An energy and exergy-based performance analysis and emission control of the turbine cycle in a coal-based steam power plant

Abstract

Here, we present a study based on energy and exergy analysis of performance of a coal-based steam power plant of 500 MWe in India. Thus, a thermodynamic model is considered to assess the performance of the plant. The work primarily studies performance of the turbine cycle and subsequent associated components of the plant separately under different unit loads. A break-up of energy and exergy losses for the turbine cycle and the associated components of the plant are presented. It is found that heat rate minimises at full load, which maximises economy of the operation. In context to improvement of the turbine, the heat rate with increasing load is estimated. It is found that the heat rate minimises at full load, which a condition leading to operational efficiency. Finally, based on improvement in the heat rate, a reduction in coal consumption, ash generation, SO2 and CO2 emissions is predicted.