Analysis of the Effects of Fuel Type Selection on the Performance and Fuel Consumption of a Steam Power Plant

Abstract

Fossil energy sources are used as fuel in the combustion process at thermal power plants. The reduced supply of fossil fuels often becomes a problem for electricity generators in the production process. This condition can affect the efficiency value of the Power Plant. To maintain the power plant efficiency, it is possible to regulate the fuel type in the combustion process. The difference in the heating value of the fuel can produce different values of combustion. The results of the combustion process can affect the value of cycle thermal efficiency and fuel consumption requirements. Cycle Tempo software is used in the thermodynamic cycle simulation process in power plants. This software is useful to make a model of a particular thermodynamic cycle or energy conversion systems such as a generator and cooling system. This program can analyze the mass and energy flow measures in the system, including thermodynamic properties, the composition of the processed gas, and the mass flow rate. In the simulation process, first, a cycle model is made based on existing piping data. After that, thermodynamic data such as temperature and pressure are input into each apparatus in the simulation. After making some adjustments, the simulation is run until the right results are obtained. Natural gas, Biosolar B30, and MFO (Marine Fuel Oil) fuel this study. Biosolar B30 is the result of mixing fuel between FAME (Fatty Acid Methyl Ester) and diesel. Biosolar B30 is made with a mixing ratio of 70% diesel fuel and 30% of FAME. FAME is oil from oil palm plants that has been processed to become a biofuel. Based on research results, Biosolar B30 produced the highest cycle thermal efficiency of 31.78%. The least fuel consumption is required by natural gas fuels, which is 277 million liters/year. The simulation results show that the lowest heating value of Boiler is generated by the variation of Biosolar B30 fuel, which results in high thermal efficiency. The amount of fuel needed during the combustion process using Biosolar B30 is increased because the heating value of Biosolar B30 is the lowest. The highest heating value of fuel is Natural Gas, requiring less fuel consumption than MFO and Biosolar B30.