Emission reduction potential of supercritical boilers planned in India

• Published in: TERI information digest on energy and environment Vol. 12; no. 1; pp. 11 - 16
• Main Authors: Dhanuskodi, R, Arunagiri, A, Anantharaman, N
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New Delhi The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) 01.03.2013; The Energy and Resources Institute
• Subjects: Ash; Boilers; Carbon dioxide; coal; Cost control; Efficiency; Electricity generation; emission; Emissions; Fossil fuels; India; Industrial plant emissions; Nitrogen dioxide; Steam pressure; supercritical boilers; Temperature; India
• ISSN: 0972-6721

Increase in energy demand and corresponding increase in fossil fuel-based power generation results in proportional increase in environmentally harmful emissions, such as, CO, CO2, SOx, NOx and ash. To mitigate the problem, internationally, scientists and engineers work for alternate energy options and for improving the efficiency of the power generating equipment. Such improvement reduces fuel consumption and emission. Supercritical boilers with higher steam parameters operate at higher efficiency than subcritical boilers and hence, are comparatively environment friendly. This article briefs readers about how efficiency improvement takes place in supercritical boilers and details the calculations of emission reduction due to improvement in efficiency. An estimate of emission reduction potential for a 660 MW supercritical boiler is also projected in comparison with that of a subcritical boiler of the same capacity with the same steam outlet temperature and firing coal with the same composition. Considering the plan to introduce 60 per cent and 100 per cent of the planned capacity addition in supercritical and ultra-supercritical boilers in India during the 12th and 13th Five-year Plans respectively, the emission reduction potential with this initiative is also worked out and furnished.