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SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, NORTH AMERICAN

POWER GENERATION GROUP Richard Baker
(918) 831-9187 richardb@pennwell.com

Power Engineering is the flagship

media sponsor for

NATIONAL BRAND MANAGER Veronica Foster

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FEATURES 120

Gas
14 Improving
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The need for cleaner, more efficient next generation

turbine technology is critical. See what researchers are
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20

Saving for a Sunny Day

Increasingly affordable energy storage technologies

like chemical batteries are giving utilities alternative
ways to manage capacity bottlenecks and avoid
larger capital investments in traditional infrastructure.

24 The Case for Nuclear Power

The business of nuclear power is collapsing

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1609pe_1 1

No.8, September 2016

YEARS

28

Optimizing CCR
Waste Management

Small efficiencies can add up to big savings. There

is a new way to store and transport coal combustion
residuals (CCR) while reducing operating costs and
simplifying movement of CCR material.

33

Advanced Gas Turbine

Materials and Processes

Gas turbine manufacturers are pursuing a

number of advanced manufacturing techniques,
including new materials, complex geometries,
enhanced cooling architectures, and new highperformance coatings.

DEPARTMENTS
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Opinion
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9/9/16 4:26 PM

OPINION

How Natural Gas

Production has Changed
BY RUSSELL RAY, CHIEF EDITOR

bout five years ago, when natural

gas prices continued to linger at
historic lows, I was one of many
who predicted a quick return to the volatility once synonymous with the natural
gas market.
Todays unflappable, low-priced environment is a stark contrast to the Wild
West exploration and production market
of the past.
It wasnt unusual for natural gas prices
to spike from $2 per million Btu (MMBtu)
to $14 per MMBtu in a matter of months.
Drilling rigs would be deployed en masse,
supplies would slowly replenish and
prices would drop. The boom-bust cycle
would be repeated for several decades.
Like the sunrise and sunset, it was a customary and familiar occurrence.

Lucian Pugliaresi

But this fundamental assumption

about the natural gas market is no longer
true. Turns out the generous estimates of
recoverable gas supplies in the U.S., which
were questioned by many skeptics, are
more precise than we thought.
In the U.S., we no longer have to wage
an extensive search for new supplies or
deploy a fleet of drilling rigs to exploit
2

1609pe_2 2

them. Over the years, natural gas producers have tapped into immense natural gas
resources that have long been trapped in
a thin, nonporous rock known as shale.
Today, bringing in more supply is as simple as turning on a spigot, said Lucian
Pugliaresi, president of the Energy Policy
Research Foundation.
Its much like a manufacturing process, Pugliaresi said last month during
the keynote session at POWER-GEN Natural Gas 2016 in Columbus, Ohio.
Thanks to new production methods,
including hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling, natural gas production
in the U.S. has fundamentally changed,
Pugliaresi said. Specifically, producers
can ramp up gas production much more
quickly in response to rising demand,
which means we may have entered an era
of long-term stability in the price of natural gas in the U.S.
We cannot find any reasonable or even
unreasonable demand forecast that stresses the resource base, Pugliaresi said. We
dont see any problem with the supply
side. We dont have a resource problem.
According to a new study released last
month by Resources for the Future, a
think tank devoted to the research and
analysis of natural resources, natural gas
produced from unconventional resources
such as shale are 2.7 times more responsive to changes in demand than conventional production. The reason is this: Unconventional wells produce significantly
more gas at a consistent and faster flow
rate. Production from these wells behave
more like a manufacturing process, the
study found.
Today, natural gas produced from shale
formations accounts for 50 percent of
U.S. natural gas production, according to

the Energy Information Administration

(EIA). Whats more, natural gas production from shale is projected to rise over
the next 24 years, accounting for nearly 70
percent of U.S. gas production by 2040.
This means the return on investments
in gas-fired power generation will be
greater versus the building booms of the
past, when gas-fired plants built on the
promise of low-cost fuel were shut down
amid sharp spikes in the price of gas.
Power generation will account for 34
percent of the growth in natural gas consumption between 2015 and 2040, according EIA. During the 25-year period,
natural gas consumption in the U.S will
rise 1 percent a year, from 28 trillion cubic
feet (Tcf) in 2015 to 34 Tcf in 2040.
Nearly 19,000 MW of power generation fueled with natural gas is expected
to be built and commissioned in the U.S.
between 2016 and 2018. Not surprisingly,
much of that capacity (52 percent) is being built near shale formations.
According to data released earlier this
month by the EIA, natural gas was by far
the leading source of generation in the
U.S. during the first half of 2016. Natural
gas accounted for 33.5 percent of electricity produced through June while coal accounted for 28.1 percent.
Whats more, power produced with
natural gas reached an all-time high in
July. In EIAsshort-term energy outlook,
the agency found that gas-fired power
plants generated 4,950 gigawatt-hours of
power each day in July, up 9 percent from
the previous record high set in July 2015.
Im a skeptic and I dont like bandwagons. It took a while, but Im jumping on.
If you have a question or a comment,
contact me at russellr@pennwell.com.
Follow me on Twitter @RussellRay1.
www.power-eng.com

9/9/16 4:26 PM

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INDUSTRY NEWS

PG&E Files Plan to Shut

Down Nuclear Plant
Ajoint proposalwas filed in California
that lays a roadmap for increasingenergy
efficiency, renewables and storage while
phasing out production at the Diablo
Canyonnuclear powerplant by 2025.

Natural gas will overtake coal as the

leading source of power generation this
year, accounting for 34.3 percent of all
generation, according to EIAs report.
Coals share of the generation pie will
be 30.3 percent in 2016. Nuclear and renewable resources will account for 19.4
percent and 14.8 percent of generation,
respectively, this year.

First Offshore Wind Farm

a Sign of Things to Come

Pacific Gas & Electric, along with labor

and environmental groups, filed with
the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) a joint proposal to increase
investment in energy efficiency, renewables and energy storage beyond current
state mandates. The plan also includes
steps to phase out PG&Es production
atDiablo Canyon, which would be shut
down when the operating licenses expires
on Nov. 2, 2024 for Unit 1, and Aug. 26,
2025 for Unit 2. PG&E ended any efforts
to renew the operating licenses, and asked
the NRC to suspend consideration of the
pending renewal application. PG&E will
withdraw the application upon CPUC approval of the joint proposal.

Natural Gas Generation

Rises to New High in July
Power produced with natural gas
reached an all-time high in July, the U.S.
Energy Information Administration said
last month.
In its short-term energy outlook, the
agency found that gas-fired power plants
generated 4,950 gigawatt-hours of power
each day in July, up 9 percent from the
previous record high set in July 2015. The
increase was driven by warmer weather,
which boosted the use electricity for cooling, and low gas prices.
4

1609pe_4 4

The nations first offshore wind farm is

set to open off the coast of Rhode Island
this fall, ushering in a new era in the U.S.
for the industry.
Developers, federal regulators and industry experts say the opening will move
the U.S. industry from a theory to reality, paving the way for the construction of
many more wind farms that will eventually provide power for many Americans.
Deepwater Wind is building a five-turbine wind farm off Block Island, Rhode
Island to power about 17,000 homes. The
project costs about $300 million, according to the company.
CEO Jeffrey Grybowski said the Block
Island wind farm enables larger projects
because it proves that wind farms can be
built along the nations coast.
I look at Block Island as sort of the key
to unlocking the code of how to do offshore wind in the U.S., he said.
This comes as other states have suddenly woken up to offshore winds potential, Grybowski added.

EDF Orders 80 Vestas

Wind Turbines
Vestas Wind Systems A/S Vestas
Wind Systems A/S will supply 160-MW
ofwindturbines for future U.S. projects
built by EDF Renewable Energy.
The master supply agreement includes
supply and commissioning of the 80,
2.0-MW wind turbines as well as an Active Output Management 5000 service
agreement and a full-scope service package. Nacelles, blades and towers will be

produced at Vestas Colorado facilities.

The contract covers deliveries in 2016 to
2019.

Exelon to Buy FitzPatrick

Nuclear Plant
The FitzPatrick nuclear power plant in
upstate New York will avoid closure as Exelon Generationsaid it willassume ownership of the plantfrom Entergy.
As part of the $110 million agreement,
Entergy will transfer FitzPatricks operating license to Exelon.
The New York Power Authority agreed
to transfer the decommissioning trust
fund and liability for the plant to Entergy.
Once regulatory approvals are obtained
and the deal is finalized, Entergy will
then transfer the fund and associated liability to Exelon.
The transaction is expected to close in
the second quarter of 2017 pending approvals from state and federal agencies,
including the U.S. Department of Justice,
the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
and the New York State Public Service
Commission.
The deal was announced after New
York regulators approved the Clean Energy Standard, which provides several
incentives for the states nuclear power
plants.

LG&E, KU to Cap
Remaining Coal Ash Ponds
Louisville Gas and Electric (LG&E) and
Kentucky Utilities(KU) received approval
from the Kentucky Public Service Commission to cap and close the remaining
coal ash ponds at the utilitys active and
retired power plants.
The plan is part of an effort to meet federal environmental regulations.
While the commission did not approve
the entire unanimous settlement agreement reached in June between all parties,
the ruling does allow the utilities to invest
nearly $1 billion to meet environmental regulations, including the EPAsCoal
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9/9/16 4:26 PM

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Combustion Residuals rule that became

effective late last year.
KU and LG&E filed projects, with an
estimated cost of $678 million and $316
million respectively, mainly for the capping and closure of the utilities surface
impoundments.

Amazon Data Centers

Powered by New Wind Farm
Pattern Energy Group dedicated a 150MW wind powerproject in Indiana that
would help supply power to data centers
run by Amazon Web Services.
The Amazon Wind Farm Fowler
Ridge consists of 65 Siemens 2.3 MW
wind turbines. The turbine blades, nacelles, towers, and transformers were
manufactured in the U.S.
Mortenson Construction managed
construction of the site. About 175 workers, on average, were on site during construction, and there are ten full-time permanent workers to operate and maintain
the facility.
The wind farm is expected to add an
estimated $45 million over 25 years to
the regional economy through property
taxes, landowner royalties, and support
for local causes.

