Re-Engineering of an Inlet Air Filtration System for a 100MW Combined Cycle Cogeneration Power Plant

Author(s):  
Moritz Dorschel ◽  
Stefan aus der Wiesche

Inlet air filtration systems are essential components for any power plant based on gas turbines, because poor air quality can significantly impact the operation and performance of the gas turbine. But higher pressure losses due to the filtration system have a negative impact to the power plant performance. In this paper, the field experience with a typical inlet air filtration system for a modern 100MW (electric) combined cycle cogeneration power plant (called “HKW Hafen”, Muenster, Germany) is discussed. The long-term observations demonstrated clearly the importance of the filtration system. A poor filtration performance was found for the initial system, and a re-design was initiated. With regard to this task, the use of computer-aided engineering tools (CAE) has proven its reliability. This approach enables an efficient tool for searching customized solutions for a specific power plant with a high confidence level. It was found that frequently used guidelines and supplier information are not completely sufficient for precise cost saving calculations.

Author(s):  
Weimar Mantilla ◽  
José García ◽  
Rafael Guédez ◽  
Alessandro Sorce

Abstract Under new scenarios with high shares of variable renewable electricity, combined cycle gas turbines (CCGT) are required to improve their flexibility, in terms of ramping capabilities and part-load efficiency, to help balance the power system. Simultaneously, liberalization of electricity markets and the complexity of its hourly price dynamics are affecting the CCGT profitability, leading the need for optimizing its operation. Among the different possibilities to enhance the power plant performance, an inlet air conditioning unit (ICU) offers the benefit of power augmentation and “minimum environmental load” (MEL) reduction by controlling the gas turbine inlet temperature using cold thermal energy storage and a heat pump. Consequently, an evaluation of a CCGT integrated with this inlet conditioning unit including a day-ahead optimized operation strategy was developed in this study. To establish the hourly dispatch of the power plant and the operation mode of the inlet conditioning unit to either cool down or heat up the gas turbine inlet air, a mixed-integer linear optimization (MILP) was formulated using MATLAB, aiming to maximize the operational profit of the plant within a 24-hours horizon. To assess the impact of the proposed unit operating under this dispatch strategy, historical data of electricity and natural gas prices, as well as meteorological data and CO2 emission allowances price, have been used to perform annual simulations of a reference power plant located in Turin, Italy. Furthermore, different equipment capacities and parameters have been investigated to identify trends of the power plant performance. Lastly, a sensitivity analysis on market conditions to test the control strategy response was also considered. Results indicate that the inlet conditioning unit, together with the dispatch optimization, increases the power plant’s operational profit by achieving a wider operational range, particularly important during peak and off-peak periods. For the specific case study, it is estimated that the net present value of the CCGT integrated with the ICU is 0.5% higher than the power plant without the unit. In terms of technical performance, results show that the unit reduces the minimum environmental load by approximately 1.34% and can increase the net power output by 0.17% annually.


Author(s):  
Michael Vollmer ◽  
Camille Pedretti ◽  
Alexander Ni ◽  
Manfred Wirsum

This paper presents the fundamentals of an evolutionary, thermo-economic plant design methodology, which enables an improved and customer-focused optimization of the bottoming cycle of a large Combined Cycle Power Plant. The new methodology focuses on the conceptual design of the CCPP applicable to the product development and the pre-acquisition phase. After the definition of the overall plant configuration such as the number of gas turbines used, the type of main cooling system and the related fix investment cost, the CCPP is optimized towards any criteria available in the process model (e.g. lowest COE, maximum NPV/IRR, highest net efficiency). In view of the fact that the optimization is performed on a global plant level with a simultaneous hot- and cold- end optimization, the results clearly show the dependency of the HRSG steam parameters and the related steam turbine configuration on the definition of the cold end (Air Cooled Condenser instead of Direct Cooling). Furthermore, competing methods for feedwater preheating (HRSG recirculation, condensate preheating or pegging steam), different HRSG heat exchanger arrangements as well as applicable portfolio components are automatically evaluated and finally selected. The developed process model is based on a fixed superstructure and copes with the full complexity of today’s bottoming cycle configurations as well with any constraints and design rules existing in practice. It includes a variety of component modules that are prescribed with their performance characteristics, design limitations and individual cost. More than 100 parameters are used to directly calculate the overall plant performance and related investment cost. Further definitions on payment schedule, construction time, operation regime and consumable cost results in a full economic life cycle calculation of the CCPP. For the overall optimization the process model is coupled to an evolutionary optimizer, whereas around 60 design parameters are used within predefined bounds. Within a single optimization run more than 100’000 bottoming cycle configurations are calculated in order to find the targeted optimum and thanks to today’s massive parallel computing resources, the solution can be found over night. Due to the direct formulation of the process model, the best cycle configuration is a result provided by the optimizer and can be based on a single-, dual or triple pressure system using non-reheat, reheat or double reheat configuration. This methodology enables to analyze also existing limitations and characteristics of the key components in the process model and assists to initiate new developments in order to constantly increase the value for power plant customers.


