In 2010, according to the International Energy Agency, coal fired power plants provided 49% of U.S. electricity — far higher than its 31.2% share of electric generating capacity — due to coal plants being run at higher capacity rates. This was due to the stable costs associated with coal as compared with the volatility of the natural gas markets. The remaining coal plants, which represents over 200GW of capacity, will likely require significant investment in air quality control systems (AQCS) and efficiency upgrades to survive. 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 likely have to have AQCS, which can consume up to 30% parasitic load (i.e. carbon capture). This load loss 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. Opinions will be presented on the dynamic nature of the market.
Skip Nav Destination
ASME 2011 Power Conference collocated with JSME ICOPE 2011
July 12–14, 2011
Denver, Colorado, USA
Conference Sponsors:
- Power Division
ISBN:
978-0-7918-4459-5
PROCEEDINGS PAPER
Steam Turbine Modernizations at Operating Fossil Power Plants: An Approach to Maximize Efficiency and Optimize Coal Power Plants
Michael W. Smiarowski
Michael W. Smiarowski
Siemens Energy, Inc., Orlando, FL
Search for other works by this author on:
Michael W. Smiarowski
Siemens Energy, Inc., Orlando, FL
Paper No:
POWER2011-55232, pp. 529-536; 8 pages
Published Online:
February 28, 2012
Citation
Smiarowski, MW. "Steam Turbine Modernizations at Operating Fossil Power Plants: An Approach to Maximize Efficiency and Optimize Coal Power Plants." Proceedings of the ASME 2011 Power Conference collocated with JSME ICOPE 2011. ASME 2011 Power Conference, Volume 1. Denver, Colorado, USA. July 12–14, 2011. pp. 529-536. ASME. https://doi.org/10.1115/POWER2011-55232
Download citation file:
9
Views
Related Proceedings Papers
Related Articles
Combined Cycles With CO 2 Capture: Two Alternatives for System Integration
J. Eng. Gas Turbines Power (June,2010)
Technoeconomic Analysis of Microalgae Cofiring Process for Fossil Fuel-Fired Power Plants
J. Energy Resour. Technol (March,2011)
Environmental Impact of Fossil Fuel Fired Co-Generation Plants Using a Numerically Standardized LCA Scheme
J. Energy Resour. Technol (March,2003)
Related Chapters
Introduction
Consensus on Operating Practices for Control of Water and Steam Chemistry in Combined Cycle and Cogeneration
Combined Cycle Power Plant
Energy and Power Generation Handbook: Established and Emerging Technologies
Conclusions
Clean and Efficient Coal-Fired Power Plants: Development Toward Advanced Technologies