Kemper Power Plant

to Cost $43 Million More
Mississippi Power said it will take at
least another month to put into operation the coal gasification power plantit is
building inKemper County.
Atlanta-basedSouthern Company, the
utilitys parent, said it is pushing back the
completion date from Sept. 30 to Oct. 31.

1609pe_6 6

Mississippi Power spokesman Jeff

Shepard said the extension will increase
the cost of the plant by $43 million. However, the company will absorb those costs,
he said. Southern says it needs time to
modify equipment and reach sustained
operations. The increase pushes the total
cost of the plant above $6.8 billion. The
cost of the plant and associatedcoalmine
were originally estimated at $2.9 billion.

Holt Named CEO of Siemens

Power Generation Services
Siemens appointedTim Oliver Holtas
the new CEO of itsPower Generation Services Division(PGSD).
Holt is currently the CEO of the Power
Business Unit within the PGSD. He will
replace outgoing CEORandy Zwirn, who
is retiring.
With Randys retirement, were losing a highly experienced leader who has
played a major role in shaping our Siemens service business and the digital
trends of the future. Hes had a strong influence on the development of the power
generation business at Siemens for nearly
twenty years, said Lisa Davis, member of
the Managing Board of Siemens AG. Tim
Holts many years of experience make
him the perfect successor.

Duke Energy Completes Los

Vientos Wind Power Projects
After more than four years, the last of
the Los Vientos wind power projects in
Texas has been completed by Duke Energy Renewables. Altogether, 426 wind
turbines were installed over more than
four years.
The final project, Los Vientos IV with a
capacity of 200 MW, recently began commercial operation near the Rio Grande
in Starr County, Texas. Los Vientos I was
commissioned in 2012. The five projects
have a total capacity of 900 MW.
The power and associated tax credits from Los Vientos IV are being sold to
Austin Energy under a 25-year power purchase agreement.

NextEra to Buy
Oncor for $18.4 Billion
NextEra Energy announced plans to
buy an 80 percent stake in Texas transmission company Oncor Electric Delivery for $18.4 billion.
The deal is part of the restructuring of Energy Future Holdings, which
declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy two
years ago. If the deal is approved,
NextEra would gain 200,000 miles of
power lines and 8.6 million customer
accounts. NextEra said it would maintain Oncors Dallas headquarters and
would not lay off any employees or cut
salaries for at least two years.
A federal bankruptcy judge must still
approve the deal. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of
2017. The deal comes a month after NextEra terminated its $2.6 billion acquisition of Hawaiian Electric Company.

Renewable, Nuclear Power

to Rise in North America
If the U.S. Clean Power Plan (CPP)
survives in court, power produced
with renewable and nuclear resources
in North America will grow from 38
percent in 2015 to 45 percent in 2025,
according to the Energy Information
Administration.
The agency pointed to the recent agreement between Canada, Mexico and the
U.S. to produce half of their power supplies from low-carbon resources by 2025.
Theprojectionassumes implementation of the CPP, which was placed on
hold by the U.S. Supreme Court, will
begin in 2022.
The extension of certain tax credits,
significant cost reductions, and recognition of future CPP requirements
result in a large increase in renewable
generation between 2015 and 2025,
EIA said Tuesday.
During the same period, coal-fired
generation will drop 13 percent while
the share of power produced with natural gas rises 4 percent, EIA said.
www.power-eng.com

9/9/16 4:26 PM

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ENERGY MATTERS

The Benefits of
RICEs in Distributed
Generation
BY CHRISTOPHER MARKS, PE, BURNS & MCDONNELL

n the rapidly evolving power generation market, many power producers are looking for new solutions to
overcome the present challenges. Large
base-loaded facilities are giving way
to smaller distributed renewable and
natural gas-fired sources of generation.
This shift has created an opportunity for different technologies to take
more prominent roles in the market.
Among these are natural gas-fired,
medium-speed reciprocating internal
combustion engines (RICEs).
Historically, RICEs have played a minor role in the power generation market,
with low output, high-speed RICEs being
used as backup sources of generation for
industrial facilities and hospitals utilizing liquid fuels. However, manufacturers such as Wrtsil, Caterpillar, GE,
Fairbanks-Morse, Mitsubishi, and RollsRoyce are seeing increased demand for
larger, medium-speed RICEs. These are
based on mature technology, can output
4-20 megawatts electrical (MWe) and offer higher reliability, lower emissions, and
higher efficiency than their smaller, higher-speed counterparts.
In fact, many power producers are discovering the advantages of using RICEs
for distributed generation. This model
allows power producers to right-size
their projects, compete in the ancillary
service markets, and provide flexibility to
respond to market volatility.
Many municipal utilities purchase
power through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with another producer. However, this arrangement is not always optimal for the utility or its customers. PPA
pricing typically tracks the market cost
8

1609pe_8 8

of electricity, so imbalances in the market are, unfortunately, passed along to

consumers through increased costs. By
installing RICEs, many municipal utilities have been able to obtain a controllable asset at a competitive cost that can
provide generation at the right time and
right place. This helps to mitigate spikes
in power pricing that would otherwise be
passed along to customers. Instead, the
municipal utility is able to produce power at a more stable cost, generate savings,
and potentially create profitable revenue
opportunities to further reduce costs to
customers. RICEs are also a viable option
for replacing retired generating assets,
such as gas boilers, that are no longer
competitive due to diminishing heat rates
or environmental restrictions.
Similarly, RICEs offer an attractive solution for power producers to install rightsized generation for a dedicated user,
such as a municipality or industrial user,
through a PPA. RICEs occupy a relatively
small plant footprint and can be co-located with an existing user to provide the
power required. During times when that
user does not demand full plant output,
the remaining capacity can be shut down
or sold on the open market.
Additionally, RICEs allow power producers to compete in the ancillary service
markets available in some regional transmission organizations (RTOs), and those
which may become available or more
valuable in the future. RICEs offer a very
flat efficiency across their output curves,
meaning that part-load heat rates are very
favorable for spinning reserve and precise
load-following applications. In fact, the
low output per shaft, compared to other

technologies, is actually a great benefit

for load-following. Since each individual engine is capable of ramping from
minimum load to full load in just a few
minutes, the entire facility can respond
just as rapidly to changes in demand.
In keeping with the high ramp rate,
RICEs require less than ten minutes to
reach full load after receiving the start
command. This makes them favorable
options for providing black start and
non-spinning reserve, as well.
Furthermore, RICEs offer opportunities for load growth in markets that are
otherwise saturated with generation.
Due to recent increases in renewable and
gas generation, coupled with the large
amount of base-load coal generation
scheduled for decommissioning, market
volatility is a factor for many power producers in planning future projects. With
rapid start and ramp rates, RICEs allow
power producers to take full advantage of
price spikes even with a low capacity factor of 15-20 percent.
Although relatively new to the utility-scale power generating industry, RICEs
have proven themselves to be a valuable
part of many producers portfolios. They
are a mature and reliable technology offering high availability and flexibility.
Due to the relatively small output, flat
efficiency curve, and high ramp rates,
RICEs offer an attractive solution for
many challenges facing the power generation market. In applications demanding
a competitive optimally sized solution,
participation in the ancillary services
markets, or load-following capability,
RICEs show their value regardless of the
intended capacity factor.
www.power-eng.com

9/9/16 4:26 PM

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GAS GENERATION

Advancements in Duct
Firing Technology
BY MAT PALMER, PRODUCT LINE MANAGER AT SIEMENS POWER AND GAS

dvancements in gas-fired generation are allowing high efficiency

and flexible operation of ductfired plants for the first time. Conventional duct-firing in combined-cycle power plants is slow to respond to fast load
changes. For highly duct-fired plants, conventional technology can reduce unfired
efficiency. New technologies now enable
fast starting and load changing capability for duct-fired, combined-cycle plants,
and the ability to achieve high unfired efficiency even in highly duct-fired plants.
These capabilities are achieved by combining new technologies, including a fast
duct firing system, with modifications to
the steam cycle that result in increased
efficiency during non-duct fired operation. A plant utilizing these technologies
can increase revenue by being flexible
enough to support rapid load changes
and efficient enough to save fuel and
reduce emissions. Technologies such as
these also provide other technical advantages that increase plant dispatch rate.

FLEXIBILITY
These technologies can make a ductfired power plant flexible for the first time
ever. Plants with conventional duct firing
are limited to a ramp rate of about 3 MW/
min. New technologires provide an integrated plant system that allows the entire
output of the plant to change load at the
full ramp rate of the gas turbine, ramping
at about 40 MW/minute per gas turbine.
This performance is achieved through an
integrated design and control approach
in which equipment is sized and rated for
transient operation, and the control logic
is programmed to keep equipment within
design limits while ramping rapidly. New
10

1609pe_10 10

available technology has been enabled

by experts that evaluated and designed
active components together as a system,
instead of using a traditional approach of
attaching independently designed parts.
The resulting flexibility opens the door to
using duct firing to support the rapid load
swings that are occurring with increasing
frequency in every region of the country.

MODIFIED STEAM
CYCLE FOR HIGHER
EFFICIENCY AND LOWER
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Duct firing has been used as a low-cost
option to add capacity to combined-cycle
power plants for nearly as long as combined-cycle gas turbines have existed.
However, many plants equipped with
duct firing only utilize the duct burners
about 20 percent of the year.
Depending on the level of duct firing,
when the duct burners arent dispatched
the plant has unused steam turbine capacity. Use of a steam turbine that is not
size-optimized to plant flow can reduce
the operating efficiency of the plant. To
improve plant unfired efficiency, Siemens
modifies the way the steam is routed
through the steam turbine in the unfired
mode, enabling a more optimized flow
path both fired and unfired, and high unfired efficiency even in highly duct-fired
plants.

