Abstract:
Coal is the principal energy source in India because of its large deposits and availability. Coal has been extensively used in Indian power sector. Out of the total installed capacity of 147,965 MW, coal was in use to produce 93,725 MW (63.34%) during the year 2009. However, majority of coal in India contains high ash (as high as 45%) and sulphur (3-5%). With the existing technology, carbon di-oxide, oxides of nitrogen and sulphur emitted by majority the coal based power plants in India are significant attributing to environmental pollution. Therefore, there is a great need for an alternative technology which can utilize this type of coal with its improved combustion and reducing pollution. A circulating fluidized bed (CFB) is relatively new and alternate technology gaining popularity in power generation because of its capability of burning wide range of fuels including coal, wood wastes, agricultural wastes, kerosene etc., its environmental compatibility i.e., efficient sulphur removal, low NOx emission and high combustion efficiency. These factors led to the development of CFB steam generators. Research then began on the various aspects related to CFB.
