EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON PERFORMANCE OF STEAM CONDENSER IN 600MW SINGARENI THERMAL POWER PLANT

In the present scenario, the rise in the demand for energy is increasing rapidly due to increase in fast growing world's industrial sector. The conventional coal fired thermal power plant is one among the most effective and economical system developed for the conversion of heat energy into mechanical work. The thermal efficiency of power plant mainly depends on its turbine- condenser performance. The present work pertains to the study of performance analysis surface steam condenser operating at 600MW Singareni thermal power plant, India. The field data of the condenser were collected from the 600MW power plant operation record and the performance calculations were analysed at variable conditions. The efficiency of the unit has increased from 38.83% to 39.45% by reducing the condenser pressure to 65.21 mbar, which saves approximately 2.54 lakh rupees per day. The best possible back pressure that can be achieved in actual working conditions is evaluated using real-time operating parameters. Along with the fouling/air ingress analysis was also carried out which decreases the condenser efficiency, the reason might be due to the increase in condenser pressure slightly.