Thermal cycles

 When main steam parameters exceed the critical

point of water (point at which water directly
flashes into steam with no latent heat of
vaporization), VIZ.,22.09MPa and 374.14°C, the
operating regime is said to be super critical.

Operation below these limits are said to be in sub-

critical.

Plants with operating steam cycle parameters of

31.0-34.5 MPa and 566/566°C are referred as ultra
super critical plants.
 Comparison of power cycle
efficiency
particulars Sub critical Super Ultra super
cycles critical critical
cycles cycles
Gross unit 37.8% 41.6% 43.4%
efficiency%
Gross unit 2275 2067 1981
heat rate
kcal/kg
Unit size 30-1300 50-1100 300-1100
MW
 RLA/R&M
The performance of thermal units got deteoriated
over time and this has been reflected in terms of
plant load factor. Various factors responsible for
poor performance are
 poor quality of fuel

 inadequacy of design at conceptual stage

 lack of operational experience

 poor performance of controls& instrumentation

 poor quality control of chemical regime

 improper overhauling and maintenance

 improper planning and management

 lack of sound spares management cell

 Maintenance schedule
For 210 MW &above, CEA norms are
 Planned annual maintenance every

alternate year=30 days

 Planned short maintenance every year=15
days
 Planned capital overhaul every 5-6 years=50

days
 Works during shut down
 Short shut down
 Major overhaul