HEC unveils world's first 660MW ultra-supercritical CFB power unit

Harbin Electric Corporation (HEC) has completed a significant milestone, testing the world's first 660MW ultra-supercritical circulating fluidized bed (CFB) power generation unit at the Binchang facility in Shaanxi, China. After completing a 168-hour full-load trial, the unit has set new records for power generation tech.

This homegrown system runs at a main steam pressure of 29.3 MPa, with steam and reheat temperatures hitting 605°C and 623°C (1121°F and 1153.4°F), respectively. The boiler also hits 95 percent desulfurization efficiency, showing that large-scale CFB tech can deliver cleaner energy on a big scale.

HEC is proud of the achievement. "The successful operation of the 660MW ultra-supercritical CFB boiler not only fills a significant gap in global technology but also cements Harbin Electric Corporation's pioneering role in large-capacity, high-parameter CFB technology. This milestone heralds a new era of ultra-supercritical parameters for CFB boilers worldwide." the company said.

The Binchang Project, which has the backing of China’s Ministry of Science and Technology and the National Energy Administration, is set to handle about 2 million tons of low-calorific coal and low-grade fuels each year. It’ll also recycle 2 million tons of mine water and provide 6 million GJ of heat for local industries and homes.

HEC worked closely with top Chinese universities, like Tsinghua and Xi'an Jiaotong, to tackle the tricky engineering challenges involved in scaling up CFB boiler tech. This breakthrough ties in perfectly with China’s goals for cleaner energy and sustainable power generation.