A Systematic Approach to Reduce Power Plant

Auxiliary Power

 Increase net output

 Improve heat rate (lower fuel costs)
 Reduce emissions

Auxiliary power reduces net plant output

Background, Objectives, and New Learnings
Power plants both generate and consume electricity. The
“house load” or auxiliary power consumption is a cost of
generating electricity used by the motors, lights, and controls
which operate the plant.
Optimal auxiliary power consumption usually refers to lower
levels at which operating only those components necessary
for continuous and reliable is desired. A systematic approach
to reducing and optimizing auxiliary power consumption has
not been established. The results of the application of such
an approach can be increased net generation and reduced
heat rate.
In 2011, EPRI issued a report, Electricity Use in the Electric
Sector – Opportunities to Enhance Electric Energy Efficiency
in the Production and Delivery of Electricity (EPRI document
1024651) -- summarizing the electrical use by the power
generation industry and listing some potential areas for
improvements. Due to increasing fuel costs and a desire to
minimize CO2 levels, improved plant performance has
become a renewed focus for many power generating
companies. Optimizing auxiliary power consumption is a part
of improving plant performance.
Auxiliary power consumes 6 to 10% of the power generated
at coal-fired power stations. That percentage has increased
with the addition of modern environmental control systems.
Auxiliary power at nuclear and gas-fired power stations is a
smaller fraction of their gross generation, but still may have
room for reduction.
Benefits
The potential benefits of optimizing auxiliary power
consumption include heat rate improvements, as well as
increased net generating capacity. On the other hand,
reducing certain auxiliary loads may potentially increase
O&M costs and negatively affect reliability.
For example, a 0.25% heat rate improvement at a typical
500-MW unit operating with a 90% capacity factor can result
in a fuel savings of more than $180,000 annually, and a
reduction in CO2 emissions of 10,000 tons/year (an added
$200,000 savings if a $20/ton CO2 tax is enacted). But a unit
trip may cost more than $100,000 in replacement power
costs and could potentially damage plant equipment.
Reducing auxiliary power consumption can reduce unit heat
rate. Reductions in unit heat rate translate directly to

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reductions in both fuel costs and emissions. Power plant
owners and operators who are able to apply the methods
developed as part of this project may reduce their plant heat
rates, which may result in reduced emissions and fuel costs.
The resulting cost savings may outweigh the risks and costs
of the actions required to reduce auxiliary power
consumption.
Reducing auxiliary power demand by cycling components off
when load drops off increases the wear and tear on those
components, increasing the associated maintenance costs,
and the risk for sudden failures and associated unit derates
or trips. Operating without redundant equipment can be more
efficient but adds some risks to power plant stability and
reliability.
Project Approach and Summary
This project will develop an approach to optimize auxiliary
power consumption and apply that approach at host units to
evaluate its applicability and determine if it results in the
expected improvements. The approach will provide methods
to assess the additional risks and costs involved with
reducing specific auxiliary power loads. The results will be
compared to those estimated in EPRI report 1024651 and
will be published in a report.
Deliverables
All project participants will receive:
• A systematic approach to reduce or optimize auxiliary
power consumption
• An evaluation of their site’s current auxiliary power
consumption rate
• Recommendations for operational modifications and
physical changes to reduce auxiliary power consumption
• A site-specific report stressing cost-benefit and risk
analyses
Product ID: 1024812 Project ID: 072828
Electric Power Research Institute
3420 Hillview Avenue, Palo Alto, California 94304-1338 • PO Box 10412, Palo Alto, California 94303-0813 USA
800.313.3774 • 650.855.2121 • askepri@epri.com • www.epri.com
© 2012 Electric Power Research9865602
Institute (EPRI), Inc. All rights reserved. Electric Power Research Institute, EPRI, and
TOGETHER…SHAPING THE FUTURE OF ELECTRICITY are registered service marks of the Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.
Price of Project
The estimated total project cost is $420,000. This covers the
development of the systematic approach and four separate
site evaluations. Additional site evaluations will require
additional funding, but will add significant information to this
project.
The cost to participate is $90,000. This project qualifies for
Tailored Collaboration (TC) and Self-Directed Funding
(SDF).
Project Status and Schedule
This project started in January 2012. A systematic approach
to optimize auxiliary power consumption will be developed
first. This approach then will be applied at host sites to
determine the unit-specific costs, risks, and benefits. Several
assessments at different sites are anticipated during this
multi-year project. At completion, a final report will be issued
compiling the non-confidential information gathered at the
multiple host sites.
Who Should Join
Power generating companies and steam-powered facilities
interested in optimizing auxiliary power consumption,
reducing operating costs, and improving plant heat rate
could benefit from participation in this project.
Contact Information
For more information, contact the EPRI Customer
Assistance Center at 800.313.3774 (askepri@epri.com).
Technical Contact
Sam Korellis at 704.595.2703 (skorellis@epri.com).
February 2012