Modelling and simulation of a coal-fired power plant for start-up optimisation

The increased impact from fluctuating energy sources like wind and photovoltaics significantly affects the operational regime of conventional power plants. In the near future, even former base load power plants such as the large-scale lignite plants in Germany will need to start and shut down to balance the electricity system. As frequent starts were not in the focus of optimisation in the past, an extensive potential can be expected to reduce start-up costs and environmental impacts. In order to investigate such optimisation potentials, a comprehensive dynamic simulation model has been developed including process components such as boiler and water-steam cycle but also the power plants control system along with start-up sequence control. After successfully reproducing a reference start of the power plant, the model has been used to identify restrictions for faster start-ups, less fuel consumption and less emission while keeping the thermal and mechanical stress, caused by higher ramp rates, within acceptable bounds.