CHARACTERISTICS

The type, quality and consistency of fuels used at a power plant can affect its performance and, as a result, its emissions. Fuels that are high in quality (e.g., high heat rate, few impurities) combust more efficiently and more cleanly and result in less boiler down time.

For boilers to operate as efficiently as possible, electric utilities can take actions to ensure that fuels fed to boilers are close to design specifications. For example, fuels shipped to the power plant can be tested to ensure that they meet specifications and, if not, can be blended with other fuels to improve total quality. Also, assessments of fuel performance can be made using model boilers or computer assistance to determine what effect changes in fuel specifications will have on boiler performance and emissions.

The higher the quality of the fuel, the more efficient the operation of the power plant. Efficiently operating power plants minimizes the emission of greenhouse gases produced per kWh.

SIZE:
Can be performed at any size power plant.

FEATURES:
Testing devices can be continuously operated.

COST:
Minimal, when compared with power plant operations costs.

CURRENT USAGE:
Fairly widespread use in the U.S.

POTENTIAL USAGE:
Can be used at all liquid- and solid-fueled power plants.

ISSUES ASSOCIATED WITH IMPLEMENTING ACTION

• Continuous monitors are not foolproof and may not identify all contaminants that may adversely affect boiler performance.

CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACT

EMISSION EFFECT:
    

CONDITIONS FOR EMISSIONS MITIGATION:

• Monitors must be in good working condition to accurately test fuel quality.
• Improved fuel quality improves efficiency of combustion process, avoiding emission of greenhouse gases.

EMISSION ESTIMATE:
Can improve heat rate by as much as 2-3%, decreasing the total amount of emissions.

COST-EFFECTIVENESS:
Experience to date has found use of testing devices to be very cost effective.

SECONDARY EFFECTS:
Will reduce other pollutants proportional to improvements in heat rate.

RESOURCES

• The Coal Quality Impact Model, has been developed by CQ Inc. to assist companies in testing fuel quality.
• U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Fossil Energy website provides links to program information and technical documents on fuel quality testing at http://www.fe.doe.gov/programm.html

CONTACTS

CQ Inc.
Homer City, PA
Tel: (412) 479-6016

U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Fossil Energy
Washington, D.C.
Tel: (202) 586-1650
http://www.fe.doe.gov