Author(s):  
M. D. Duran ◽  
A. Rovira

It is the purpose of this work to show how to select the best configuration as a function of the combined cycle power. It uses thermo-economic optimization technique based on flexible genetic algorithms (GA). These results will be based on a Thermoeconomic model developed in previous works, this maximizes the cash flow by choosing the correct parameters for the plant design — particularly those corresponding to the HRSG — subject to the restriction that hypothetical, but realistic turbines have already been chosen. This study begins with an analysis of the trends in the commercial gas turbines (GT) design. It was observed that in spite of the diverse companies, the design parameters as well as the turbine cost, follow certain trends depending on the turbine power. When a CCGT power plant is planned, once the GT is selected, is necessary to determine which configuration of the HRSG is the most appropriate in order to get the maximum performance and the best economical results. There is a wide variety of selections of CCGT power plants configurations. To facilitate the analysis of this ample number of CCGT systems we will apply our study to the following types of HRSG: Double pressure with and without reheater, Triple pressure levels with reheater and Triple pressure levels with reheater and supercritical pressure. As a result of this study it may be observed that some design trends should be established so as to decide which configuration (including supercritical cycles) is better to select to specific power.


Author(s):  
W. Peter Sarnacki ◽  
Richard Kimball ◽  
Barbara Fleck

The integration of micro turbine engines into the engineering programs offered at Maine Maritime Academy (MMA) has created a dynamic, hands-on approach to learning the theoretical and operational characteristics of a turbojet engine. Maine Maritime Academy is a fully accredited college of Engineering, Science and International Business located on the coast of Maine and has over 850 undergraduate students. The majority of the students are enrolled in one of five majors offered at the college in the Engineering Department. MMA already utilizes gas turbines and steam plants as part of the core engineering training with fully operational turbines and steam plant laboratories. As background, this paper will overview the unique hands-on nature of the engineering programs offered at the institution with a focus of implementation of a micro gas turbine trainer into all engineering majors taught at the college. The training demonstrates the effectiveness of a working gas turbine to translate theory into practical applications and real world conditions found in the operation of a combustion turbine. This paper presents the efforts of developing a combined cycle power plant for training engineers in the operation and performance of such a plant. Combined cycle power plants are common in the power industry due to their high thermal efficiencies. As gas turbines/electric power plants become implemented into marine applications, it is expected that combined cycle plants will follow. Maine Maritime Academy has a focus on training engineers for the marine and stationary power industry. The trainer described in this paper is intended to prepare engineers in the design and operation of this type of plant, as well as serve as a research platform for operational and technical study in plant performance. This work describes efforts to combine these laboratory resources into an operating combined cycle plant. Specifically, we present efforts to integrate a commercially available, 65 kW gas turbine generator system with our existing steam plant. The paper reviews the design and analysis of the system to produce a 78 kW power plant that approaches 35% thermal efficiency. The functional operation of the plant as a trainer is presented as the plant is designed to operate with the same basic functionality and control as a larger commercial plant.


Author(s):  
Yongjun Zhao ◽  
Vitali Volovoi ◽  
Mark Waters ◽  
Dimitri Mavris

Traditionally the gas turbine power plant preventive maintenances are scheduled with constant maintenance intervals based on recommendations from the equipment suppliers. The preventive maintenances are based on fleet wide experiences, and they are scheduled in a one-size-fit-all fashion. However, in reality, the operating conditions for each gas turbine may vary from site to site, and from unit to unit. Furthermore, the gas turbine is a repairable deteriorating system, and preventive maintenance usually restores only part of its performance. This suggests the gas turbines need more frequent inspection and maintenance as it ages. A unit specific sequential preventive maintenance approach is therefore needed for gas turbine power plants preventive maintenance scheduling. Traditionally the optimization criteria for preventive maintenance scheduling is usually cost based. In the deregulated electric power market, a profit based optimization approach is expected to be more effective than the cost based approach. In such an approach, power plant performance, reliability, and the market dynamics are considered in a joint fashion. In this paper, a novel idea that economics drive maintenance expense and frequency to more frequent repairs and greater expense as the equipment and components age is introduced, and a profit based unit specific sequential preventive maintenance scheduling methodology is developed. To demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed approach, this methodology is implemented using a base load combined cycle power plant with single gas turbine unit.


Author(s):  
B. Chudnovsky ◽  
L. Levin ◽  
A. Talanker ◽  
V. Mankovsky ◽  
A. Kunin

Diagnostics of large size combined-cycle power plant components (such as: Gas Turbine, HRSG, Steam Turbine and Condenser) plays a significant role in improving power plant performance, availability, reliability and maintenance scheduling. In order to prevent various faults in cycle operation and as a result a reliability reduction, special monitoring and diagnostic techniques is required, for engineering analysis and utility production management. In this sense an on-line supervision system has developed and implemented for 370 MW combined-cycle. The advanced diagnostic methodology is based on a comparison between actual and target conditions. The actual conditions are calculated using data set acquired continuously from the power plant acquisition system. The target conditions are calculated either as a defined actual best operation (Manufacturer heat balances) or by means of a physical model that reproduces boiler and plant performance at off-design. Both sets of data are then compared to find the reason of performance deviation and then used to monitor plant degradation, to support plant maintenance and to assist on-line troubleshooting. The performance calculation module provides a complete Gas Turbine, HRSG and Steam Turbine island heat balance and operating parameters. This paper describes a study where an on-line performance monitoring tool was employed for continuously evaluating power plant performance. The methodology developed and summarized herein has been successfully applied to large size 360–370 MW combined cycles based on GE and Siemens Gas Turbines, showing good capabilities in estimating the degradation of the main equipment during plant lifetime. Consequently, it is a useful tool for power plant operation and maintenance.


