Investigation of the Effects of Condenser De-Scaling on the Exhaust Emissions and the Performance of Thermal Power Plants

Abstract

The performance of thermal power plants is mainly dependent on the vacuum pressure of the condenser. The de-scaling process of the condenser can be considered as the key solution to avoid the declination of power plant performance. Accordingly, the objective of the current investigation is to study the impacts of condenser de-scaling process on the performance and exhaust emissions of thermal power plants by using an environment-friendly de-scaling agent. In this study, Assiut Thermal Power Plant (ATPP) has been carefully chosen to carry out the investigation, where the maximum load achieved on 2010 was 200 MWh out of the design load 312 MWh. Results indicate that condenser de-scaling process resulted in a significant improvement of the turbine efficiency and increased the maximum load generated to be 290 MWh rather than the previous value of 200 MWh. Additionally, a major reduction in the fuel consumption is attained which leads to decrease the exhaust emissions of CO, SO x , and NO x. Moreover, a considerable reduction of CO 2 emissions by more than 600 ton/day is acquired, which decreases the thermal pollution and reduces the contribution to global warming.