Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis of Electrostatic Precipitator of 210mw Thermal Power Plant

Sustainable clean energy production is a critical challenge in the modern world. Specifically, when it comes to coal-based power generation, the issue becomes even more relevant due to the substantial emissions, including hazardous particulate matter. Coal-fired power plants remain a major source of electrical energy, primarily because of coal’s cost-effectiveness compared to other fossil fuels and its abundant reserves in India and many other countries.

However, a significant problem associated with coal-fired power plants is the emission of fine particulate matter. To address this, one of the most reliable control technologies is the use of Electrostatic Precipitators (ESP). These devices can capture fine particles with an efficiency of nearly 99% or higher. Consequently, ESPs are widely adopted in coal power plants and other process industries due to their effectiveness and reliability in controlling particulate emissions.

In this study, we explore the impact of different baffle shapes and electrode configurations within the ESP. By employing computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations using the ANSYS FLUENT code, we assess how these variations influence the flow patterns. The altered flow distribution inside the ESP leads to increased residence time for flue gases, enhancing the collection of fine particles. Our findings highlight the importance of electrode design and baffle geometry in optimizing ESP performance. Additionally, we discuss how the presence of electrodes and back pressure affects flow phenomena within the system