GNPower Dinginin Ltd. Co. (GNPD) is a 2×668 MW supercritical coal-fired power plant located in Mariveles, Bataan. It utilizes pulverized coal technology with a tangential firing configuration. The coal used has low calorific value, high moisture, and low ash content. For coal handling, conveyor belts and domes which have a diameter of 130 meters and a capacity of 275,000 metric tons are used for stockpiling.
Coal-fired power plants continue to be a source of comprehensive energy production. However, efficient use of coal is paramount for sustainable and cost-effective operations. For the year 2022, GNPD experienced a discrepancy between the surveyed actual amount of coal present in the plant and the amount of coal that is recorded in the plant’s inventory. Based on the records, this accounts for less than 4.0% of the total delivered coal. This can be caused by a variety of factors such as measurement errors (density), handling losses, belt scale feeder inaccuracy, or physical coal degradation. With the issue arising, the Technical Services Department (TSD) of the GNPD conducted a comprehensive study on coal losses in the name of Neil Drainer Cabantog. It focused on identifying and mitigating coal losses, resulting in a recovery of $13 million USD.
The TSD is responsible for optimizing plant efficiency and sustainability and acts as a central hub for technical knowledge and expertise in the power plant, working closely with various other departments, including Operations and Maintenance, to optimize overall plant performance, process, and improvement.
Implementation of the findings on the coal loss study yielded impressive results for the GNPD. TSD’s strategic approach in collaboration with Operations has successfully reduced coal losses, thereby increasing available coal for power generation. The improved coal handling process led to recovery discrepancy in the inventory, optimized coal utilization, and an overall improvement in plant efficiency.
The coal discrepancy study showcases the importance of synergy and ownership among GNPD technical staff to maintain the efficient and sustainable plant operation that GNPD strives for.
The effective coal loss study exemplifies the essence of accurate inventory management and efficient coal handling practices. By addressing the sources of coal losses, GNPD not only exercises tenacity to solve the problem but eventually derives financial recovery.
With GNPD’s move to empower progress towards more energy-efficient operations, studies like this are set to play a vital role in achieving our sustainable and long-term aspirations – transforming energy for a better world.
