Optimizing PC Boiler Efficiency with Modified Combustion Tuning: Rembang CFPP Case Study

Abstract

Indonesia's energy supply is dominated by coal-fired power plants (CFPPs) because of its low cost of electricity. These power plants are essential for supporting base load and spinning reserves to compensate for the increasing renewable energy use, but their environmental effects are receiving increasing attention. A comparative analysis between the previous combustion tuning method and the newly proposed method for coal-fired power plants (CFPPs) with pulverized coal (PC) boiler indicated that the new method demonstrates greater effectiveness, evidenced by its higher deviation values of the boiler efficiency. The adoption of three new measurement techniques—coal fineness, coal flow balancing, and flue gas distribution—has improved measurement accuracy. However, some limitations remain due to equipment constraints related to the adjustment of classifier and orifice openings. This innovative method shows promise for a wider application across CFPPs with similar pulverized coal (PC) boiler technology, positioning portable tuning tools as a strategic option to enhance plant efficiency through planned maintenance activities. A new proposed method was able to improve the boiler efficiency by 0.15% based on the deviation of the before-after tuning. Ultimately, optimizing CFPP efficiency is essential not only for economic benefits but also for advancing sustainable energy practices. This improved combustion tuning approach can play a key role in balancing environmental responsibility with the demand for reliable energy production and supporting the Indonesian energy transition vision.