Illinois power`s operator advisory system to reduce heat rate and control NOx based on sequential optimization
- Illinois Power Company, Hennepin, IL (United States)
- Illinois Power Company, Decatur, IL (United States)
- Electric Power Research Inst., Irving, TX (United States)
- PowerMAX Service of Ultramax Corporation, Cincinnati, OH (United States)
As part of its compliance strategy to the Clean Air Act, Illinois Power chose to reduce NOx emissions at its Hennepin Station to a minimum level via tuning. This strategy would result in the saving of $9.4 million in capital modifications. For the strategy to be successful, IP had to develop new operational settings for the boiler at maximum and minimum loads that did not substantially contribute to the system NOx inventory. In addition, it was important that the boiler be operated without a reduction in efficiency under these new settings. IP, working with the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), determined that these objectives were consistent with sequential process optimization (SPO). IP began a Tailored Collaboration project with EPRI to test use of the ULTRAMAX Method, which utilizes SPO, for minimization of NOx with simultaneous optimization of boiler performance. The ULTRAMAX Method of SPO consists of a methodology and the supporting computer software that builds on existing boiler system knowledge and guides the operator through a sequence of control parameter adjustments to achieve ever-improving levels of performance. It is utilized during normal operations and can be applied to boiler systems of virtually any design. The software can be integrated with a Distributed Control System (DCS) to provide an operator advisory capability. This paper describes the application of SPO to Hennepin Unit 2, a coal-fired boiler rated at 235 MW. An initial reduction of NOx emissions at full load exceeding 20% from previously untuned baseline conditions was achieved with less than two weeks of effort. Boiler efficiency was improved at the same time, as was LOI, in obtaining a lowest-cost balance to the operation of the boiler. Utilizing predictive models created during initial optimization, the SPO software is being integrated with the Unit 2 Westinghouse WDPF DCS to provide a continuous, on-line operator advisory system.
- OSTI ID:
- 405639
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-951208-; TRN: 96:004302-0003
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: Power-Gen America `95: power generation conference, Anaheim, CA (United States), 5-7 Dec 1995; Other Information: PBD: 1995; Related Information: Is Part Of Power-Gen `95. Book VI: Operating plants. Volume 3 - automation & information technologies. Volume 4 - plant beterment/optimization; PB: 407 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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