Fw: 'Flexible Gas Turbine Operation' - Alstom GT26/KA26 Press releases
Chris Hodrien
More on the Alstom (ex-ABB) KA-26 CCGT.
CH comment (re.the 2008 Emsland plant item below):
Quote: 'Against a background of the continuing uncertainties facing new build investment decisions in power generation [quite so!-CH], a key function of the new Emsland combined cycle power plant is to help maintain a diverse and balanced primary energy mix. It completes the RWE portfolio in the much sought-after medium and peak load segment..................'
- note that the medium and peak load segment of the German power market is described as 'much sought-after '. This is because they have a rational pricing system which properly values the asset to the grid of this essential type of plant, whereas in the crazy existing UK 'BETTA' arrangements (thanks to political/theoretical economists' dogma) there is no adequate annual capacity payment mechanism and the hapless owners of these plants are 'thrown to the lions' and left to sink/swim, which is why (in this vital/rapidly growing interruptible renewables balancing sector) 'no-one wants to go there', especially for new-build plant specifically targeted for maximum cost-effectiveness/ minimum emissions in this specific role. It is vital that the new EMR Reforms get this right - please all 'get into lobbying mode' with the DECC web consultation. -Chris.
http://www.alstom.com/germany/newsroom/press-releases/press-releases-milestoneinka24ka26/
A milestone reached by Alstom's KA24/KA26 combined cycle Power Plants
Alstom, 16jun10
The GT24/GT26 fleet has now accumulated over 3,650,000 fired operating hours with
more than 64,000 starts under various operating conditions, be it base-load, intermediate,
cycling or daily start stop.
The KA24/KA26 products were launched in time to catch the "Dash for Gas" boom that
was seen in both the 50 Hz and 60 Hz power markets at the back end of the 1990's. The
first GT24 was fired in 1995 in the Gilbert power station in the US and the first GT26 in
EnBW's 'RDK4' power plant in Germany in 1997.
The GT24/GT26 gas turbines were from the very outset designed to suit specifically the
high performance combined-cycle / cogeneration markets. Its design features made the
engine extremely well suited for high performance and low NOx emissions over a wide
load range (down to 40% CCPP load and below). Through this unique turn-down capability the KA24/KA26 power plants offer very high
operational flexibility. This is particularly suitable for today's market in which increased power production by renewable sources require
CCPP's to react quickly to meet the load demand when available wind or solar output is insufficient. In addition, the KA24/KA26 technology
offers the lowest minimum-load operating point in the market, with the ability to 'park' the entire CCPP on-line. at approximately 20% plant
load.
Another requirement of today's gas turbines is the ability to handle different fuel gas compositions without tripping. Alstom has invested
considerably into the combustion technology of its GT24/GT26 gas turbines, reaching today an outstanding level of flexibility against
fluctuations in the fuel gas composition.
Throughout the last 10-15 years, Alstom has introduced various upgrades of the GT24/GT26 gas turbines in conjunction with the KA24/KA26
combined cycle product offerings, pushing the performance - output, efficiency and part-load capability - upwards, the emissions downwards
and at the same time meeting the industry's reliability expectations. With the latest improvements of the gas turbines and the water-steam
cycle, Alstom now offers the KA26 in an integrated cycle solution with 872 MW net combined cycle plant output with 59.1% net plant
efficiency at ISO conditions*. The Emsland and Langage power plants, in Germany and UK are examples. This is among the highest
efficiency levels at base-load for a CCPP in this class, and a significant step for Alstom in the path to reach 60% net plant efficiency with the
existing engine platform.
Today, Alstom.s KA24/KA26 technology powers over 44 GW of electricity globally. The operational KA24/KA26 fleet continues to see high
service factors, which is also an indicator of the technology's inherent flexibility and ability to adapt to the dynamic power market forces. Many
new KA26 power plants will enter commercial operation in 2010 including Emsland in Germany, Combigolfe in France, Fujairah in the Middle
East and Grain and Staythorpe in the UK.
