STEAM TURBINE MODERNIZATIONS AT OPERATING FOSSIL POWER PLANTS: THE FASTEST APPROACH TO MAXIMIZE EFFICIENCY AND KEEP COAL POWER PLANTS AS PART OF THE U.S. ENERGY PORTFOLIO

摘要

Coal fired electricity production accounts for approximately 50% of the generation capacity in the United States and is clearly a vital source of generation in the energy mix. One of the fastest and most cost effective means to achieve greater energy efficiency and add capacity is through modernization of the steam turbine components. In many cases, modernized turbines can be manufactured and ready for installation in less than two years.Coal plants that will continue to operate for the next 20 or more years will most-likely have pollution control equipment added to reduce emissions and be more environmentally friendly. Such equipment can consume up to 30% parasitic load (i.e. carbon capture), which can be recovered in part through modernizing the original steam turbine with the latest technology.This paper will provide a commentary on trends and observations on the direction coal plants are taking and provide industry goals. An example of a steam turbine modernization will be discussed and the benefits it provides, such as improvement in performance, availability, reliability, life extension, and reduced life cycle costs.