Input/Loss Method

A major limitation of coal-fired performance monitoring is the lack of understanding of fuel chemistry, its heating value and coal flow. Without real-time values for such information, real-time boiler efficiency and system heat rate are not possible. Exergetic Systems Limited addresses this issue with its Input/Loss Method (view video presentation). Input/Loss allows the accurate determination of the following parameters in real time:

• Fuel Chemistry (complete with carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, sulfur, water & 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

Input/Loss is truly an integrated approach, integrating thermal performance with emissions. For the first time, accurate emission flows are obtained, fully consistent with system efficiency. Errors have been demonstrated less than +/- 0.5%. 

A single personal computer, the Calculational Engine, executes the Input/Loss Method and produces a continuous stream of performance information and engineering reports. Operator's displays are then presented through the plant DCS via its data highway, historian and graphics packages. 

The Calculational Engine identifies heat rate degradations within the system with each Engine "revolution", which is selected by the engineer (typically once every 3 minutes- operating on 5, 15, or 30 minute running averages).

In addition, Input/Loss can explain fuel usage through its Fuel Consumption Indices (FCIs). FCIs tell the plant why fuel is being consumed and specifically what components and processes are thermodynamically responsible for fuel consumption, given either their direct creation of electricity or their contribution to irreversible losses.  The FCI information can be included in operator's graphics to help operators effectively target thermodynamic inefficiencies and minimize fuel consumption. 

Finally, Input/Loss, with its high resolution of plant stoichiometrics, is able to rapidly detect tube failures and their location! Rapid detection reduces damage, minimizes degraded heat rate, and minimizes repair time thus saving millions of dollars. 

The Input/Loss Method is like no other performance monitoring system. For more details contact us.

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