Commenting on reaching this milestone, Andreas Lusch, Senior Vice President, Thermal Systems, Alstom Power said, '
Alstom's plantintegration capability combined with excellent component performance and such accumulated experience will ensure competitive plants
continue to be built by Alstom for the world market'.
ess contact
Sapna Lalwani (Alstom Power) - Tel +41565563342
-----------------------------
Article Excerpt A new 876
MWe GT26-based multi-shaft combined cycle power plant under
construction at the Emsland site in Germany will contribute to supply
diversity in the RWE generation fuel mix. It will be capable of
fast start and quick response to changing demand conditions, with high
efficiency and low emissions even at part load. As well as
featuring the latest rating of the GT26 gas turbine, it
also includes innovations in the water/steam cycle. The
plant will, for example, employ HRSGs of the OCC/OT (Optimised for
Cycling and Constructability/Once Through) type, and, for
the first time in a European plant of this size, the HP section
uses a once-through cycle design.
http://www.alstom.com/assetmanagement/DownloadAsset.aspx?ID=6a87e8d4-c532-45b5-8b56-9ec6bdbc5e24&version=a6d77a16c6014019b06d1c17fa6e43ff4.pdf and:
http://goliath.ecnext.com/coms2/gi_0199-7714647/Emsland-KA26-power-plant-high.html
-
Introduction of once-through circulation principle in water / steam
cycle
and heat recovery steam generator
- Water/steam cycle
optimised for increased performance
- Titanium blading for steam
turbine (!!)
- Compact multi-shaft blocks
Emsland KA26 power plant: high efficiency with
flexibility.
Publication: Modern Power
Systems
Publication Date: 01-MAR-08Format: Online
Delivery: Immediate Online
Access
Full Article Title: Emsland KA26 power plant:
high efficiency with flexibility.(COMBINED
CYCLE)
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The Emsland power plant
site close to the city of Lingen in Lower Saxony, Germany, has for many
years played an important role in RWE's power generation portfolio. In
1974/75 two 420 MWe natural gas fired combined cycle units came on stream.
In 1988 a nuclear plant, a large pressurised water reactor (currently
rated at 1400 MWe), was commissioned at the site.
Now a new highly
flexible natural gas fuelled 876 MWe combined cycle power plant
is under construction there, maintaining the strategic importance of the
site in the context of RWE's overall system.
Against a
background of the continuing uncertainties facing new build investment
decisions in power generation, a key function of the new Emsland
combined cycle power plant is to help maintain a diverse and balanced
primary energy mix. It completes the RWE portfolio in the much
sought-after medium and peak load segment and is part of the
current power generation and modernisation programme underway within RWE
Power.
A particular
attraction of the site is the excellent gas supply, with access to five
gas networks. One of the five gas pipelines, the Vlieghuis line, is
connected to the Dutch gas exchange, TTF, which allows gas to be supplied
at short notice.
Another benefit of the
site is that use can be made of the existing
infrastructure for the new plant, and synergies
between the old and new units can be exploited. For example,
there will be a joint operation centre for the existing
twin gas units and the new combined cycle plant. Combining the control
centres also helps to optimise the deployment of operations and service
personnel across each of the units.
Water is supplied from
the Dortmund-Ems canal which passes by the
site....
