Energy Conversion Systems
- Coal quality evaluation system (C-Quens)［PDF14］
Background ＆ Objectives
Pulverized coal fired power plants are generally considered to be both an inexpensive and stable energy source. However, coal quality can cause serious problems on the operations side of the power station and can significantly affect plant performance. From an economic point of view, coal quality directly influences power generation costs, as it affects the thermal efficiency of the power plants and its associated running costs. To generate a stable electricity supply, at a minimum cost, it is important to accurately gauge the effect of coal quality on the performance of pulverized coal fired power plants.
The Coal Quality Evaluation System (C-Quens) has been developed to quantitatively estimate the impact of coal quality on the performance of power plants. There are some computer-based models that are able to quantify the effect of coal quality, but the C-Quens is the only comprehensive model that can evaluate the influence on the entire pulverized coal fired power station. The C-Quens has powerful built-in functions that provide specific information, such as evaluation of whether a coal is acceptable or not, suggestions about coal blending, prediction of plant performance, and estimation of power generation cost for different coals. A database of coal properties, consisting of more than 200 different coals from around the world, is also included.
The C-Quens is being increasingly used in Japan, in the power stations of electric companies and utility divisions of manufacturing companies, for reducing the cost of electric power generation by coal switching and blending. More recently, its applications have expanded, e.g., the C-Quens has been used as process simulator to evaluate the possibilities of partial repowering by constructors.
Coal quality evaluation system (C-Quens) |
An important issue is effect of coal quality |
Process simulation methodology of C-Quens. |
Meeting of C-Quens at K-Coal Co. Ltd. in Koria. |