Enhancing PM Removal by Pulse Energized Electrostatic Precipitators—a Comparative Study

Aiming at enhanced particulate matter (PM) removal of electrostatic precipitators (ESPs) in coal-fired power plants, a pulse energization power supply that generates highvoltage pulses superimposed on a high-voltage dc was designed. The integrated theories of corona discharge, particle charging, and removal were presented, and the pulse energization strategy was studied through fractional particle removal simulation. The conclusion of simulation stated that pulse energization could significantly improve particle charge with a maximum enhancement at a particle diameter of 20 μm, while the fractional particle removal efficiency shows a different distribution that removal of particles less than 2.5 μm had the most significant enhancement. Based on the design and simulations, a full-scale comparative operation study testified the potential of dc + pulse energization to enhance particle removal with a limited power consumption increase. Pulse energization was applied to different industrial ESPs with various design and operation parameters and shown multicondition adaptability in PM removal enhancement, with the emission reduction ranging from 45.48% to 58.00% and outlet concentration from 8.60 to 47.48 mg/Nm3, proving it a convenient and economical method in the performance boost of industrial ESPs.