Plant Modeling

Thermodynamic computer modeling has been used in the power industry for many years, and the benefits are well proven. Some of the more common applications include:

• Design an equipment change evaluation
  • Feedwater heater replacement
  • Vendor selection & comparison
  • Boiler heat transfer section modification
  • Condenser tube material changes
  • Cooling system upgrades
• Evaluate the impact of operational changes
  • Fuel switching/ blending
  • Sliding pressure
  • Heaters out of service
  • Lower steam temperatures due to low NOx operation
• Predict plant performance under changing conditions
• Study heat rate and capacity impact of boundary condition changes
• Assess actual plant performance from test data and/or plant data
• Pinpoint malfunctioning hardware and quantify ($$) the losses
• Evaluate cycle isolation losses
• Developing a best-achievable performance model for comparison to actual plant operation

Models can be developed of various complexities, from simple models of turbine sections or a condenser, to complete turbine cycles, to detailed models containing boiler, turbine, condenser, feedwater heaters, and cooling tower for a conventional plant, or a combined cycle plant model that includes combustion turbines, HRSGs, steam turbine, condenser, pumps, and cooling tower. Well-developed models can provide very accurate modeling of plant performance.

Benefits
Thermodynamic computer models can:

• maximize capacity and minimize heat rate
• reduce reliance on equipment OEMs
• compare new equipment for lower evaluated cost
• identify and quantify performance losses
• make optimal business decisions

PCS has applied thermodynamic computer models to problem-solving in the electric power industry for many years. Contact PCS at 970-240-4381 or e-mail Performance Consulting Services to discuss how a computer model of your plant can help you reduce operating costs.