Screening and life-cycle cost models for new pulverized-coal heating plants: An integrated computer-based module for the central heating plant economic evaluation program (CHPECON). Final report

Abstract : Public Law 99-190 requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to increase the use of coal for steam generation, but DOD also has an obligation to use the most economical fuel. In support of the coal conversion effort, the U.S. Army Construction Engineering Research Laboratories (USACERL) has been tasked to develop a series of screening and life-cycle cost models to determine when and where specific coal-combustion technologies can economically be implemented in Army central heating plants. This report documents a pulverized coal-fired boiler analysis model, part of the USACERL-developed Central Heating Plant Economics model (CHPECON). The model is divided into two parts. A preliminary screening model contains options for evaluating new heating plants and cogeneration facilities fueled with pulverized coal, as well as the previous options. A cost model uses the entries provided by the screening model to provide a conceptual facility design, capital (installed) costs of the facility, operation and maintenance costs over the life of the facility, and life-cycle costs. Using these numbers the model produces a summary value for the total life-cycle cost of the plant, and a levelized cost of service.