TECHNICAL ADVANTAGES
RETURN ECONOMIC
ADVANTAGES
The fast duct firing system and the
modified steam cycle enable higher revenue in todays market. Higher unfired
efficiency means that more power can

be generated, while consuming less fuel,

which reduces operating costs. The reduction in fuel consumption also means
fewer emissions from the power plant.
This reduces greenhouse gas production
and potentially avoids costs for emissions
credits.
The fast duct firing system and higher
unfired efficiency can also result in higher plant dispatch. In a conventional power
plant, high duct firing can result in higher
revenue in the form of increased capacity
payments, or by enabling higher power
production during times of high demand.
The price of this additional capacity
used to be a lower un-duct-fired heat rate.
This new cycle design improves unfired
efficiency, which can improve the dispatch order of the plant during times of
lower demand.
This flexibility also provides an additional dispatch benefit; plants are able to
operate to the full base load, instead of
being forced to reserve or hold back plant
megawatts.
Some power plant operators in different regions are forced by either grid rules
or operational requirements to operate
the plant at lower than base load, in order to have 2 to 10 percent of their power
available at all times. Because the power
needs to be rapidly available, standard
duct firing will not be able to meet this
need. With the addition of a fast duct
firing system, the operator is able to dispatch the entire base load of the plant and
support the real-time changes in the grid
with duct-fired capacity.
hese additional megawatts have been
evaluated by a Siemens customer employing this technology to increase revenue
upwards of 5 percent per day.
www.power-eng.com

9/9/16 4:26 PM

VIEW ON RENEWABLES

Innovation in PV
Module Generating
Capacity Will Drive
Industry Growth
BY JING TIAN, HEAD OF GLOBAL MARKETING, TRINA SOLAR
AND GAUTAM GHOSE, PRODUCT MARKETING MANAGER, TRINA SOLAR

key factor that may be under-appreciated in accounting for the

astonishing growth of the solar industry since 2011 is expansion of
electricity-generating capacity. When
photovoltaic (PV) solar modules first experienced wide adoption, most systems
used 600 volt (V) components. By 2012,
1,000V photovoltaic systems were rapidly
adopted by commercial enterprises. With
the higher voltage came higher electrical
yields and greater returns on investment.
This led to growth in the amount of clean
electricity generated by solar.
The transition to 1,500V systems has
solar poised to undergo another technological and economic advancement.
These higher voltage systems are expected to decrease net costs for project installers and developers while boosting efficiency levels.
The initial demand for 1,500V systems
exists mostly in the U.S., Latin America
and the Middle East, with the U.S. projected to account for over 60 percent of
all 1,500V installations by 2017. However, the global market is expected to scale
up rapidly, according to GTM Research.
This mirrors a similar shift that
occurred from 2012-2013. During
that period, the value proposition of
1,000V systems was clearly demonstrated, 600V systems were phased out
and higher-voltage systems became
utilities default choice.
Similarly, as the technology for 1,500V
PV systems is proven, markets are expected to move quickly to adapt. Based on
current trends, by 2018, the majority of
www.power-eng.com

1609pe_11 11

projects over 1 MW will be installed with

1,500V architectures. Underwriters Laboratory (UL) only introduced 1,500V module standards in May 2015. Now, the U.S.
1,500V PV ecosystem is fully populated
with components commercially available
by several leading global manufacturers.
The transition means that utility-scale
developers and EPCs can already benefit
from the multiple advantages of these
higher voltage modules, including greater system-wide savings, increased performance and better financial returns.
Specifically, the reduced hardware needs
resulting from 1,500V system deployment translates into longer-term savings
compared to 1,000V alternatives. Higher
DC voltage also enables more efficient
inverters, increasing system output for
the same footprint. This can be particularly important for projects with land
constraints.
There are some challenges to 1,500V
PV systems becoming an industry standard; chief among them is current costs.
Because this technology is relatively
new, there are higher initial component
costs and smaller scale customers may
have difficulty obtaining financing due
to added risk. Utility-scale procurement
buyers tend to be cautious about new
products, and there also are some unresolved safety concerns arising from higher DC voltages.
These concerns are offset by manufacturer component/power warranties and
the potential financial benefits of higher-voltage systems.
In fact, the development of

higher-voltage PV systems is driven by

the goal of lowering net costs. This occurs through increased efficiency and
performance. Because of lower operational expenditures, 1,500V systems
can have lower overall costs compared
to 1,000V systems, which are now 1 to
2 percent of capital expenditure but expected to increase to 4 to 5 percent as
the market grows.
GTM Research conducted a study of
the costs, vendors and forecasts of 1,500V
PV systems and components from 20162020. It examined shipments disclosed
by leading developers, EPCs and vendors,
and predicts the new technology will
continue spurring growth of the solar
market into the near future.
1,500-volt systems will account
for 92.7 percent of all projects over 1
MW, or 96.4 GWdc of installations, by
2020, the report said.
As the technology continues to improve and scales, the perceived project
risks will be reduced, enabling an easier
expansion into energy markets globally.
To prepare for this growth, many leading solar manufactures are developing
innovative technologies to meet rigorous
safety and reliability standards such as
those of the IEC.
By further demonstrating the efficacy
of 1,500V PV solar technology to EPCs
and developers as well as project financiers, PV module vendors will likely spur
greater demand for these higher voltage
solutions in the next few years. Although
challenges remain, the performance of
1500V technology will demonstrate its
value over time, helping ensure the continued growth of affordable solar energy
worldwide.
11

9/9/16 4:26 PM

NUCLEAR REACTIONS

Lines of Defense
BY BRIAN SCHIMMOLLER, CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

ve subscribed to the NRC Blog for

several years now, and I have to say
that the agency does a great job selecting interesting topics and explaining
them using simple language while simultaneously reinforcing the NRCs independent oversight role.
A two-part July post on defense-indepth got me thinking about nuclear
plant safety and how its perceived relative
to personal security. A prerequisite for
such a thought exercise is accepting that
the only thing that is perfectly safe in this
world is the thing that is never invented
or used. Some level of risk and potential
threat to safety is inherent to any application of technology. For nuclear plants,
lines of defense can be implemented to reduce the risks and/or minimize the effects
of a technological mishap; in other words,
defense-in-depth encompasses both accident prevention and accident mitigation.
The NRC Blog post refers readers to a
report that explores the evolution of defense-in-depth over the past 50+ years:
Historical Review and Observations of
Defense-in-Depth (NUREG/KM-0009).
The report identifies a distinct shift in
thinking over time. For the first 30 years
of commercial nuclear power, defensein-depth reflected a deterministic perspective basically designing our way
to safety through multiple barriers that
provided diversity and redundancy to
address postulated accident scenarios. In
the 1990s, risk analysis and an evolving
risk-informed regulatory framework recast defense-in-depth in terms of uncertainty. From this rationalist perspective,
defense-in-depth represents the sum of
provisions made to compensate for inadequacies and uncertainties regarding plant
behavior in accident situations.
12

1609pe_12 12

The yin and yang of the deterministic

perspective versus the rationalist perspective continues to evolve. More recent treatments of defense-in-depth blend the two
perspectives. The NRC defines defensein-depth as: An approach to designing
and operating nuclear facilities that prevents and mitigates accidents that release
radiation or hazardous materials. The key
is creating multiple independent and redundant layers of defense to compensate
for potential human and mechanical failures so that no single layer, no matter how
robust, is exclusively relied upon
Interestingly, in 2012, the NRC pointed
out some shortcomings with respect to
defense-in-depth, noting that after decades of use, no clear definition or criteria
exist on how to define adequate defensein-depth protections; that the concept
of defense-in-depth is not used consistently, and there is no guidance on how
much defense-in-depth is sufficient [A
Proposed Risk Management Regulatory
Framework, NUREG-2150].
So where does that leave us? While
recognizing the lack of a perfect understanding of defense-in-depth, NRC by
no means disavows its importance, reiterating that defense-in-depth is a basic
element of its overall safety philosophy.
We may not know everything, but by designing as best we can, by recognizing and
accounting for uncertainties and then
adjusting for these uncertainties through
design changes, operational procedure
modifications, emergency planning capabilities, etc. we are as prepared as possible to prevent and mitigate accidents.
So does the same defense-in-depth perspective hold true for personal safety and
security? Lets look at two everyday examples: vehicles and the internet.

