Ignition of a Cold Pulverized Coal Fuel by Means of an Electric Ignition System

Abstract

Coal-fired generation has long been, and still is, one of the leaders in global electricity generation. The high share of coal-fired generation in the global energy mix is achieved due to the known advantages of this fuel, including high availability of reserves, relative ease of extraction, and the possibilities of providing its reserves at the plants and reliable equipment operation even in the event of fuel supply interruptions. Coal combustion in modern industry requires the development of modern start-up systems for coal-fired boiler units without the use of fuel oil. Fuel oil is used for starting up boilers and maintaining the flame during transient conditions or at low loads of boiler. At the same time, the use of fuel oil has some disadvantages, both technical and environmental. The greatest challenge in developing high-frequency ignition systems is to understand the chemical kinetics processes for the plasma chemical reaction of fuel mixture ignition. This paper presents experimental and industrial studies on the application of an electric ignition system for coal fuel based on a high-frequency power source. Experimental studies were carried out on a laboratory bench with a thermal capacity of 5 MW. Industrial tests were performed at the operating enterprises of the power sector of the Russian Federation. Lignite and hard coals of different thermal-technical composition were used as fuel samples. The principle behind the effect of this system on the fuel ignition has been shown.