Effect of high frequency power supplies on the electrostatic precipitator collection efficiency as compared to conventional transformer rectifiers

Abstract

Particulate emission is a major problem in industrial processes, caused mainly by power plants that make use of coal as a primary source of energy. Stringent emissions limits, set by government organisations requires industries to conform to these limits to ensure that air quality is sustained and within minimum pollutant limits. Electrostatic precipitators (ESP) are, implemented as the main form of dust burden collection. In recent years, power stations of the national electricity supplier (Eskom) have struggled to maintain particulate emissions below legislation limits, resulting in power stations having to de-load and reduce power generation production. A pilot project was initiated to investigate what the effects of new high frequency power supplies will be on the ESP collection efficiency. This paper presents the results obtained from the implemented pilot project, whereby 16 new high frequency power supplies (HFPS) were installed in a 28 field ESP plant