Power plant boiler performance and reliability enhancement

The paper reports on calculating the performance and reliability of thermal power plant boilers as enhanced by mounting additional heat exchangers in the gas-air path of the boiler. The additional heat exchangers cool the flue gases by heating the air directed to the air heaters. Flue gas are cooled down to the lowest temperatures safe for reinforced-concrete or brick fluestacks. While reconfiguring a boiler, the extra heat exchangers keep the flue-gas temperature remains constant. Air is heated to above the condensation temperature of water vapor carried with flue gas. The authors have devised the necessary amendments to the existing schematics of the gas-air paths in PK-41 boilers. The research effort helped optimize the location and size of additional heat exchangers. Efficiency and fuel-saving data reported.