For vehicles, there is clearly some

defense-in-depth at play. Our cars are
increasingly designed with accident
prevention and mitigation in mind,
considering everything from antilock
brakes and backup cameras to seatbelts,
airbags, and bumpers. Weve even begun factoring uncertainties into vehicle
operational safety: collision detection
systems, for example, help reduce risks
associated with inattentive drivers or
overly aggressive drivers. However, until
we restrict vehicle speed based on terrain, tire condition, weather, pavement,
traffic, etc., we cant say were fully accounting for uncertainties and embracing defense-in-depth.
For the internet, there also is some defense-in-depth involved, but implementation is much less rigorous and more
user-dependent. Passwords are notoriously weak and most applications only
have protection thats one level deep,
limiting the extent of accident prevention. While there is a degree of accident
mitigation, such as limited liability if
credit card information is stolen, the immediate economic impacts are often the
least of your troubles. And while experts
routinely emphasize the uncertainties
associated with protection devices such
as anti-virus software (warning everyone
that they cant catch everything), the bad
guys are usually a step ahead. Yet many
of us still are not in the habit of performing regular backups. In the meantime,
Im going to go back up my hard drive.
At the end of the day, Im comfortable
with the defense-in-depth applied to
nuclear plant design and operation. It
may not be perfect, but it is subjected to
thoughtful scrutiny that drives continuous improvement.
www.power-eng.com

9/9/16 4:26 PM

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For info. http://powereng.hotims.com RS#6

9/9/16 4:26 PM

GAS TURBINES

Innovations for

Improved

Gas Turbine
Productivity

BY GERRILL GRIFFITH

nventors and scientists have

been fascinated by the concept of turbine engines to
create power even before
Leonardo di Vinci sketched an
early turbine idea in one of his famous
notebooks. But, it has only been in the
last 80 years that the electricity-generating potential of turbines has been
realized. Now, with demands for energy rising along with calls for reduced
greenhouse gas emissions, the need for
cleaner more efficient next generation
14

1609pe_14 14

turbine technology is critical. With a

robust research portfolio, productive
partnerships, and a mandate to increase power-producing efficiencies
and improve the environment for future generations, the National Energy
Technology Laboratory (NETL) is shepherding innovations for improved gas
turbine productivity.
The goals of turbine research at NETL
and the U.S. Department of Energy
(DOE) are to reduce the cost of electricity, reduce emissions, and increase

turbine efficiencies. NETLs Advanced

Turbines Program addresses those
goals by conducting its own intensive
research while partnering with other
researchers in the private sector to develop technologies that will accelerate
turbine performance and efficiency
beyond current state-of-the-art and reduce the risk to market for novel and
advanced turbine-based power cycles.
The Laboratory pursues a wide range of
turbine research in five specific areas
in pursuit of its goals.

HYDROGEN TURBINES
NETL conducts research under a
DOE-sponsored a program for developing hydrogen-fueled gas turbine
technology for coal-based integrated
www.power-eng.com

9/9/16 4:26 PM

GEs 7HA gas turbine. Photo courtesy: GE Power

targeted for improvement include combustor technology, materials research,

enhanced cooling technology, and
coatings development. These technologies are considered key components
of hydrogen turbines, which, along
with other advanced energy system
technologies, will combine to develop
next generation of high efficiency coalbased power systems.
The Hydrogen Turbine technology
area is showing that the U.S. can operate on coal-based hydrogen fuel power, increase combined cycle efficiency
over the baseline, and reduce carbon
dioxide and other emissions.
The Hydrogen Turbine Program is
focused on further advancements to
turbine technology to attain the ultimate performance targets for IGCC
power plants with CCUS. NETL intends to demonstrate:
Hydrogen-fueled turbines with
3-5 percentage improvement in
combined cycle efficiency (total
above baseline)
Competitive cost of electricity for

gasification combined cycle (IGCC)

power generation to improve efficiency, reduce emissions, lower costs, and
allow for carbon capture, utilization,
and storage (CCUS). DOE expanded
program applicability to industries
such as refineries and steel mills. Recent funding has been used to facilitate a set of gas turbine technology
advancements that will improve the
efficiency, emissions, and cost performance of turbines with industrial
CCUS. Efforts supporting industrial
technology acceleration, application,
and adaptation will also benefit the advanced hydrogen turbine development
and existing machines in typical utility
applications.
Turbine systems and components
www.power-eng.com

1609pe_15 15

Author
Gerrill Griffith is a contract technical writer for the National Energy Technology
Laboratory.

near-zero emission systems

Hydrogen-fueled IGCC with 2
ppm NOx at the power plant exhaust

ADVANCED COMBUSTION
TURBINES
The Advanced Combustion Turbines
for combined cycle applications area is
focused on components and combustion systems for advanced combustion
turbines in combined cycle operation
that can achieve greater than 65 percent combined cycle efficiency (LHV,
natural gas benchmark) and support
load following capabilities to meet the
demand of a modern grid. To achieve
this target, emphasis is placed on advanced turbine concepts that are fueled
with natural gas and coal derived fuels,
including hydrogen and syngas, and
higher firing temperatures (3,100 F).
Component R&D is being conducted that will allow higher turbine
inlet temperatures, manage cooling
requirements,
minimize
leakage,
advance compressor and expander

Recompression Brayton Cycle Flow Diagram

15

9/9/16 4:26 PM

GAS TURBINES
aerodynamics, advance the perforOxy-fuel, Directly-Heated sCO2 Power Cycle Flow Diagram
2
mance of high-temperature load following combustion systems with low
emissions of criteria pollutants including oxides of nitrogen (NOx), and
overall lead to improved efficiency of
the gas turbine machine in a combined
cycle application. Projects in this topic
area include research on pressure gain
combustion systems, ceramic matrix
composite components, and advanced
turbine configurations for improved
cooling and efficiency.
Pressure gain combustion (PGC) has
the potential to significantly improve
combined cycle performance when
integrated with combustion gas turbines. While conventional gas turbine
engines undergo steady, subsonic combustion, resulting in a total pressure
loss, PGC uses multiple physical phe- resulting from integration with the environments. The UTSR Fellowship
nomena, including resonant pulsed turbine hot gas path expansion com- experience often results in the employcombustion, constant volume combus- ponents.
ment of highly trained professionals
tion, or detonation, to affect a rise in
in the gas turbine industry working to
effective pressure across the combustor THE UNIVERSITY TURBINE
continue the advancement of gas turwhile consuming the same amount SYSTEMS RESEARCH
bine technology.
of fuel as the constant pressure com- PROGRAM (UTSR)
The UTSR Program has evolved over
bustor. The methodology resulting in
NETLs UTSR Program address- time in response to power generation
a pressure-gain across the combustor es scientific research to develop and markets and DOE objectives. Evolution
relies on the Humphrey (or Atkinson) transition advanced turbines and tur- of objectives has involved a transition
cycle, and is seen to
bine-based systems from turbines operating on natural
have great potential Pressure gain
that will operate gas to coal derived syngas to very high
as a means of achiev- combustion (PGC) cleanly and efficient- hydrogen fuels derived from syngas.
ing higher efficiency
ly when fueled with This fuel flexibility will also allow gas
has
the
potential
in gas turbine power
coal-derived synthe- turbines to be used in integrated gassystems, potentially to significantly
sis gas (syngas) and ification combined cycle (IGCC) applireaching 4-6 percent
improve combined hydrogen fuels. This cations that are configured to capture
for simple cycle sysresearch focuses on carbon dioxide (CO2). The transition
cycle
performance
tems and 2-4 percent
the areas of combus- requires the development of low-emisin combined cycle when integrated
tion, aerodynamics/ sion turbine combustion technologies
systems.
Potential
heat transfer, and for this variety of fuels, improved turwith combustion
technical challenges
materials.
bine hot section flow path aero/heat
gas
turbines.
include fuel injection,
UTSR also offers a transfer methods, and durable, lowfuel and air mixing, - National Energy
Gas Turbine Indus- cost materials for the stressing envibackflow prevention, Technology Laboratory
trial Fellowship pro- ronment.
detonation initiation,
gram to recruit qualwave directionality, maintaining a ified university research students. This SUPERCRITICAL CO2
pressure gain, controlling emissions of fellowship brings highly trained stu- BASED POWER CYCLES
NOx and CO, as well as unsteady heat dent researchers from the university to
The Advanced Turbines Program at
transfer and cooling flow challenges industrial gas turbine manufacturing NETL conducts R&D for directly and
16

1609pe_16 16

www.power-eng.com

9/9/16 4:26 PM

indirectly heated supercritical carbon

dioxide (sCO2) based power cycles for
fossil fuel applications. The focus is
on components for indirectly heated
fossil fuel power cycles with turbine
inlet temperature in the range of 1300
- 1400 F (700 - 760 C) and oxy-fuel
combustion for directly heated supercritical CO2 based power cycles.
The sCO2 power cycle operates in a
manner similar to other turbine cycles, but it uses CO2 as the working
fluid in the turbomachinery. The cycle
is operated above the critical point of
CO2 so that it does not change phases
(from liquid to gas), but rather undergoes drastic density changes over small
ranges of temperature and pressure.
This allows a large amount of energy to
be extracted at high temperature from
equipment that is relatively small in
size. At the same power rating, sCO2
turbines will have a nominal gas path
diameter significantly smaller than
utility scale combustion turbines or
steam turbines.
The cycle envisioned for the first
fossil-based indirectly heated application is a non-condensing closed-loop
recompression Brayton cycle with heat
addition and rejection on either side
of the expander. In this cycle, the CO2
is heated indirectly from a heat source
through a heat exchanger, not unlike
the way steam would be heated in a
conventional boiler. Energy is extracted from the CO2 as it is expanded in
the turbine. Remaining heat is extracted in one or more highly efficient heat
recuperators to preheat the CO2 going
back to the main heat source. These
recuperators help increase the overall
efficiency of the cycle by limiting heat
rejection from the cycle.
Research is continuing in the areas
discussed above. For example, NETL
is teamed with multiple private sector
companies to further develop innovative technologies for advanced turbine
components and sCO2 power cycles by
www.power-eng.com

1609pe_17 17

selecting six projects to receive more

than $30 million of research funding
for up to 42 months.
In a combined power cycle, a gas
turbine generates electricity and its
waste heat is used to make steam that
generates additional electricity via a

steam turbine. Meanwhile, sCO2 is a

supercritical fluid state of carbon dioxide exhibiting properties of both a
gas and a liquid. sCO2 is also non-toxic and non-flammable. Using sCO2
in power turbines is attractive compared to steam because of its thermal

