Operating costs for the 110 MWe Nucla CFB

In January 1991, all testing as part of the Demonstration Test Program on the 110 MWe Nucla circulating fluidized bed (CFB) boiler was completed and all data analysis and reporting were finalized in April 1992. This effort was sponsored by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and the US Department of Energy under its Clean Coal Technology (CCT) Program . As part of the requirement for CCT funding, an economic evaluation of the plant`s operating costs was completed over the 29 month testing period between September 1988 and January 1991. The objective of this effort was to provide a database of costs associated with the engineering, construction, start-up and operation of a utility-sized CFB boiler. Cost data associated with plant operations are presented based on the Rural Electrification Administration`s (REA) uniform system of amounts. This system is consistent with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission`s (FERC) methods of accounting for public utilities. This database serves as a reference for others considering and comparing this technology with other coal-fired options. This paper summarizes the method of repowering the original Nucla Station and provides a brief description of the current 420,000 kg/h (925,000 lb/hr) CFB boiler design. A breakdown of fuel nonfuel maintenance,more » and fixed expenses are presented for the period covered by the economic evaluation. Costs associated with limestone usage for SO{sub 2} control, start-up fuel consumption, and ash disposal costs are also presented.« less