Systems modelling of a coal-based steam power plant

A power plant manager has to minimize operation and maintenance (O&M) expenses while ensuring the reliability, safety, and security of supply in order to remain competitive in the global market. The performance of a steam power plant (SPP) is a function of its basic structure (i.e., layout and design), availability (maintenance aspects), operation efficiency (trained manpower), safety and security, and other regulatory aspects. Understanding of its structure will help in the improvement of performance, design, maintenance planning, and so on. A mathematical model using the graph theory and matrix method is developed to evaluate the performance of a coal-based SPP. Detailed methodology for developing a system structure graph (SSG), various system structure matrices, and their permanent functions are described for the boiler of an SPP (a macro level system). Structural interconnections between six systems of boiler are considered for developing an SSG of a boiler. To carry out complete structural modelling and analyses of the boiler, system structure graphs of its six systems and their subsystems are presented. A top-down approach for complete analysis of any system is also given. This method can be extended further for modelling a complete SPP by incorporating a turbogenerator macro system and its subsystems, thus converting real-life SPP from a block diagram into a mathematical model for analysis and synthesis of a power plant from different perspectives.