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17

9/9/16 4:26 PM

stability, allowing for higher power outputs in a smaller package. The goal of
the NETL-announced research projects
is to increase the efficiency of combustion turbines and sCO2 power cycles for
use in new power generation facilities.
The six projects are:
Ceramic Matrix Composite Advanced Transition for 65 Percent
Combined Cycle EfficiencySiemens Energy, Inc., working with
COI Ceramics and Florida Turbine
Technologies will further develop
a ceramic matrix composite design for Siemens Advanced Transition combustor in support of 65
percent efficient gas turbine combined cycles.
Cooled High-Temperature Ceramic Matrix Composite Nozzles for
Gas Turbines for 65 Percent EfficiencyGE Power, working with
GE Global Research and Clemson
University, will further develop
high-temperature ceramic matrix
composite turbine nozzles as an
innovative component that will
contribute to the DOE goal for advanced gas turbines.
Advanced Multi-Tube Mixer Combustion for 65 Percent EfficiencyGE Power, partnering with GE
Global Research, will apply an advanced version of GEs Micro Mixer multi-tube fuel-air pre-mixer
with an advanced version of Axial
Fuel Staging to enable turbine inlet
temperatures in excess of 3,200 F.
Rotating Detonation Combustion
for Gas TurbinesAerojet Rocketdyne, in partnership with the
Southwest Research Institute, Purdue University, the University Alabama, the University of Michigan,
the University of Central Florida,
and Duke Energy will develop and
demonstrate an air-breathing rotating detonation engine combustion system for power generating
gas turbines.
18

1609pe_18 18

High-Inlet Temperature Combus- for addressing these unique design

tor for Direct-Fired Supercritical spaces. Efforts are focused on reducing
Oxy-combustionSouthwest Re- cooling flows, reducing sealing and
search Institute, in partnership leakage flow rates, reducing rotating
with Thar Energy, LLC; GE Global airfoil count, increasing expansion
Research; Georgia Tech; and the stage areas, and increasing airfoil
University of Central Florida will length. These efforts are intended
demonstrate a directly heated 1 to develop machines that are more
MWth oxy-combustion sCO2 cycle efficient with a higher power output.
to advance the state-of-the-art fossil-fired sCO2 power cycles.
COMBUSTION
Development of Low-Leakage
The combustion program goal is to
Seals for Utility Scale sCO2 Tur- design and develop the combustion
binesGE Global Research, in portion of the turbine leveraging the
partnership with Southwest Re- best current and advanced technolosearch Institute, will develop tur- gies to meet strategic system-level goals
bine end seals and inter-stage seals of an advanced syngas or hydrogen
for utility-scale
fueled gas turbine.
The
goal
of
the
sCO2 power cyEfforts are focused
cles to achieve a NETL research
on the measurement
f ield-trial-ready
and assessment of
projects is to
design. The mathe
fundamental
jority of the work increase the
properties of hyis focused on
drogen combustion
efficiency of
maturing turbine
and the use of these
end seals by test- combustion
properties to design
ing them in new turbines and sCO2
and develop lowand existing facilNO x (oxides of nitropower cycles.
ities at increasing
gen) combustion syspressures, temperatures, and seal tems. Several combustion technologies
sizes in both air and sCO2 environ- are under evaluation, including axial
ments.
fuel staging, diffusion, hybrid forms of
In 2014, DOE funded 11 Phase I proj- premixed and diffusion, and pressure
ects for research on advanced turbine gain combustion.
components for combined cycle and
Materials: Thermal Barrier Coatsupercritical based power cycle appli- ingsThe goal of the projects in the
cations. The new Phase II awards listed materials sector is to assess and deabove show the most promise in reach- velop thermal barrier coatings (TBCs)
ing the DOE goals.
that can provide the performance and
durability required for use in syngasADVANCED TURBINE
and hydrogen-fueled advanced gas
RESEARCH
turbines. Efforts are focused on identiThere are three major areas involved fying candidate TBC architectures and
in NETLs Advanced Turbine Research.
material compositions with the propAerodynamics/Heat
Transfer er thermal, mechanical, and chemical
Project goals of the aero-thermo- properties for use in reducing heat flux
mechanical design sector are to assess to combustor transition pieces, stathe unique operation conditions tionary nozzles, and rotating airfoils.
associated with hydrogen turbines Advanced TBC and bond coat architecand investigate design improvements tures are being developed to improve
www.power-eng.com

9/9/16 4:26 PM

durability and thermal performance

in the harsh environment found in the
IGCC gas turbine.
Recent research in this area supported by NETL has led to a discovery that
could significantly increase the efficiency of turbines in fossil fuel electricity generation. This breakthrough
could reduce CO2 emissions from power plants and help drive the clean energy economy in the U.S.
When gas turbines operate at high
temperatures, they use less fuel, operate more efficiently, and enable carbon
capture technologies to more effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The problem is that the thermal barrier coatings protect the turbines from
high heat degrade and fail when theyre
exposed to temperatures that exceed
1,200C, which is required for more efficient operations and greenhouse-gas
capture.
Working under an NETL-sponsored
Small Business Technology Transfer
project, researchers from HiFunda
LLC and the University of Connecticut successfully demonstrated that an
oxide called yttrium aluminum garnet
(YAG) deposited by the relatively new
process solution precursor plasma
spray (SPPS) provides a thermal barrier coating with the potential for use at
1,500C. Thats a 300C temperature
advantage compared to current stateof-the-art air plasma-sprayed thermal
barrier coatings.
Nine major industrial partners are
now testing this technology and evaluating the process in production facilities. In addition, a new spin-off companySolution Spray Technologies LLC,
a Delaware company with operations
in Connecticuthas been created to be
a thermal barrier coating service provider for this new technology.
If adopted throughout the gas
turbine industry, this technology
could significantly increase turbine
efficiency and reduce overall fuel

consumption. It may also enable development of technologies for next-generation, high-temperature, high-efficiency systems that could lay the ground
work for more effective carbon capture
in power plants and help to drive the
clean energy economy.

NETLs ongoing research on gas turbines is emblematic of the Laboratorys

overall mission to discover, integrate,
and mature technology solutions to
enhance the nations energy foundation and protect the environment for
future generations.

Protect What Matters

Reliability and Accuracy that Keeps
Your Operations Running Smoothly
Ensuring protection comes in many forms,
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www.power-eng.com

1609pe_19 19

19

9/9/16 4:26 PM

ENERGY STORAGE

Saving for
a Sunny Day:
Shaving Peak Demand with
Utility-Scale Energy Storage

BY TIM MISER, ASSOCIATE EDITOR

oothbay, Maine is the kind

of town that still has general stores. And not any
ordinary general stores
general stores with screen
doors, and front porches, and rocking
20

1609pe_20 20

chairs. Its the kind of place where old

men drink Coke from glass bottles,
where evergreen trees cling to craggy islands just offshore, where fishing
trawlers are as common as automobiles.
If youre lucky and keep a close eye
out, you might see a whale breach out

past the breakers. And check out those

wooden buoys hanging on the outside
of that clapboard barn over there, or the
lobster traps piled up against that dock
house. If the wind blows in the right
direction, you can even hear the clinking of the schooners hoisting their sails
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9/9/16 4:26 PM

Eos Znyth battery technology is designed for stationary, utility-scale storage. With a volume price of $160/
kWh and a 15-yr life, the Eos Aurora 10004000
DC battery system enables turnkey energy storage
solutions with a levelized cost of storage of $0.07/
kWh. The 4-hour battery is designed as a locational
capacity product that reduces peak demand and
debottlenecks congested nodes on the grid.
Image Courtesy: Eos Energy Storage

on the bay and smell the barnacles and

other marine detritus collecting in the
tidal pools. Can you hear the terns
navigating the salt air?
Yes, Boothbay is a midsummer
vacation heaven, so its no wonder
that tourists flock to the area. The
2010 census puts Boothbays population at just 3,120 people, and thats
including the surrounding villages.
But the area lies at ground zero of the
vacation onslaught, so in the warm
months those numbers soar. Summer people, theyre called, and if the
four-season veterans like to complain
about them, they become rather quiet
when the dollar bills begin to change
hands. Whether the tourists are walking the pre-colonial streets adrift in
picaresque fantasy or lounging in Adirondacks on the waterfront like Kennedys, people love this town, and that
love translates to real money.
But what most tourists dont think
about as they tuck into lobsters or peruse the shops for souvenirs for the
grandkids is just how tricky their presence makes it to plan for electric service.
Any time a population varies so dynamically from season to season, capacity
planning at local utilities is bound to
take on the aspect of a migraine. Just
how do you ensure enough power in
the summer without also having massive oversupply when the tourists are at
the beach and not using hotel amenities, or when the winter surf turns gray
and they go home altogether?
The short answer is, sometimes you
dont. Striking such a balance can indeed be a tricky business. In the past,
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1609pe_21 21

utilities have struggled to walk this

wire and have occasionally missed their
marks, turning up with supply-demand
incongruences.
The electricity system is built for the
peak minute, of the peak hour, of the
peak day, of the peak week, month, year,
and 10-year horizon, says Johannes
Rittershausen, CEO of Convergent Energy + Power. Often another 15 percent
is added on top of this for buffer. He
explains that planning like this ensures
that utilities are prepared to meet customers electricity needs even at times
of peak demand. But though this kind
of capacity planning is standard and has
worked out well traditionally, it results
in a massively overbuilt infrastructure
that goes underutilized in times of lower demand.

The Boothbay
project went online
April 1, 2015, and
for two successful
summers has helped
support Maine
tourists as they run
their air conditioners
and plasma screen
televisions.
Thats why when greater capacity
and reliability were required during
the summer vacation season in coastal Maine, Central Maine Power (CMP)
chose to explore Non-Transmission
Alternatives (NTA) to shore up supply,
rather than build an $18 million transmission line that would have otherwise
been required. CMP called on Convergent Energy + Power, an energy storage
asset developer that serves as a liaison
between utilities and large users of electricity, original equipment manufacturers (OEM), and financing resources, to
provide a solution that would shave the
peak, allowing the utility to provide

electrical power when and where it was

required while better spending capital
investment dollars in capacity infrastructure.
Convergent installed chemical batteries integrated by the OEM Lockheed
Martin Energy Storage that allow the
utility to generate power during times
of low demand, and store it away to provide a multi-hour energy boost when
demand once again peaks in the late
afternoon. Its like saving for a rainy
day, only in this case the summer days
in Maine are decidedly sunny and clear.
Convergent retained ownership and
operational responsibility of the energy
storage project, and was able to provide
CMP with a solution that addressed the
utilitys infrastructure needs at less than
50 percent the cost of a traditional line
upgrade. The Boothbay project went online April 1, 2015 and for two successful summers has helped support Maine
tourists as they run their air conditioners and plasma screen televisions.

