scholarly journals Turbomachinery Design Considerations for the Nuclear HTGR-GT Power Plant

1981 ◽  
Vol 103 (1) ◽  
pp. 65-77 ◽  
Author(s):  
Colin F. McDonald ◽  
Murdo J. Smith

For several years, design studies have been underway in the U.S. on a nuclear closed-cycle gas turbine plant (HTGR-GT). This paper presents design aspects of the helium turbo-machine portion of these studies. Gas dynamic and mechanical design considerations are presented for helium turbomachines in the 400 MWe (non-intercooled) and 600 MWe (intercooled) power range. Design of the turbomachine is a key element in the overall power plant program effort, which is currently directed towards the selection of a reference HTGR-GT commercial plant configuration for the U.S. utility market. A conservative design approach has been emphasized to provide for maximum safety and durability. The studies presented for the integrated plant concept outline the necessary close working relationship between the reactor primary system and turbomachine designers. State-of-the-art technology from large industrial gas turbines developed in the U.S., considered directly applicable to the design of a helium turbomachine, particularly in the areas of design methodology, performance, materials, and fabrication methods, is emphasized.

Author(s):  
C. F. McDonald ◽  
R. G. Adams ◽  
F. R. Bell ◽  
P. Fortescue

The gas turbine high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) power plant combines the existing design HTGR core with a closed-cycle helium gas turbine power conversion system directly in the reactor primary circuit. The high density helium working fluid results in a very compact power conversion system. While the geometries of the helium turbomachinery, heat exchangers, and internal gas flow paths differ from air breathing gas turbines because of the nature of the working fluid and the high degree of pressurization, many of the aerodynamic, heat transfer and dynamic analytical procedures used in the design are identical to conventional open-cycle industrial gas turbine practice. This paper outlines some of the preliminary design considerations for the rotating machinery, heat exchangers, and other major primary system components for an integrated type of plant embodying multiple gas turbine loops. The high potential for further improvement in plant efficiency and capacity, for both advanced dry-cooled and waste heat power cycle versions of the direct-cycle nuclear gas turbine, is also discussed.


2017 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. K4MD26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seyfettin C. Gülen

AbstractThis article evaluates the improvement in gas turbine combined cycle power plant efficiency and output via pressure gain combustion (PGC). Ideal and real cycle calculations are provided for a rigorous assessment of PGC variants (e.g., detonation and deflagration) in a realistic power plant framework with advanced heavy-duty industrial gas turbines. It is shown that PGC is the single-most potent knob available to the designers for a quantum leap in combined cycle performance.


Author(s):  
R. J. Antos ◽  
W. C. Emmerling

One common method of reducing the NOx emissions from industrial gas turbines is to inject water into the combustion process. The amount of water injected depends on the emissions rules that apply to a particular unit. Westinghouse W501B industrial gas turbines have been operated at water injection levels required to meet EPA NOx emissions regulations. They also have been operated at higher injection levels required to meet stricter California regulations. Operation at the lower rates of water did not affect combustor inspection and/or repair intervals. Operation on liquid fuels with high rates of water also did not result in premature distress. However, operation on gas fuel at high rates of water did cause premature distress in the combustors. To evaluate this phenomenon, a comprehensive test program was conducted; it demonstrated that the distress is the result of the temperature patterns in the combustor caused by the high rates of water. The test also indicated that there is no significant change in dynamic response levels in the combustor. This paper presents the test results, and the design features selected to substantially improve combustor wall temperature when operating on gas fuels, with the high rates of water injection required to meet California applications. Mechanical design features that improve combustor resistance to water injection-induced thermal gradients also are presented.


Author(s):  
Tagir R. Nigmatulin ◽  
Vladimir E. Mikhailov

Russian power generation, oil and gas businesses are rapidly growing. Installation of new industrial gas turbines is booming to fulfill the demand from economic growth. Russia is a unique country from the annual temperature variation point of view. Some regions may reach up to 100C. One of the biggest challenges for world producers of gas turbines in Russia is the ability to operate products at power plants during cold winters, when ambient temperature might be −60C for a couple of weeks in a row. The reliability and availability of the equipment during the cold season is very critical. Design of inlet systems and filter houses for the Russian market, specifically for northern regions, has a lot of specifics and engineering challenges. Joint Stock Company CKTI is the biggest Russian supplier of air intake systems for industrial gas turbines and axial-flow compressors. In 1969 this enterprise designed and installed the first inlet for the power plant Dagskaya GRES (State Regional Electric Power Plant) with the first 100MW gas-turbine which was designed and manufactured by LMZ. Since the late 1960s CKTI has designed and manufactured inlet systems for the world market and been the main supplier for the Russian market. During the last two years CKTI has designed inlet systems for a broad variety of gas turbine engines ranging from 24MW up to 110MW turbines which are used for power generation and as a mechanical drive for the oil and gas industry. CKTI inlet systems with filtering devices or houses are successfully used in different climate zones including the world’s coldest city Yakutsk and hot Nigeria. CKTI has established CTQs (Critical to quality) and requirements for industrial gas turbine inlet systems which will be installed in Russia in different climate zones for all types of energy installations. The last NPI project of the inlet system, including a nonstandard layout, was done for a small gas-turbine engine which is installed on a railway cart. This arrangement is designed to clean railway lines with the exhaust jet in a quarry during the winter. The design of the inlet system with efficient multistage compressor extraction for deicing, dust and snow resistance has an interesting solution. The detailed description of challenges, weather requirements, calculations, losses, and design methodologies to qualify the system for tough requirements, are described in the paper.


