Influences of coal type on the performance of a pressurised fluidised bed combustion power plant

The performance of a combined cycle pressurised fluidised bed combustion (PFBC) plant has been calculated, using the eclipse process simulator, for a wide range of coal properties. The overall efficiency varies between 40.8 and 43.4% on a higher heating value basis according to the changing coal properties. A mathematical equation has been developed, using the least-squares algorithm, which can be used to predict the efficiency of a PFBC plant for a given coal. The prediction indicates that the parameters, such as ash content, moisture content, sulphur content and calorific value of the coals, affect the overall efficiency. However, the ash content is found to be the most significant factor influencing plant performance.