LIKE YOUR COMPUTERS

UPS, ONLY BIGGER...
MUCH BIGGER!
Energy storage has been used on a
small scale for years. The battery in the
uninterruptable power supply (UPS)
that you plug your computer into relies on technology not so dissimilar to
larger energy storage applications, and
big manufacturing and healthcare facilities have long relied on energy storage
to support operations at the building or
campus level.
While energy storage projects at utility scale are also not new, they do retain something of that new smell. In
many cases, utilities lack the knowledge or experience to feel comfortable implementing such technologies
on their own. Utilities are interested
in technologies like grid-scale energy
storage, says Rittershausen, but they
dont always want to bear a long-term
risk on new technology. Because of
21

9/9/16 4:26 PM

ENERGY STORAGE

this, they often prefer to have a developer like Convergent step in and build
a project, taking the construction and
operational risk.
Rittershausen explains that energy storage projects serve a variety of
needs and, as such, take on different
scopes. By and large, the energy storage
industry breaks down into two categories: fast-response and long-duration
applications. There are technologies
that are optimized for shorter charge/
discharge cycles, he says, and technologies that are optimized for longer
cycles. Rittershausen cautions that
talking about technologies without
also discussing the problems they solve
can be misleading. Its hard, for instance, to compare a flywheel and a sixhour battery, he says. No one would
ever ask if they need to buy a racecar or
a tractor. Theyre both forms of transportation technologies, but they dont
equate in a side-by-side comparison of
things like horsepower or zero-to-60
times. The only relevant comparisons
are made between technologies that
solve similar problems under similar
constraints.

FAST-RESPONSE
ENERGY STORAGE
Some projects require fast-response
energy storage, so they demand very
fast charge/discharge horizons that occur several times a day, or even several
times a minute.
Fast-response energy storage is
mostly used for frequency regulation,
voltage control, and power quality
enhancement. In cases such as these,
flywheels can be preferable to chemical batteries. Because flywheel systems
are entirely mechanical, relying on
heavy underground wheels that spin
in vacuums to harness momentum for
power generation, they do not suffer
performance degradation at the end
of their service lives. As long as flywheels are maintained and their worn
22

1609pe_22 22

Convergent Energy + Power worked with Central Maine Power to install a 3-MWh battery asset engineered by
Lockheed Martin. Shown here on the interior of the batterys ISO shipping container, the energy storage installation was designed to reduce summer peak loading on existing transmission & distribution infrastructure cause
by the tourist season in Boothbay, Maine. Image Courtesy: Convergent Energy + Power

components repaired, they are not

vulnerable to the explicit lifespan limitations incumbent in battery chemistries, whose useful lifetimes are influ-

Flywheels are
generally more
expensive than
chemical batteries
and so make greater
finanical sense if the
infrastructure is meant
to serve needs that
span decades.
enced by factors like charge rates, cycle
numbers, and operating temperatures.
However, flywheels are generally
more expensive than chemical batteries and so make greater financial sense
if the infrastructure is meant to serve
needs that span decades. Owing to
this, says Rittershausen, the vast percentage of fast-response energy storage
solutions currently rely on lithium-ion
battery technologies.

LONG-DURATION
ENERGY STORAGE
Rather than regulate frequency and
improve power quality as fast-response
systems do, long-duration energy storage
solutions are meant to shave the peak
in times of high demand. They provide
a power boost when a generation asset
or transmission line would otherwise be
overloaded in times of heavy use. They
are generally called on for one to six
hours of dispatchable power at a time,
frequently on late summer afternoons
when the weather is at its hottest.
Philippe Bouchard is Vice President

of Business Development at Eos Energy

Storage, which has worked closely with
Convergent on past projects. Eos manufactures a proprietary battery technology
called Znyth.
Its an aqueous zinc battery that
relies on a zinc hybrid cathode chemistry and is optimized for the stationary, utility-scale, grid-connected energy storage market, says Bouchard.
So our product meets the needs of a
very specific business case. Were able
to provide four to six hours of continuous discharge to reduce system peak
demand.
Eos Aurora 1000/4000 product is
a 1-MW, 4-MWh DC system. Its comprised of Znyth chemical batteries,
which are sealed, static-cell sub-modules that are slightly larger than a shoe
box. Each battery stores about 4 kWh
of energy. Eos strings these together
in series and in parallel, and packages them in an outdoor-rated module
called an energy stack.
Our manufacturing facility ships a
roughly 42-kW, 167-kWh energy stack
thats 5-feet square and about 11 feet
high, says Bouchard. These energy
stacks are delivered to the site via flatbed truck, where the EPC contractor can
place it onto an integrated skid and simply plug it in. Its plug-and-play, says
Bouchard. You dont even need an electrician to install it.
Six of these modular energy stacks can
be aggregated into 250-kW, 1-MWh subsystems, which can themselves be aggregated into the full-sized 1-MW, 4-MWh
product. This parallel aggregation creates
in-built redundancies. Theres no single
common point of failure, says Bouchard, so issues can be isolated at the energy stack level. Additionally, he explains,
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9/9/16 4:26 PM

parts of the battery can be kept operational while other parts are isolated for
maintenance.
The resulting product has a broad operating temperature range, and since it
relies on a water-based chemistry, is not
at risk of thermal propagation or runaway. Because of this, Bouchard says,
the batteries do not require dedicated
heating or cooling. They also dont create
any onsite emissions. Additionally, their
small footprint ensures their ability to
target capacity needs at the grids most
congested nodes and load centers. They
fit where theyre needed.

THE ROLE OF ENERGY

STORAGE IN THE LARGER
GENERATION ECOSYSTEM
While energy storage is often thought
of as a way to smooth over intermittency issues inherent in renewable generation sources like wind and solar power, Rittershausen disagrees that this is
the technologys primary value in the
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1609pe_23 23

current generation ecosystem. So far,

the intermittency issues associated with
renewable energy resources have impacted the reliability of the grid almost
not at all, he says. Once renewables
reach a certain level of penetration,
the grid may begin to lose stability
and make energy storage solutions that
much more important. So far though,
that hasnt happened in most places.
Some studies suggest that a grid
would need to reach 50-percent renewable penetration before reliability suffers in a way that energy storage could
mitigate. Because of this, energy storage
is currently more applicable for peak
shaving than it is for combatting intermittencies in non-fossil generation.
Long-duration energy storage technologies are really designed to help utilities
avoid the need to upgrade capacity to
meet increased peak demand, Rittershausen says.
Cost-effective batteries have begun to
make capacity planning more flexible

via the use of reliable, dispatchable,

location-targeted battery solutions that
avoid an overbuilt electrical system.
Batteries make capacity additions possible on an incremental level. So if an
existing facility is approaching a level of
unreliable performance on particularly hot days, batteries can very quickly
extend the life of that facility a little at
a time, and in as little as six months
from the contracting date, helping to
ensure that loads dont creep too high,
and postponing the day on which more
expensive capacity additions must be
undertaken.
Rittershausen puts it like this: Now
that we have increasingly cost-effective
energy storage solutions, it may not be
good planning to build an entire electrical system for a resort town that is
designed to support the few weekends
in a summer when most tourists visit
the area. Non-invasive batteries solve
this problem much more efficiently
and elegantly.
23

9/9/16 4:26 PM

NUCLEAR

The Fort Calhoun Station in Nebraska was the latest

nuclear plant to announce its premature closure. Photo
Courtesy: Omaha Public Power District

low, said Michael Purdie, manager of

Energy and Economics at the Nuclear
Energy Institutes Policy Planning and
Development Division.
Purdie said wholesale markets in the
Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest and
Texas place a price only on the next
megawatt-hour of electricity produced
in a given interval, typically five-minute intervals.
We as an industry believe that the
source of that megawatt-hour does
not necessarily have the same value,
Purdie said. You can get it from solar,
wind, gas or many different sources,
but nuclear produces clean baseload
power at stable prices.
A major impact of nuclear closures
is felt in carbon emission levels, Purdie said. Most of the lost capacity is
replaced with what is currently on the
grid or new combined-cycle plants that can be
quickly built. In Vermont,
where Entergy shut down
the 604-MW Vermont Yankee plant on Dec. 31, 2014, the capacity
was replaced 1-for-1 with natural gas.
Emissions in New England went up
7 percent year-on-year, Purdie said. A
lot of that was due to losing Vermont
Yankee.
New England, the Mid-Atlantic and
the Midwest were rocked by the polar
vortex of January 2014, when power
prices skyrocketed after natural gas
supplies were re-routed to end users for
home heating instead of power generation. Nuclear plants, however, operated at greater than 93 percent capacity
factor during that time. Independent
system operators and regional transmission organizations like the PJM
Interconnection began reforming their

The Case for

Nuclear Power

BY SHARRYN DOTSON, ASSOCIATE EDITOR

ince 2013, eight U.S. nuclear power plants have

announced plans to permanently shut down operations. The impact of those
closures will be felt in the communities
around them and in the pocketbooks
of consumers, as grid managers and
power plant operators work to replace
9,000 MWs of lost capacity.
Nuclear power accounts for 57 percent of the nations zero-carbon electricity, according to the U.S. Energy
Information Administration.
Yet, the business of nuclear power is
collapsing because the market cannot
support the nations available capacity.
24