1981 ◽  
Vol 103 (1) ◽  
pp. 89-100 ◽  
Author(s):  
Colin F. McDonald ◽  
Charles R. Boland

Combining the modern and proven power conversion system of the closed-cycle gas turbine (CCGT) with an advanced high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) results in a power plant well suited to projected utility needs into the twenty-first century. The gas turbine HTGR (HTGR-GT) power plant benefits are consistent with national energy goals, and the high power conversion efficiency potential satisfies increasingly important resource conservation demands. Established technology bases for the HTGR-GT are outlined, together with the extensive design and development program necessary to commercialize the nuclear CCGT plant for utility service in the 1990s. This paper outlines the most recent design studies by General Atomic for a dry-cooled commercial plant of 800 to 1200 MW(e) power, based on both nonintercooled and intercooled cycles, and discusses various primary system aspects. Details are given of the reactor turbine system (RTS) and on integrating the major power conversion components in the prestressed concrete reactor vessel.


Author(s):  
Colin F. McDonald ◽  
Kosla Vepa

This paper describes the turbomachinery design considerations for a supercritical Rankine cycle waste heat power conversion system for use with the large helium closed-cycle gas turbine nuclear power plant under development by General Atomic Company. The conceptual designs of the ammonia turbine and pump are presented. The high density working fluid in the ammonia turbine results in small blade heights and high hub-to-tip ratios due to a combination of the properties of ammonia and the high degree of pressurization, particularly at the turbine exit. With the molecular weight of the ammonia working fluid being very similar to steam, the double-flow, multistage axial ammonia turbine bears a strong resemblance to modern steam turbines. Conceptual design work has been done in sufficient detail to support component cost estimates for the balance of plant economic studies. While an extensive design program is needed for the ammonia turbine, existing technology from the power generating and chemical process industries is generally applicable; and, with specialized design attention, the goal of high turbine efficiency should be realizable. The design studies have been specifically directed toward a nuclear closed-cycle helium gas turbine plant (GT-HTGR); however, it is postulated that the turbine design considerations presented could be applicable to other low temperature power conversion systems such as geothermal or industrial waste heat applications.


Author(s):  
Fred T. Willett ◽  
Michael R. Pothier

The large installed base of large frame industrial gas turbines has prompted a number of replacement part offerings, in addition to the replacement parts offered by the OEM. Willett [1] proposed an economic model developed to evaluate gas turbine component alternatives for base load and cyclic duty operation. The improved method expands the capability of the earlier model by including risk level as a variable. Power plant operator value of alternative replacement turbine components for a popular large frame industrial gas turbines is evaluated. A baseline case is established to represent the current component repair and replacement situation, assuming no risk. Each of the modes of power plant operation is evaluated from a long-term financial focus. A short-term financial focus is evaluated for contrast and discussed briefly. Long-term focus is characterized by a nine-year evaluation period, while short-term focus is based on first year benefit only. Four factors are varied: part price, output increase, simple cycle efficiency increase, and additional risk. Natural gas fuel is considered at two different gas prices. Peak, off-peak, and spot market electricity prices are considered. Results are calculated and compared using net present value (NPV) criteria. A case study is presented to demonstrate the method’s applicability to a range of different risk scenarios, from ill-fitting replacement parts to catastrophic turbine failure.


Author(s):  
W. Mohamed ◽  
B. Al-Abri ◽  
P. Pilidis ◽  
A. Nasir

This paper looks at some of the financial implications of generating electricity using a 165 MW gas turbine based power plant operating in a warm coastal environment. The engine performance model is developed using the Turbomatch in-house software package capable of simulating engine performance at both design and off-design conditions. Given the long operational life of the power plant, the economic model uses the Net Present Value (NPV) technique to simulate and account for the time value of money. This allows techno-economic comparisons between various modes of operation and variations in power demand to be made. The modelling will be used to optimise operation using key economic and performance parameters. The modelling is based on the Techno-Economic, Environmental and Risk Analysis (TERA) philosophy which allows for a broad and multidimensional analysis of the problem to aid plant operation and equipment selection. The analysis shows that 30 °C increase in ambient temperature above the design point results in 11.5% increase in the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE). The analysis also shows that the LCOE is increased by 4.3 as a result of 5% degradation in turbine compressor.


Author(s):  
R. F. Caughill

The paper gives a brief review of the general specifications including performance requirements, operating conditions, and installation. It points out some of the design restrictions that were considered from a practical manufacturing viewpoint and some of the basic research that had taken place over a period of years. Field testing and operating experience are vital contents of the paper.


Author(s):  
Luigi Tozzi ◽  
Dave Petruska ◽  
John Emergy

Ignition systems for industrial gas turbines, in use for decades, continue to evolve with improving technology. A recent development is the use of microprocessors and solid-state semiconductor power switching devices (digital systems). Extensive testing of digital systems has demonstrated excellent ignitability, reliability, and plug life compared to traditional analog systems. Furthermore, digital systems demonstrate a potential for combustion feedback.


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