Strategies to improve efficiency and reduce Heat rate

 ### Understanding Heat Rate in a 210 MW Boiler at NTPC Dadri

The heat rate of a thermal power plant, including the 210 MW coal-fired units at NTPC Dadri (commissioned between 1991-1994), measures the amount of heat energy (in kcal/kWh) required to generate one kilowatt-hour of electricity. It is inversely proportional to the plant's thermal efficiency: a lower heat rate indicates higher efficiency, reduced fuel consumption (coal), lower emissions, and cost savings. For subcritical 210 MW units like those at Dadri, typical operating heat rates range from 2,300-2,500 kcal/kWh, with opportunities for optimization to below 2,300 kcal/kWh through targeted improvements.

What is SOFA?

 ### SOFA in Power Plants

In the context of power plants—particularly coal-fired thermal power plants—**SOFA** stands for **Separated Overfire Air** (also sometimes written as Separated Over Fire Air). This is a combustion technology used in boiler systems to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, which are harmful pollutants formed during high-temperature fuel combustion.

Dadri-2: Instrument Air Failure affect

 

INSTRUMENT AIR FAILURE

NCPS Stage-2 (2X490 MW)

Dadri-1: Mill c/o guidelines

 

Mill starting procedure :

·         Clearance from local operator is to be recorded before starting mill.

·         Ensure feeder coal on belt is established.

·         Ensure  ignition permit is available.

·         Open bunker outlet & feeder inlet gate.

·         Start Mill LOP and observe lub oil pressure , temperature and flow.

·         Open CAG ( CADshould be closed), monitor PA header pressure.

·         Start Mill and monitor its current (60-65 Amp normal current).

·         Open feeder seal air valve & feeder outletgate.

·         Open HAG,( HAD should be closed), monitor PA header pressure.

·         Observe boiler flame intensity during mill operation.

Vacuum Pulling Process

Vacuum Pulling Process
1 Ensure permit cancellation on Vacuum pump/Flash Tank related MOV/Condensate system & Clearance for vacuum pulling.

CC(BCW) Pump Isolation & Purging

CC(BCW) Pump Isolation & Purging

1. ISOLATION OF CC PUMP REMARKS

1.1 Remove from Stand by mode if it is in auto
1.2 Stop CC pump if running