Author(s):  
Steve Ingistov ◽  
Michael Milos ◽  
Rakesh K. Bhargava

A suitable inlet air filter system is required for a gas turbine, depending on installation site and its environmental conditions, to minimize contaminants entering the compressor section in order to maintain gas turbine performance. This paper describes evolution of inlet air filter systems utilized at the 420 MW Watson Cogeneration Plant consisting of four GE 7EA gas turbines since commissioning of the plant in November 1987. Changes to the inlet air filtration system became necessary due to system limitations, a desire to reduce operational and maintenance costs, and enhance overall plant performance. Based on approximately 2 years of operational data with the latest filtration system combined with other operational experiences of more than 25 years, it is shown that implementation of the high efficiency particulate air filter system provides reduced number of crank washes, gas turbine performance improvement and significant economic benefits compared to the traditional synthetic media type filters. Reasons for improved gas turbine performance and associated economic benefits, observed via actual operational data, with use of the latest filter system are discussed in this paper.


2011 ◽  
Vol 133 (05) ◽  
pp. 30-33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lee S. Langston

This article explores the increasing use of natural gas in different turbine industries and in turn creating an efficient electrical system. All indications are that the aviation market will be good for gas turbine production as airlines and the military replace old equipment and expanding economies such as China and India increase their air travel. Gas turbines now account for some 22% of the electricity produced in the United States and 46% of the electricity generated in the United Kingdom. In spite of this market share, electrical power gas turbines have kept a much lower profile than competing technologies, such as coal-fired thermal plants and nuclear power. Gas turbines are also the primary device behind the modern combined power plant, about the most fuel-efficient technology we have. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is developing a new J series gas turbine for the combined cycle power plant market that could achieve thermal efficiencies of 61%. The researchers believe that if wind turbines and gas turbines team up, they can create a cleaner, more efficient electrical power system.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvia Ravelli

Abstract This study takes inspiration from a previous work focused on the simulations of the Willem-Alexander Centrale (WAC) power plant located in Buggenum (the Netherlands), based on integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) technology, under both design and off-design conditions. These latter included co-gasification of coal and biomass, in proportions of 30:70, in three different fuel mixtures. Any drop in the energy content of the coal/biomass blend, with respect to 100% coal, translated into a reduction in gas turbine (GT) firing temperature and load, according to the guidelines of WAC testing. Since the model was found to be accurate in comparison with operational data, here attention is drawn to the GT behavior. Hence part load strategies, such as fuel-only turbine inlet temperature (TIT) control and inlet guide vane (IGV) control, were investigated with the aim of maximizing the net electric efficiency (ηel) of the whole plant. This was done for different GT models from leading manufactures on a comparable size, in the range between 190–200 MW. The influence of fuel quality on overall ηel was discussed for three binary blends, over a wide range of lower heating value (LHV), while ensuring a concentration of H2 in the syngas below the limit of 30 vol%. IGV control was found to deliver the highest IGCC ηel combined with the lowest CO2 emission intensity, when compared not only to TIT control but also to turbine exhaust temperature control, which matches the spec for the selected GT engine. Thermoflex® was used to compute mass and energy balances in a steady environment thus neglecting dynamic aspects.


Author(s):  
Edgar Vicente Torres González ◽  
Raúl Lugo Leyte ◽  
Martín Salazar Pereyra ◽  
Helen Denise Lugo Méndez ◽  
Miguel Toledo Velázquez ◽  
...  

In this paper is carried out a comparison between a gas turbine power plant and a combined cycle power plant through exergetic and environmental indices in order to determine performance and sustainability aspects of a gas turbine and combined cycle plant. First of all, an exergetic analysis of the gas turbine and the combined is carried out then the exergetic and environmental indices are calculated for the gas turbine (case A) and the combined cycle (case B). The exergetic indices are exergetic efficiency, waste exergy ratio, exergy destruction factor, recoverable exergy ratio, environmental effect factor and exergetic sustainability. Besides, the environmental indices are global warming, smog formation and acid rain indices. In the case A, the two gas turbines generate 278.4 MW; whereas 415.19 MW of electricity power is generated by the combined cycle (case B). The results show that exergetic sustainability index for cases A and B are 0.02888 and 0.1058 respectively. The steam turbine cycle improves the overall efficiency, as well as, the reviewed exergetic indexes. Besides, the environmental indices of the gas turbines (case A) are lower than the combined cycle environmental indices (case B), since the combustion gases are only generated in the combustion chamber.


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