VATTENFALL: Evaluation of load ramp investigations

Background and Objective: VATTENFALL Europe Generation AG operates one of the most modern lignite-fired power plants with two units of 920 MWel. In 2008, within a campaign for optimizing the power plant, detailed investigations with numerous load ramp experiments took place. The objective was to improve the dynamic control performance and the optimization of the control system for a better efficiency. For the purpose of simulation and evaluation of load ramp experiments a detailed dynamic simulation model was developed by IFE SYSTEMS. The simulation model represents the essential process components and the main instrumentation and control equipment of the power plant. Results: By comparing simulation results with real process parameters, determined by the load ramp investigations, a very high model quality and accurate reproduction of the dynamic behavior of the real power plant was verified. Afterwards, a four parallel pipe run simulation model of steam generator was developed to investigate the combustion process, including the use of coal mills. Additionally, the control system has been validated by simulation and extensive suggestions for further enhancing the dynamic control behavior were made. Conclusion: The calculation and simulation results led to an improved understanding of the dynamic behavior of the boiler with particular regard to different fuel applications and were included in VATTENFALLs ongoing effort to improve efficiency and availability of the power plant.

E.ON Engineering: Dynamic modeling of a combined cycle power plant to verify a control system

Background and Objectives: E. ON Energy Projects built a combined cycle power plant to optimize the steam and electricity generation to the paper mill facility Plattling for the Finnish Myllykoski Group. As part of this project an innovative control concept was designed by E. ON Engineering. IFE SYSTEMS was contracted to test and verify the new control concept regarding the functionality and dynamic behavior of the system. For that purpose a software simulation model was developed which simulates the essential process components as well as the main instrumentation and control equipment. Furthermore, the dynamic behavior of the machinery, connected to the power plant, was simulated for virtual operation. Results: The simulation results, provided by IFE SYSTEMS, did confirm the functionality of the designed control concept. The automation system now guarantees the required process stability and control performance. Additional optimization potential was identified and numerous improvements were recommended. Conclusion: For the first time, a conceptual control system was tested and optimized by dynamic simulation prior to commissioning to ensure the specified guarantee parameters. The project results provided by IFE SYSTEMS, especially numerous detailed solutions and the complete controller pre-setup, led to significant savings during the commissioning of the power plant. The new designed control system helps to gain an optimized economic operation right from the beginning and it ensures the required supply stability and control performance of the power plant.