Air Preheater in Thermal Power Plant: Boosting Efficiency and Reducing Costs

Why use air preheater in thermal power plant? Air preheaters are critical components in thermal power plants, designed to improve boiler efficiency and reduce fuel consumption. By preheating combustion air with waste flue gases, they recover heat that would otherwise be lost, enhancing overall plant performance.

The primary advantage of air preheaters in thermal power plants is their ability to increase thermal efficiency by 5–10%, according to industry studies. This translates to significant cost savings, as every 1% improvement in boiler efficiency can reduce fuel consumption by approximately 0.5%. For a 500 MW coal-fired plant, this could mean annual savings of thousands of tons of coal. Additionally, air preheaters help lower emissions by ensuring more complete combustion, reducing CO2, NOx, and SOx levels.

Modern air preheaters, such as rotary regenerative or tubular types, are engineered for durability and minimal maintenance. Data from power plants using advanced preheater systems shows a reduction in unplanned downtime by up to 15%, further optimizing operational reliability. With global energy demands rising, investing in high-efficiency air preheaters is a proven strategy for power plants to meet environmental regulations while maximizing profitability. Industry leaders like GE and Howden report that optimized air preheater systems can achieve payback periods as short as 2–3 years, making them a smart long-term investment for sustainable energy production.