What Is the Working Principle of a Power Plant Boiler?

The working principle of a power plant boiler is to utilize the thermal energy released from fuel combustion to heat feedwater, producing a sufficient quantity of superheated steam that meets specified parameters and quality requirements. The amount of steam produced is known as the boiler's evaporation capacity, typically measured in tons per hour (t/h). Steam parameters primarily refer to pressure and temperature, expressed in megapascals (MPa) and degrees Celsius (°C), respectively. Steam quality refers to the purity of the steam, generally indicated by the amount of impurities (mainly salts) it contains—the lower the salt content, the higher the steam quality.

A boiler’s fundamental operating system consists of two main parts: the combustion system and the steam-water system. The combustion system ensures efficient fuel burning inside the furnace and effective release of heat. The steam-water system absorbs the heat released by the fuel, heating the water, generating steam, and ultimately producing superheated steam with specific parameters. It comprises components such as the economizer, steam drum, downcomers, headers, water walls, superheater, and reheater, along with connecting piping and valves.