Energy efficiency improvement of auxiliary power equipment in thermal power plant through operational optimization

This paper describes the results of energy conservation measures for 210 MW coal fired power plant in various thermal power plants spread over the country. Energy efficiency improvement of major auxiliary equipment with different plant load factors are summarized here with improved performance. The effect of plant load factor on all major auxiliary equipment and suggestions for improving the performance of auxiliary equipment are discussed in this paper. Operation of the plant at improved plant load factor reduced the auxiliary power from 12.05 % at 70 % PLF to 8.74 % at 100 % PLF that reduced the net auxiliary power by 9.1 MU/year and CO₂ emission is reduced by about 9,500 t/year. Operating the plant at optimum excess air, controlling the furnace ingress, improving the performance of individual equipment by proper maintenance, etc., improved the plant capacity and reduced the overall auxiliary power by about 1.5-2.1 % of gross energy generation.