calorific) value, As-Fired fuel flow, effluent flow, boiler efficiency and system heat rate. Input consists of routine plant data and any parameter which effects stoichiometrics, typically: effluent CO2, O2 and, generally, effluent H2O. The base technology of the Input/Loss Method has been documented in companion ASME papers, Parts I thru IV, which addressed topics of base formulations, benchmarking fuel chemistry calculations, high accuracy boiler efficiency methods and correcting instrumentation errors in those terms affecting system stoichiometric (e.g., CEMS and other data).

scholarly journals Co-Combustion Studies of Low-Rank Coal and Refuse-Derived Fuel: Performance and Reaction Kinetics

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (13) ◽  
pp. 3796
Author(s):  
Mudassar Azam ◽  
Asma Ashraf ◽  
Saman Setoodeh Setoodeh Jahromy ◽  
Sajjad Miran ◽  
Nadeem Raza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Activation Energy ◽  
Waste Management ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Combustion Process ◽  
Isoconversional Methods ◽  
Low Rank ◽  
Heating Rates ◽  
Average Activation Energy ◽  
Refuse Derived Fuel

In connection to present energy demand and waste management crisis in Pakistan, refuse-derived fuel (RDF) is gaining importance as a potential co-fuel for existing coal fired power plants. This research focuses on the co-combustion of low-quality local coal with RDF as a mean to reduce environmental issues in terms of waste management strategy. The combustion characteristics and kinetics of coal, RDF, and their blends were experimentally investigated in a micro-thermal gravimetric analyzer at four heating rates of 10, 20, 30, and 40 °C/min to ramp the temperature from 25 to 1000 °C. The mass percentages of RDF in the coal blends were 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40%, respectively. The results show that as the RDF in blends increases, the reactivity of the blends increases, resulting in lower ignition temperatures and a shift in peak and burnout temperatures to a lower temperature zone. This indicates that there was certain interaction during the combustion process of coal and RDF. The activation energies of the samples were calculated using kinetic analysis based on Kissinger–Akahira–Sunnose (KAS) and Flynn–Wall–Ozawa (FWO), isoconversional methods. Both of the methods have produced closer results with average activation energy between 95–121 kJ/mol. With a 30% refuse-derived fuel proportion, the average activation energy of blends hit a minimum value of 95 kJ/mol by KAS method and 103 kJ/mol by FWO method.

Use of HFE Guidance for the Review of Nuclear Power Plants

2020 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
John O’Hara ◽  
Stephen Fleger
Keyword(s):  
Interface Design ◽  
Nuclear Power ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Nuclear Regulatory Commission ◽  
Program Review ◽  
Human Factors Engineering ◽  
Plant Design ◽  
Review Model ◽  
Regulatory Commission

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) evaluates the human factors engineering (HFE) of nuclear power plant design and operations to protect public health and safety. The HFE safety reviews encompass both the design process and its products. The NRC staff performs the reviews using the detailed guidance contained in two key documents: the HFE Program Review Model (NUREG-0711) and the Human-System Interface Design Review Guidelines (NUREG-0700). This paper will describe these two documents and the method used to develop them. As the NRC is committed to the periodic update and improvement of the guidance to ensure that they remain state-of-the-art design evaluation tools, we will discuss the topics being addressed in support of future updates as well.

Operating Reliability Assessment of FPGA-Based NPP I&C Systems: Approach, Technique and Implementation

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eugene Babeshko ◽  
Ievgenii Bakhmach ◽  
Vyacheslav Kharchenko ◽  
Eugene Ruchkov ◽  
Oleksandr Siora
Keyword(s):  
Integrated Circuits ◽  
Nuclear Power ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Failure Modes ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Systems Approach ◽  
Reliability Assessment ◽  
Design Stage ◽  
Fpga Design ◽  
Operating Reliability

Operating reliability assessment of instrumentation and control systems (I&Cs) is always one of the most important activities, especially for critical domains like nuclear power plants (NPPs). Intensive use of relatively new technologies like field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) in I&C which appear in upgrades and in newly built NPPs makes task to develop and validate advanced operating reliability assessment methods that consider specific technology features very topical. Increased integration densities make the reliability of integrated circuits the most crucial point in modern NPP I&Cs. Moreover, FPGAs differ in some significant ways from other integrated circuits: they are shipped as blanks and are very dependent on design configured into them. Furthermore, FPGA design could be changed during planned NPP outage for different reasons. Considering all possible failure modes of FPGA-based NPP I&C at design stage is a quite challenging task. Therefore, operating reliability assessment is one of the most preferable ways to perform comprehensive analysis of FPGA-based NPP I&Cs. This paper summarizes our experience on operating reliability analysis of FPGA based NPP I&Cs.

