Air Preheater in Steam Power Plant: Boosting Efficiency and Reducing Fuel Costs

Why use air preheater in steam power plant?

An air preheater (APH) is a critical component in steam power plants, designed to improve thermal efficiency and reduce fuel consumption. By preheating combustion air using waste flue gases, APHs recover heat that would otherwise be lost, enhancing boiler performance. Studies show that integrating an air preheater can increase boiler efficiency by 5–10%, significantly lowering operational costs. For instance, power plants using regenerative or recuperative APHs report fuel savings of up to 15%, translating to millions of dollars annually. Additionally, preheated air ensures more complete combustion, reducing emissions like CO2 and NOx, which aligns with environmental regulations.

The air preheater’s role extends beyond efficiency gains. In large-scale coal-fired plants, APHs contribute to a 2–3% reduction in auxiliary power consumption by optimizing draft systems. Real-world data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) highlights that power plants with APHs achieve heat rates below 10,000 kJ/kWh, compared to 12,000 kJ/kWh in non-APH systems. Moreover, APHs mitigate cold-end corrosion by maintaining flue gas temperatures above the acid dew point, extending equipment lifespan. Leading manufacturers like Howden and GE Steam Power offer advanced APH designs, such as rotary and tubular variants, tailored for high-capacity plants. Investing in an air preheater ensures long-term profitability, regulatory compliance, and sustainability—making it indispensable for modern steam power generation.