----- Original Message -----From: Chris HodrienTo: John Griffiths (HOME) ; John Davison (IEA GHG) ; Jon Gibbins ; Tom Sheriff ; Geoff Shackleton ; Hugh Sharman (Clav Gp) ; Xi Liang-ExeterSent: Saturday, December 18, 2010 3:00 PMSubject: Article: 'Flexible Gas Turbine Operation Is Vital for a Robust Grid with renewables'Exactly supports what I've been saying all along in general about the optimal fossil 'supply-side' solution to renewables backup flexibility challenges (I'm not saying that user-side 'STOR' backup contracts or 'Smart-grid' can't do even better). Excellent, clear article in general (intro' section below). I'd forgotten about this operational 'angle' (attribute) on this well-established, proven, cost-effective, large-output GT product. '- Just what the doctor ordered'! Can be used in either open or combined cycle depending on intended load pattern, or a 'hybrid' plant with a CC bypass stack, or (very!) large-scale CHP. can get power enhancement now using wet or dry-type inlet-chilling. Inlet chilling can be combined with proven low-cost 'coolth' ice/water storage from cheap off-peak power (already demo'd by EPRI at full scale in 2 US commercial powerplants in mid-1990s) to further increase operational flexibility/economics. Could in principle be developed in future for Intercooled (IC),dry-recuperated or steam-injected (STIG) cycles for optimised part-load economics, all at lower Capex/kW and greater operational flexibility than Combined Cycle. And if you want it CO2-neutral, you can run it (right now) on cleaned-up AD biogas or LFG, or (with some testing/Warranty work) on bio-ethanol/bio-diesel/bio-methanol. Add pre- or post-capture CCS and you have very affordable, proven, C-negative technology!This GT26 machine/ KA26 combined-cycle concept is 'near-ideal', for big 290-870 MW units, but 'my' GE LMS-100 can beat it on open-cycle efficiency (46% vs. 38% LHV baseload, even higher with inlet chilling), or beat it on Capex cost vs. KA-26 combined cycle, in nice modular, highly compact/transportable 100 MWe packages. It will win on cold startup speed too.
-------------------------
(Inlet chilling ref:
'The MeeFog™ system is simply the world’s most cost-effective GT power-augmentation technology compared to other options such as refrigeration or traditional evaporative media.
MeeFog takes the guesswork out of Power Recovery & Gas Turbine efficiency. Mee Industries is the original developer of inlet fog cooling, a technology designed to increase gas turbine power output. Since 1990, over 700 systems have been installed in turbine engines at peaking power stations and cogeneration power plants worldwide, demonstrating substantial power gains along with significant reductions in heat rate and NOx emissions'.)-------------------
http://www.powermag.com/gas/Flexible-Turbine-Operation-Is-Vital-for-a-Robust-Grid_2955.html
Power magazine, September 1, 2010
Flexible Gas Turbine Operation Is Vital for a Robust Grid
By Dr. Robert Peltier, PE - Chief Editor
Renewable electricity generation has many environmental advantages, but adding large amounts of far-flung renewable resources to a grid requires increased operating flexibility from dispatchable generators when the wind doesn’t blow or the sun doesn’t shine. One promising option: A combined-cycle plant based on Alstom’s GT24/GT26 combustion turbine can be “parked” at approximately 20%** plant load while producing emissions comparable to those during baseload operation—with little loss in thermal efficiency. When demand returns, the combined cycle can return to baseload within minutes.
Renewable generation capacity, mainly solar and wind, has grown rapidly over the past couple of years in the U.S. and several other countries, outpacing all other forms of generation except natural gas. Utilities are developing these alternative generation resources for reasons that range from altruism (it’s good for their customers and the environment) to compliance (a Renewable Portfolio Standard that must be met). Regardless of the reason, adding 'non-dispatchable' renewables to an electricity transmission and distribution grid designed for instantaneous demand response adds an additional layer of complexity for power generators and grid operators.
Large generators, such as coal and nuclear plants, were traditionally designed for baseload power supply. As renewable resources have entered service, coal-fired plants in some regions of the U.S. have transitioned into intermediate load plants, and many combined-cycle plants, also originally designed as baseload, are now daily peaking plants. In some locations, combined-cycle plants are “two-cycled” daily: The plant is brought online for the morning peak, shut down or reduced to minimum load, and then started again to meet an evening peak.