1609pe_24 24

A lot of low-priced natural gas-fired

generation has entered the market
while regional demand for power is
either flat or in decline. In addition,
power prices are so low that some nuclear plants can no longer cover basic
operating costs. Two Illinois nuclear plants Clinton and Quad Cities
have lost a combined $800 million
over the last six years.
While the closures have brought a
pall over the industry, some strides
have been made to save other nuclear plants in deregulated regions. Still,
more needs to be done to make sure
jobs are saved, towns dont lose a major tax base and emissions remain

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9/9/16 4:26 PM

capacity markets in response. PJMs reforms in January 2015 recognized that

it is not enough to simply line up generation to meet reserve margin targets,
but actually maintain system reliability when it is needed most.
PJM realized that the grid was under extreme stress during the polar
vortex and that a lot of power that
was supposed to be available wasnt,
Purdie said. Incentives and penalties
werent strong enough to ensure reliability and performance in the most
extreme events.
Illinois is the only completely deregulated state in MISO. Illinois lawmakers were considering the Next
Generation Energy Plan, which would
have given nuclear plants in the state
a much-needed financial boost by
shifting to a zero-emission standard
focused on at-risk nuclear plants. The
bill would have nvested $140 million
in new solar developments and rebates.
However, the bills sponsor shelved it
just as the Legislatures spring session
came to a close. As a result, Exelon announced plans to close the Clinton and
Quad Cities plants by June 2018.
After Omaha Public Power District
(OPPD) announced in June that it
would close the 479-MW single-unit
Fort Calhoun Station, NEI President
and CEO Marvin Fertel said nuclear power is not being properly valued
and, therefore, electricity consumers
will bear the brunt.
Leaders in state capitals and Washington must bring together policies
that appropriately value all attributes
of electricity generation which, if done
correctly, will preserve nuclear energy
facilities as part of a diversified electricity portfolio, Fertel said.

NEW YORKS CLEAN

ENERGY STANDARD
Though Illinois did not pass its emission standard, New York regulators
approved its Clean Energy Standard
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1609pe_25 25

(CES) last month. The CES requires

50 percent of New Yorks electricity to
come from renewable sources by 2030.
It also requires all six of the states investor-owned utilities and other energy suppliers to buy zero-emission
credits to pay for the intrinsic value
of carbon-free emissions from nuclear
plants. The New York State Public Service Commission estimates the CES
will add less than $2 a month to the
average residential customers bill, but
the credits are estimated to be worth
$965 million in the first two years.
This is not an anti-gas movement,
but one that recognizes the importance
of fuel diversity as an integral part of a
utility system, said NYPSC Chair Audrey Zibelman.

Exelon agreed to buy the FitzPatrick nuclear

plant for $110 million, keeping its doors
open. Courtesy: Entergy

The standard helped to save more

than 600 jobs when Exelon announced
it would buy the FitzPatrick plant in
upstate New York for $110 million and
keep it open. Exelon also said since
the CES passed, it would reinvest $400
million to $500 million into the operations, integration and refueling expenditures of its upstate nuclear plants:
Nine Mile Point 1 and 2 and Ginna,
which were also at risk of closing.
This Clean Energy Standard shows
you can generate the power necessary
for supporting the modern economy
while combatting climate change,
Gov. Cuomo said. Make no mistake,
this is a very real threat that continues

to grow by the day, and I urge all other states to join us in this fight for our
very future.
Fertel agreed that other states should
follow New Yorks lead.
Gov. Cuomo and the Public Service
Commission correctly acknowledge
nuclear power plants as indispensable
sources of emissions-free power, meriting explicit valuation by the state as a
clean energy source, Fertel said.
Bill Mohl, President of Entergy
Wholesale Commodities (EWC), expressed gratitude to employees of FitzPatrick for operating the plant safely
despite the uncertainties.

MORE SHUTDOWNS
ARE LOOMING
Unfortunately, other nuclear plants
are not as lucky. Entergy said it will
shut down the 680-MW Pilgrim plant
in Massachusetts in May 2019. The
company shut down the Vermont Yankee plant in 2014.
With those closures, Entergy is left
with two merchant nuclear plants in
the northern U.S. As a result, Mohl
said, Entergy is looking to get out of the
merchant market business and aggressively grow the regulated utility side by
not buying any new nuclear assets in
the deregulated regions of the Northeast and Midwest.
Last year, we sold our combined cycle power plant in Rhode Island and we
continue to pursue options for the sale
of other miscellaneous merchant renewable and fossil fuel plants, Mohl said.
Paul Dempsey, Exelons Communications Manager, said state and federal
policymakers must find solutions that
recognize nuclears environmental and
economic benefits. The utilitys single-unit Clinton plant is set to close June
1, 2017. The dual-unit Quad Cities will
close June 1, 2018. Both plants are in Illinois, where all coal-fired plants in the
southern half of the state may be closed.
The Clinton and Quad Cities plants
25

9/9/16 4:26 PM

NUCLEAR

The single-unit Clinton plant in Illinois will

close June 1, 2017. Courtesy: Exelon

support approximately 4,200 direct and

indirect jobs and produce more than
$1.2 billion in economic activity annually, Dempsey said.
A state report found that closing the
plants would increase wholesale energy costs by $439 million to $645 million each year. Conversely, keeping the
plants open would save $10 billion in
economic damages from higher carbon
emissions over 10 years, Dempsey said.
Day & Zimmermann NPS has 27,000
employees at 26 million work hours performing maintenance, repair and upgrade work at nuclear plants, according
to D&Z President Walt Sanders.
26

1609pe_26 26

The company is looking for innovative ways to cut operational costs for
its customers by saving money and
operating nuclear plants safely and
efficiently. Day & Zimmermann NPS
developed a web-based value-add tool
that allows them to find areas where
savings can be achieved and then share
that information with other plant sites.
Its a repository that allows for capturing both onetime work activity savings
and repeatable work scope, Sanders
said. We can look at the new performance results and say, We executed the
work for this amount, now we can set
a new baseline in the upcoming cycle

taking advantage of the efficiencies.

Sanders hopes that by the end of the
year, Day&Z can assess performance results, safety, quality and costs after outages are completed.
We can show what weve been able
to achieve, and then be able to celebrate
when we achieve a net reduction in operating costs, Sanders said.
Whether saving companies money or
giving a nuclear plant a second chance
at life, many in the U.S. nuclear industry are trying to find ways to revive this
struggling industry.
Chief Editor Russell Ray contributed to
this report.
www.power-eng.com

9/9/16 4:26 PM

POWER
GENERATION

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1609pe_27 27

9/9/16 4:26 PM

MATERIAL HANDLING

Optimizing CCR
Waste Management
through a Eurosilo
Application

BY RICHARD MUNSON

28

1609pe_28 28

s utilities consider ways to store

and transport coal combustion residue (CCR) materials, a
new approach to consider is the
Two-Eurosilo concept, which
can significantly reduce operating costs and simplify the movement of CCR to a landfill. The
new EPA CCR rule focuses more on the integrity of impoundments, but how this material is
moved and stored is important too. More operators are confronting the question of how to store

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9/9/16 4:26 PM

For plants that need to move bottom ash, fly ash and
gypsum to a landfill, the two-silo concept offers the
flexibility to split the storage of the material to the plant
and landfill and then move it rapidly to the landfill with
no restriction on rate. Photo courtesy: BEUMER

CCR material requires complex storage

and handling equipment designed to
hold, and then transport, large amounts
of each CCR constituent material. This
drives the construction of more conservative and costly designs, while creating
high capital costs to build and high operating costs to operate and maintain these
systems. Also, CCR is not an ideal mate-

Two-Eurosilo Concept

approach is to minimize the footprint and

complexity at the power plant end and
create surge storage at the landfill end,
which provides flexibility in the plant
operation. This is a departure from traditional methods because the CCR material
does not lend itself to storage in a traditional mass flow silo. This concept offers
flexibility for handling the CCR material
which is critical. Being able to push the
material quickly out to the landfill to a
receiving vessel reduces pressure on the
plant storage vessels. Having an efficient
truck loading capability at the landfill
contributes to the overall efficiency.
This concept uses a pipe conveyor to
connect the power plant storage to the
landfill storage.

THE TWO EUROSILO

APPROACH

The two-silo concept relieves pressure on plant operations and creates flexibility by allowing the
plant to disengage from the landfill operation.

and move their CCR waste because the

volumes are enormous, and over time,
small efficiencies add up to big savings.

THE CHALLENGES
OF MOVING AND
STORING CCR
No creative thinking has been applied
to new CCR transport designs because
moving this material is complicated.
Handling three or four different types of
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1609pe_29 29

rial to handle so engineers concentrate

on traditional methods to do so. New
concepts are considered speculative.
The traditional way to store these materials includes, for example a concrete
silo for fly ash, covered storage for FGD
Gypsum, and a steel silo or concrete
pad for bottom ash.

INNOVATIVE CONCEPTS
FOR EFFICIENT CCR
HANDLING
When considering the large volumes of
waste - the cost per ton to move this waste
should be scrutinized. An innovative

A Eurosilo, specifically designed to

store highly cohesive material, is used at
the plant to store the gypsum as well as
the gypsum dewatering equipment. This
creates a very small footprint.
A similar Eurosilo is also used at the
landfill to store the comingled CCR
waste. Trucks are loaded under this landfill silo with high loading efficiency. The
pipe conveyor will carry the comingled
CCR at a high tonnage rate from the plant
to the landfill silo. This can be achieved at
the maximum conveyor capacity.
A pipe conveyor is a great solution for
transporting CCR to a dry landfill. The
pipe conveyor can negotiate vertical and
horizontal curves and it encloses the material in the direction of transport. On
the return strand, the belt is closed with
the dirty side facing in so no spillage occurs. This ensures compliance with EPA
regulations.
Having a Eurosilo at the landfill allows the plant to quickly expel the daily
CCR production to the landfill at a high
rate per hour in a matter of a few hours.
This relieves pressure on the plant operations and creates flexibility by allowing
the plant operation to disengage from the
29

9/9/16 4:26 PM

MATERIAL HANDLING

landfill operation.
The plant portion of this concept envisions a feeder hopper to receive the bottom ash adjacent to the gypsum Eurosilo
and then two fly ash silos to store the dry
fly ash. The fly ash is conditioned under
each fly ash silo while depositing it onto
the pipe conveyor. All three pieces of
equipment simultaneously reclaim their
respective material directly onto the pipe
conveyor.
Being able to reclaim in close proximity to the pipe conveyor and at a high rate
allows the conveyor to operate at peak
capacity saving significant power cost per
ton because the large motors are operating at peak efficiency. The pipe conveyor
can negotiate sharp curves and hills on
the way to the landfill which eliminates
transfers and additional conveyors.