Factors Affecting the Design of Turbine-Condenser Connections

1977 ◽  
Vol 99 (3) ◽  
pp. 429-436
Author(s):  
J. E. Fowler
Keyword(s):  
Steam Turbine ◽  
Heat Rate ◽  
Plant Design ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Water Flows ◽  
Turbine Condenser

Those features of the design of the interconnection between a large steam turbine and the condenser which may affect the plant heat rate or turbine reliability are reviewed. The performance losses resulting from geometric mismatching of turbine hood and condenser and those due to obstructions and extraneous flow injections are assessed. The effects on turbine reliability of differing arrangements for injecting extraneous steam or water flows are pointed out with examples. Suggestions are given for the practices to be followed in this area of plant design.

Variability in Thermal Performance and Measured Heat Rate in Fossil-Fuelled Power Plants

1992 ◽  
Vol 206 (2) ◽  
pp. 109-123 ◽  
Author(s):  
F L Carvalho ◽  
F H D Conradie ◽  
H Kuerten ◽  
F J McDyer
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Performance ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Performance Monitoring ◽  
Unit Commitment ◽  
Thermal Power ◽  
Heat Rate ◽  
Plant Performance ◽  
Plant Management ◽  
Fuel Quality ◽  
Stable Operating

The paper examines the variability of key parameters in the operation of ten thermal power plants in various commercial grid environments with a view to assessing the viability of ‘on-demand’ plant performance monitoring for heat rate declaration. The plants of various types are limited to coal- and oil-fired units in the capacity range of 305–690 MW generated output. The paper illustrates the influence of control system configuration on effective and flexible power plant management. The analysis of variability indicates that there is a reasonable probability of achieving adequately stable operating periods within the normal operating envelope of grid dispatch instructions when thermal performance monitoring and display can be undertaken with a high confidence level. The levels of variability in fuel quality, which were measured during nominally constant levels of fuel input and generated output, range from about +1 per cent for oil-fired plants to about ±5 per cent for coal-fired power plants. The implications of adopting on-line monitoring of unit heat rate as an input to the generation ordering and unit commitment process are potentially significant cost and energy conservation benefits for utilities having a high proportion of coal- and oil-fired generation.

Powertrain Waste Heat Recovery: A Systems Approach to Maximize Drivetrain Efficiency

2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin Laboe ◽  
Marcello Canova
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Consumption ◽  
Waste Heat Recovery ◽  
Systems Approach ◽  
Waste Heat ◽  
Combustion Engine ◽  
Heat Energy ◽  
Engine Oils ◽  
Engine Cooling ◽  
Light Duty ◽  
Light Duty Vehicles

Up to 65% of the energy produced in an internal combustion engine is dissipated to the engine cooling circuit and exhaust gases [1]. Therefore, recovering a portion of this heat energy is a highly effective solution to improve engine and drivetrain efficiency and to reduce CO2 emissions, with existing vehicle and powertrain technologies [2,3]. This paper details a practical approach to the utilization of powertrain waste heat for light vehicle engines to reduce fuel consumption. The “Systems Approach” as described in this paper recovers useful energy from what would otherwise be heat energy wasted into the environment, and effectively distributes this energy to the transmission and engine oils thus reducing the oil viscosities. The focus is on how to effectively distribute the available powertrain heat energy to optimize drivetrain efficiency for light duty vehicles, minimizing fuel consumption during various drive cycles. To accomplish this, it is necessary to identify the available powertrain heat energy during any drive cycle and cold start conditions, and to distribute this energy in such a way to maximize the overall efficiency of the drivetrain.

Analysis of the Variable Cross-Section Duct and Straightening Device Geometry Effects on the Hydrogen Combustion Process

2021 ◽  
pp. 62-71
Author(s):  
O.V. Guskov ◽  
V.S. Zakharov ◽  
Minko
Keyword(s):  
Combustion Chamber ◽  
Cross Section ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Combustion Process ◽  
Variable Cross Section ◽  
Hydrogen Combustion ◽  
Variable Cross ◽  
Calculation Methods ◽  
Transition Channel

The development and research of high-speed aircrafts and their individual parts is an urgent scientific task. In the scientific literature there is information about the integral characteristics of aircrafts of this type, but there is no detailed consideration of such an important part as the transition channel between the air intake and the combustion chamber. The article considers several flow path configurations. The numerical simulation results of hydrogen combustion in the channels of variable cross section using a detailed kinetic mechanism are presented. Based on the analysis of the data obtained, the models of the transition channel and the combustion chamber showing the best characteristics were selected. The impulse and the fuel combustion efficiency are used as criteria for comparing the flow paths. The difference in the application of two calculation methods is described. The presented results and calculation methods can be used at the stage of computational research of the working processes in advanced power plants.

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