Role of optimization in pulverization process of thermal power plant

Every nation dreams for highly efficient and economical type of energy production units. The scenario of power sector is inversely proportional as far as the generation and demand of power is concern. In India, normally the power plants run on the availability of fuel and consumers. Majority of the power generation units are fuel based in Indian power sector. There are so many types of fuel but coal is cheapest and easily available fuel, therefore a large number of companies deal with the coal based thermal power plant. Thermal power plant have maximum efficiency around 32% to 42%. There are various losses associated in generation of electric power and to overcome or recover those losses, optimization is needed. Optimization can be considered at various stages of power generation. In pulverization process, the optimization is plays a crucial role. This paper presents overview of the pulverization process of the coal fired power plant and focuses on the optimization techniques which can be used to facilitate the power generation at optimal level. Different optimization techniques applied for coal pulverization are discussed and their relative comparison is presented which in turn may be helpful to the thermal power plant engineers for better and efficient operation of the plant.