Advanced Control Concepts for a Coal-Water Fired Pilot Plant

Abstract Within the Project of the Italian Electricity Board formed for the experimental testing of coal-water fuels in electric generating units, one of the basic goals is the full automation of fuel shift manoeuvres during normal operation. This requirement gives rise to the need of a complete redesign of the Control and Automation System, taking into account both the rheological properties of the new fuel and the substantial modifications of the heat release distribution within the boiler. The paper describes the integrated design of the new process subsystems and of the unit control system with special consideration of combustion control problems and unit automation at global level. Dynamic modelling and simulation as an essential aid to process control design is also illustrated. Full unit experimental testing is stil in course.