The use of static power convertor equipment to increase the efficiency of operation power station plant

The author deals with the particular beneficial uses to which thyristor power convertors can be put in power stations with specific reference to updating existing ones. The most important area is in the supply of feed water to the steam generating boilers and in the control over the air flow in the boiler to achieve the optimum combustion conditions for the fuel. The second area is in the provision of excitation power to the alternators. With the continuing reductions in the price of static power thyristor equipment compared to that of rotating plant it is now economic and, in fact, more efficient to use thyristor convertors to provide the alternator's excitation power as well as to control it. By such means it is also possible for the control to be faster and more precise enabling fault conditions and sudden load application or removal to be coped with more effectively.<>