A study on the Performance and Reliability Effect of Low-Rank Coal to the Steam Power Plant

Abstract

The main purpose of utilizing lignite coal in Indonesia is to decrease fuel costs in electricity and Greenhouse Gas emissions. Still, on the other hand, it will affect the reliability and plant performance. This paper attempts to evaluate 340 MW subcritical coal-fired power plant’s performance and reliability by comparing the impact of coal utilization below boiler design toward the baseline and identifying the significant factors that lead to plant efficiency and reliability. Performance tests conducted using the standard procedures at four segments of load, i.e., 50%, 65%, 80%, and 95%, with two scenarios: (1) use 3500 kcal/kg of coal calorific value, and (2) use 4500 kcal/kg of coal as the baseline. There are no adjustments during the test and all measurements, including pressure, temperature, flow, bomb calorimeter, etc., already calibrated. The results show that during 3500 kcal/kWh, 100% of the load is unable to reach. Plant performance becomes higher up to 2930 kcal/kWh, boiler efficiency decrease to 80.4%, and fans current increase to maximum capacity. The study’s conclusion suggests that the utilization of LRC must be considering the energy amount to the boiler.