Graph Theoretic Approach for Performance Evaluation of a Boiler

Abstract

This paper presents a methodology to assess the performance of a boiler using the graph theoretic approach (GTA). Factors affecting the performance of a boiler and their interactions are evaluated using the diagraph and matrix method. Variable Performance Function (VPF) or performance index is obtained for the boiler from the attribute matrix. This performance function/ index value is used to rank and compare the factors which affect the efficiency of a boiler. In the present paper the factors affecting the boiler performance which have been taken into consideration are losses due to unburned fuel, heat loss by unburned carbon monoxide, losses due to sensible heat of the flue gases and ambient air temperature.