Efficiency and Cost Benefit Assessments on a Typical 600mw Coal Fired Boiler Power Plant

The overall efficiency of a coal fired boiler power plant ranges from 34 to 40% considering the boiler efficiency and turbine cycle heat rate. A comparative study is made applying the necessary corrections while evaluating the boiler efficiency (using the direct and indirect methods) and the turbine cycle heat rate for the design and actual operating conditions of a typical 600MW coal fired boiler power plant. Heat rate deviation is assessed when the unit in live operating conditions is deviated from the design operating conditions. Finally, cost benefit and CO2 reduction analyses are performed fromthe estimated heat rate deviation for abundantly available coals in India. Curative actions and applicability to conventional and non-conventional fuels, supercritical, combined cycle, nuclear power plants are highlighted for efficient, economical and eco-friendly operation of the plant.