COMBUSTION RESEARCH & FLOW TECHNOLOGY INC — Department of Energy STTR Phase I: 25b

Description

With increasing production from renewable energy sources, it is expected that coal-fired power plants will cycle more frequently and ramp up much faster. Such frequent and fast ramping process may lead to operation at off-load conditions reducing plant efficiency. In this effort, we focus on two key power plant components that may be adversely affected by transient operations: low pressure turbine (LPT) and the air- cooled condenser (ACC) to better understand performance of coal-fired power plants. The proposed program seeks to develop system level transient performance and optimization studies in the IDAES framework by developing dynamic models for the LPT and the ACC under relevant conditions. The system level dynamic models will be improved and calibrated with high-fidelity simulations to improve their predictive capabilities. The integrated model for air-cooled, coal-fired power plant in IDAES will be used to perform transient system studies in order to maximize component life and optimize efficiency. The Phase I effort will focus on developing dynamic models for two components that will be susceptible to the transient operating conditions: 1) the final stage of the LPT, and 2) performance of the ACC. The dynamic models will be implemented into IDAES and matured in the ensuing Phase II effort for system level transient studies to improve efficiency and robustness of the power plant operation. As renewable energy becomes an increasing fraction of energy production, there would increasing need for quick start-up of plants to meet energy shortfalls. The frequency of cycling, speed of ramping up and wide-spectrum of operation (off-load to heavy load) requires stable and reliable operation as well the implementation of risk-mitigating strategies leading to more robust designs of components. The accurate dynamic models for critical components that will be developed and integrated into the IDAES system level tool as part of this effort will be very valuable in modeling both the performance of these components ad well as the overall efficiency and operation of the complete power plant.