A major limitation of coal-fired performance monitoring is the lack of understanding of fuel chemistry, its heating value and coal flow. Without such information, real-time boiler efficiency and system heat rate are not possible. Exergetic Systems' Input/Loss Method addresses this issue. Further, the Method contains a novel approach in identifying where in the system improved heat rate can be found (through Fuel Consumption Indices). Since 1988 we have been engaged in "proof-of-process" testing all aspects of the Input/Loss Method (paper).
The Input/Loss Method determines in real time:
- Fuel Chemistry (complete with water & fuel ash)
- As-Fired Heating Value
- Fuel Flow
- Boiler Efficiency
- Turbine Cycle Heat Rate
- Unit Heat Rate
- Routine Steam Generator Data
- Emission Rates
- Tube Failure Flow Rates and Location
Errors have been demonstrated at less than ±0.5%. It is truly an integrated approach- integrating thermal performance with emissions. Without Input/Loss, one can not rationally understand a coal-fired system by ignoring effluent concentrations ... any more than ignoring a feedwater flow or a gross power measurement.