To be sure, the fate of gas-fired combined-cycle plants is intimately tied to the price of natural gas. As a result, many are operated only during peak hours of the summer months. The point is that the 'dispatch order' of various plant types is in flux, as every utility or grid operator uses its unique economic rules and predictive methods to determine how much spinning reserve and dispatchable backup power is required to handle potential grid demand excursions.
The options for providing spinning reserve or backup power for renewable generation are few, and they are all expensive. Sometimes, purchased power can fill the deficit, assuming that sufficient reserve capacity is available. Some electricity suppliers have built small, reciprocating engine or simple-cycle gas turbine plants for the sole purpose of grid stabilization and renewable backup power. Many regions rely on gas-fired simple-cycle or combined-cycle plants as renewable generation backup and 'live with' the practical limits of that decision: The turndown of industrial gas turbines is limited, part-load efficiency is poor, start-up from cold iron is slow, emissions at part-load operation usually exceed permit limits, and adding more start-up hours shortens equipment life.
Usually, the decision about what type of backup power to provide entails 'making do' with current assets rather than installing new ones to optimize the evolving spinning reserve and backup power demands on the grid.
An Elegant Solution
If you ask a grid operator or dispatcher responsible for 'meshing' renewable and conventional generation to describe the characteristics of the ideal dispatchable plant, the likely response will be “a gas-fired plant that has quick start-up capability to respond to system emergencies, offers exceptional turndown with rapid load response, stays close to design point efficiency, and meets emissions limits at all loads.” Multiple small gas-fired reciprocating engine plants come close to this, but are not economic when considering a large 'power block' of several hundred megawatts. Existing combustion turbines can turn down to about 50% load, but their thermal efficiency drops and NOX/CO/ CO2 emissions skyrocket. Unlikely as it seems, there is a combined-cycle design that has the ideal specifications.
Alstom has developed a 'Low Load Operation Capability' (LLOC) operating mode for its KA24 and KA26 combined-cycle power plants, which are based on the advanced GT24/GT26 'Sequential Combustion turbine (CT). The LLOC allows the plant to operate at loads less than 25% while maintaining operation of the 'steam side' of the plant with respectable plant efficiency. The result is a plant design that not only avoids the need for plant shutdown in the evening and start-up in the morning but also remains ready to provide renewable generation spinning reserve. (See the online feature “What Utility Executives Think About the Smart Grid” for evidence that North American resource planners are recognizing the need for this sort of flexible generation.) As an added benefit, this plant’s ability to maintain the highest efficiencies at part-load conditions provides an operator with a competitive advantage in a merchant power market (see sidebar).
There are a number of operational and maintenance implications of Alstom’s LLOC that will be explored in the remainder of this article. The key design features that should be of great interest to both grid operators and plant owners are these:
- The plant can be operated at very low load during periods of low 'spark spreads' (typical overnight operation), and the grid operator can make immediate use of its spinning reserve once spark spreads increase or if emergency power is required by the grid.
- Avoiding unneeded CT start-ups eliminates the GT lifetime penalty incurred for each GT stop/start.
- Plant emissions levels are similar to those at baseload and well within typical permit requirements. Cumulative emissions are reduced compared to parking a power block at a higher minimum load.
- Energy consumption saving during low spark spread periods compared with operating at higher minimum loads.
- Full online spinning reserve, thereby avoiding start failure risks and possible associated grid dispatch penalties.
.................. (3 more pages on web-link)
dave andrews
> Publication Date: 01-MAR-08
> Format: Online
> Delivery: Immediate Online
> Access
>
> Full Article Title: Emsland KA26 power plant:
> high efficiency with flexibility.(COMBINED
> CYCLE)
>
>
>
>
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>
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> Article Excerpt
>
> A new 876
> MWe GT26-based multi-shaft combined cycle power plan
--
Dave Andrews
UK + 44 (0) 755 265 9166
+ 44 (0) 1225 837978
+ 31 (0) 617864028
+ 31 (0) 224 565 448
