Efficiency increase

All realistic estimates on energy supply assume that power stations fired with fossil fuels will constitute the backbone of power generation worldwide in this century. In order to use fossil energy sources in an economical and environmentally-friendly way, EnBW joined up with the most important German energy providers and manufacturers of power stations as part of the "KOMET 650" research project to develop new materials, measurement techniques, and operating modes for coal-fired power stations from 1998 - 2003. The results will further improve the efficiency of power stations and reduce CO2 emissions in line with the Kyoto Protocol in the medium and long-term.

Tests with probes which can be used to check the formation of deposits on the inside of the boiler have already produced clear results, for example. Two of these probes are now ready to go into production. Detailed knowledge about the temperature distribution in the furnace has made it possible to simulate burning processes. This will allow the corresponding fuel and air supply to be further optimised in the future.