Ballylumford CCGT: Grid code fulfillment and test experience

摘要

PPL, a subsidiary Company of BRITISH GAS, developed a project to build, own and operate a gas fired combined cycle power station in the 550-600 MW range at Ballylumford Power Station, Larne, Northern Ireland. The main constraints or requirements for the new plant were: in the event of a single turbine trip the max loss of plant load shall not exceed 200 MW/250 MW to meet NIE requirements, the required total spinning reserve should be at least 105 MW. Each generator is to be connected via a generator transformer and carried at either 110 kV or 275 kV to the respective switch house for tie-in to the NIE transmission system. One generator may supply the 110 kV system provided the max output does not exceed 130 MW with the balance supplying the 275 kV system. The power station will play a strategic role in Northern Ireland, replacing the existing plant, which delivered about 50% of the electric power consumed in the region. There are also plans to sell electricity generated in excess of consumption to the Republic of Ireland, so reducing the final cost to the consumer. The efficiency of the new combined cycle will far exceed that of the existing conventional steam cycle system which entered service in 1972, comprising 3 steam generators and three steam turbines delivering a total output of 600 MW. The new levels of efficiency have reduced power generation costs by roughly 50%, as well as reducing flue gas emissions significantly thanks to the plant design selected.