The solid-fuel firing method can’t handle load fluctuations well.
It’s
also not stable enough for large thermal power plants. The flue
gases have a lot of ash, making it hard to separate from the
exhaust. So, non-pulverized coal firing isn’t practical for large
boilers. The main drawback is that it doesn’t burn the fuel
completely, reducing thermal efficiency.
Pulverized fuel firing is widely used today because it greatly
improves the thermal efficiency of solid fuel. In this system, coal is
ground into fine particles, called pulverization. These particles are
sprayed into the combustion chamber with hot air, known as
“primary air,” which must be dry. Additional air, called “secondary
air,” is added to complete combustion. The thermal efficiency of the
system depends on how fine the coal is crushed. This method is
ideal for coal that isn’t suitable for solid fuel firing.
Advantages of Pulverized Fuel Firing
Pulverizing coal increases its surface area, boosting thermal
efficiency. This leads to a faster combustion rate and reduces
the need for secondary air. It also lessens the load on air
intake fans.
Comparatively lower grade coal can also be utilized as
efficient fuel once it gets pulverized.
Faster combustion rate makes the system more responsive to
the changing load as the combustion can easily and quickly be
controlled.
There is no clinker and slagging problems in pulverized coal
firing system.
More considerable amount of heat is released compared to
that of the same physical size of the solid firing system.
Starting of the pulverized coal firing system is quicker than
that of the solid firing system. Even its operation can be
launched from a cold condition very rapidly and efficiently.
This feature of the boiler system is essential for electrical grid
stability.
Another essential feature of the pulverized firing system is
that it does not have any moving parts inside the combustion
chamber which gives it long trouble free life.
The ash handling is more straightforward in this system since
there is no solid ash.
Disadvantages of Pulverized Coal Firing
The initial investment in pulverized coal firing system is more
compared to solid firing system.
The running cost is also higher.
The pulverized coal produces fly ashes.
Removal of ash grain from the exhaust gases is always
expensive as it requires an electrostatic precipitator.
There may be a possibility of the explosion like the coal burns
like a gas.
The storage of pulverized coal requires particular attention
always being protected from the fire hazards.
