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Home > About Us > Press Center > 2003 Press Releases : Press Release |
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GE Completes Phase One Installation of Combustion Optimization System at Kansas Power Plant DOE-sponsored project to significantly reduce NOx emissions ATLANTA, GEORGIA (May 21, 2003) — GE Power Systems recently completed the first stage installation of its combustion optimization system at Sunflower Electric Power Corporation’s Holcomb Station in Finney County, Kansas. A combination of high-tech combustion modifications, sensors, software and sophisticated control systems will allow the 360 MW coal-fired power plant to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by a projected 50 percent, improve efficiency, and realize improvements in boiler operation and deposits due to better combustion balance. This integrated system should total about half the cost of SCR control solutions, translating to savings for plant operators and ultimately, consumers. The system should also help reduce the duration of plant outages and improve overall system reliability. The power plant was originally equipped with a “first-generation” low NOx burner that reduced emissions by about 50 percent from uncontrolled rates. As part of GE’s combustion optimization system installation, these burners were modified to optimize flame shape and stability. In addition, coal flow controls and in-furnace sensors were installed to balance the burners and optimize combustion. The upgrade is part of the federal government’s efforts to demonstrate new technologies that reduce air emissions and save costs for ratepayers. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), through its National Energy Technology Laboratory, is providing a zero interest loan of $2.8 million for the 26-month project, which is part of the DOE’s Power Plant Improvement Initiative. Sunflower Electric Power Corp. is contributing an additional $3.08 million and its 360 MW Holcomb power plant as a technology demonstration site. GE’s solution is based upon technology developed by its Energy and Environmental Research (EER) group, which was acquired in 1999. In 2004, additional separated overfire air ports and additional sensors, controls and software will be added to complete the retrofit. “This project demonstrates our focus on providing essential air quality technologies for our customers in order to help them meet and even exceed regulatory requirements,” commented Paul Wood, General Manager of GE Power Systems’ Installation and Field Services business. “Our air quality initiatives reflect our continued commitment to technology innovations that clearly deliver high value to our customers.” GE currently is conducting the field-testing and tuning activities associated with the installation of its combustion optimization system. This upgrade complements the Advanced Design Steam Path (ADSP) steam turbine upgrade that GE had previously conducted at Holcomb to improve overall plant efficiency. For more information on the combustion optimization system, please contact GE Power Systems’ Engineering Manager David Moyeda at (949) 859-8851. Sunflower Electric Power Corporation (www.sunflower.net) is a regional wholesale power supplier that owns and operates a 595 MW system of coal and gas-fired generating plants and a 1,200- mile transmission system for the needs of its six member cooperatives who serve 120,000 people spread throughout a 21,000 square mile area in western Kansas. Sunflower also provides power to regional utilities equal to the needs of 106,000 homes. About GE Power Systems GE Power Systems (www.gepower.com) is one of the world’s leading suppliers of power generation equipment, energy services and management systems, with 2002 revenues of nearly $23 billion. Based in Atlanta, GA, GE Power Systems provides equipment, services and management solutions across the power generation, oil and gas, distribution power and energy rental industries. > Press Contacts > More 2003 Press Releases |