OPTIMIZING COMBUSTION COMES FIRST WHEN REDUCING HEAT RATE

The optimization of unit heat rates for powerplants begins with the combustion process, particularly for plants firing pulverized coal. The performance margin that separates design capability and an actual performance is partially controllable through the practices and procedures used with regard to maintenance and operation. These controllable paramaters for reducing heat rate can be considered principally steam-cycle- or furnace/gas-side-related. Because the former depends on the latter, furnace-side evaluations and changes should take priority. Reducing air in-leakage is most important.