Variable-Speed Optimization of Circulating Water Pumps
Optimizing pump configurations, variable-speed pump setpoints, and parallel pump flow allocation for two 1,050 MW coal-fired units.
- Cases with improvement
- 43 of 49
- Average net power gain
- +122.2 kW
- Estimated seasonal benefit
- CNY 506,000
Background
The study focuses on two 1,050 MW ultra-supercritical units. The calculations account for unit load, ambient temperature, condenser back pressure, pump power consumption, and equipment operating limits.
Methods
- Developed an EBSILON thermal system model and validated it against test and design data.
- Compiled pump performance curves, pipe network resistance characteristics, and operating constraints.
- Applied a bilevel optimization framework to determine pump configurations, speed setpoints, and parallel pump flow allocation.
- Evaluated 49 steady-state operating cases and representative operating days in autumn and winter.
Results
- Net power output improved in 43 of the 49 operating cases.
- The average net power gain across all cases was 122.2 kW.
- Based on 90 autumn days and 90 winter days, the estimated additional generation revenue was approximately CNY 506,000.