Eurosilo

In a two-silo concept, the pipe conveyor can negotiate sharp curves and hills on the way to the
landfill which eliminates transfers and additional conveyors.

Benefits of Two-Silo Concept

BENEFITS OF
TWO-SILO CONCEPT
The two silo concept impacts all aspects of the operation. Taking all subtle
improvements into consideration helps
illustrate how the landfill Eurosilo drives
efficiencies.
Each constituent of the CCR waste
stream has vastly different handling characteristics. The fly ash is dry and dusty
and needs to be conditioned before transporting. Conditioning the fly ash is critical and has to be carefully done. The gypsum needs to be dewatered to between
10% and 15% moisture so that it is dry
enough to transport but it can become
sticky and can set up to some extent under pressure while being stored. Mixing
these two constituents creates a better
blended material for transport than either
one on its own.
The benefits of this approach include
capital cost savings; operating cost savings; easier operating methods; and environmental responsibility.
Capital cost savings can be
achieved in the following ways:
Consolidating the gypsum handling
equipment footprint at the plant
30

1609pe_30 30

can result in an estimated savings of

$8,000,000 to $10,000,000 depending on storage sizes needed.
Much faster schedule to construct,
the slip forming of all silos can be
done one after another.
A version of the concept uses no CCR
silo at the landfill and in this case the
capital savings are even higher (e.g.,
more like $15,000,000) but with
this case the operating costs will be
higher.
Operating cost savings can be
achieved in the following ways:
If the gypsum Eurosilo has the ability to consolidate the gypsum dewatering equipment on top of the
Eurosilo at the plant, a substantial
amount of equipment will be eliminated such as the gypsum storage

and dewatering buildings, transfer

towers, additional conveyors, portal
reclaimer, and even truck-loading
bays,
The gypsum dewatering and silo operation can be automated,
Being able to move all CCR to the
landfill at the maximum capacity of
the pipe conveyor allows the conveyor to operate fewer hours per day and
to operate at peak power efficiency
while in operation. This saves the
hours of operating the belt and allows the motors to run at the highest
efficiency on their efficiency curves.
This also pushes the belt replacement years further into the future
and reduces idler replacements.
The truck loading operation under
the landfill silo is more efficient than
www.power-eng.com

9/9/16 4:26 PM

traditional loading designs because

two trucks can be loaded simultaneously with efficient queuing. The
truck loading operation at the landfill can be done by the truck operators themselves if that is desired.
The two-silo approach allows for
easier operating methods. Examples
include:
With this concept the bottom ash,
gypsum and fly ash can be reclaimed
simultaneously onto the pipe conveyor for transport to the landfill.
As a result, there will be much less
power required and fewer transfers
required to get the material onto the
pipe conveyor.
Once at the landfill there would be
a single conveyor discharge into the
silo. Alternatively, the CCR can be
conveyed to an emergency pile.
Once the truck loading operation

starts at the landfill the material will

be loaded into trucks by a series of
double augers that eliminates the
need for any conventional conveyor
transfers thus reducing the need for
bin vibrators and air cannons that
can be disturbing to local landowners.
The material is transferred to the
landfill silo in a matter of hours at
close to the capacity of the pipe conveyor. This is more efficient because
fewer people have to be involved or
stand by waiting for the daily CCR
production to transfer.
It is easier to design redundancy into
a silo than to other types of storage.
For example, in the plant gypsum
silo design from Eurosilo there is an
emergency bypass of the silo in case
the silo internals are being maintained and there is an optional truck

loading spot under the silo in case

the pipe conveyor is down for maintenance.
The following examples illustrate
how the two-silo approach is more
sustainable and environmentally
friendly than alternative options:
The gypsum is directly put onto the
pipe conveyor using far fewer conveyors and motors.
Fewer foundations are needed to
construct the facilities at the plant.
Construction time is significantly reduced.
Less power is required per ton of gypsum moved.
The pipe conveyor motors are run
at closer to peak efficiency reducing
wasted power.
The loading operation at the landfill
can be done underground or partially underground where the operation

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For info. http://powereng.hotims.com RS#10

1609pe_31 31

9/9/16 4:27 PM

MATERIAL HANDLING
is sheltered from the elements and
where it is quieter.
Comingling the CCR materials provides a better handling and more
consistent sand like material that is
more consistently packed into place
in the landfill.
The fly ash does not need to be
conditioned as much and the gypsum does not need to be dewatered
as much since they will be comingled in the CCR silo at the landfill.
While more testing may be needed
to verify the limits of this, initial
tests show that the blended material is like sand and behaves predictably with less sticking.

CONCLUSION
For plants that need to move bottom
ash, fly ash and gypsum to a landfill this
concept offers the flexibility to split the
storage of the material to the plant and

CCR Eurosilo

landfill and then move it rapidly to the

landfill with no restriction on rate. This
will save a significant amount of operating time just to transfer the material to
the landfill. Once stored in the landfill
silo the truck loading operation is faster.
For large volumes of CCR to be moved
over a 20 or 30-year period, this truck
loading efficiency gain adds up to sizable

dollar savings. The two-silo concept offers

clear capital and operating cost benefits
at the plant end that should be carefully
considered. When the operating costs are
modeled and projected over a long term
project life the savings are significant for
plants generating significant volumes of
CCR waste. The environmental benefits
are also obvious.

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For info. http://powereng.hotims.com RS#11

1609pe_32 32

9/9/16 4:27 PM

Author
Michael Aller is executive director of
Energy Florida and the Consortium for
Advanced Production and Engineering
of Gas Turbines and Rotating Machinery
(CAPE), based in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Timothy Franta is project manager of
the CAPE. Helge von Helldorff is a project
associate with the CAPE, and a doctoral
candidate in aerospace engineering at
the Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne, Florida.

GAS TURBINES

Advanced materials and additive manufacturing processes

provide the foundation for cleaner and more efficient power
generation solutions. Photo courtesy: Energy Florida/CAPE

Advanced Materials
and Processes for the
Next Generation of
Gas Turbine Design

BY MICHAEL ALLER, TIMOTHY FRANTA, AND HELGE VON HELLDORFF

as turbines have become an increasingly

important part of the
U.S. power generation
mix, especially as regulatory and market trends have made
gas turbines much more competitive in
terms of price and emissions signature,
relative to alternatives such as coal power generation. Gas turbines are poised to
become the most important thermal energy and propulsion device in the global
economy within the next few years.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) projects that almost 60
www.power-eng.com

1609pe_33 33

percent of new power generation capacity within the next 20 years will be provided by natural gas-fired, combined cycle power plants. Together with the rise
in renewable power generation, especially wind power generation, this shift has
profound implications for the trajectory
of the global power generation sector
in coming decades. The shift is already
having a significant impact on power
markets within the United States and
Europe, where renewable and gas power
generation are underpricing and therefore squeezing out coal-fired generation,
as well as reducing the profitability of

baseload power sources such as nuclear facilities. Gas-fired power generation

surpassed coal as a source of electricity
in the United States for the first time ever
in the spring of 2015, and given current
trends, natural gas does not seem likely
to relinquish its leadership position as
a source of power generation in North
America at any point in the near future.
The large increase in gas production
from the shale gas boom in North America has substantially reduced prices for
natural gas since 2008, and significantly
altered the economics and price structure of the gas power generation landscape. In many (though not all) international markets, the global glut in oil
33

9/9/16 4:27 PM

GAS TURBINES

and gas supplies has similarly reduced

natural gas spot prices and improved
the economics of natural gas-fired facilities. Contributing to their attractiveness,
gas-fired power generation facilities often have a smaller footprint and many
balance-of-plant components are available off the shelf, allowing for rapid
permitting and set up of new facilities,
and reducing the cost of construction.
In a world where emission signatures are
becoming increasingly important and
regulated, gas turbine power generation
facilities emit relatively low levels of
pollution: no sulfur dioxide, low levels
of nitrogen oxides and particulates, and
less than half the carbon dioxide of comparable coal-fired facilities.
All of these factors contribute to a significant rise in the attractiveness of gas
turbines for power generation systems.
Furthermore, gas turbines provide significant short-term ramping and responsive power production capability, allowing them to provide backup capacity for
variable renewable power resources such
as wind and solar installations. As more
renewable generation capacity comes
online, this ability to provide responsive,
cost-effective power is driving significant
growth in new gas-fired power generation installations.
As gas turbines become ever more
prevalent in the power generation community and adapted for a range of applications including industrial energy
efficiency through combined heat and
power installations, their operational
parameters and efficiency ratings are in
need of consistent improvement. Current gas-fired power generation facilities are approximately 42 to 44 percent
efficient in simple cycle (one gas-fired
turbine, hooked to a generator) and approximately 60 to 61 percent efficient in
combined-cycle operation (including an
attached heat recovery steam generation
loop, steam turbine and generator(s) to
harness waste heat for additional power
generation).
34

1609pe_34 34

There are a broad range of new technologies in advanced manufacturing

that are being applied within the gas turbine design, engineering, manufacturing, and repair communities.
These new technologies allow for enhanced performance and shorter time
to market for new improvements and
upgrades.

A number of companies and research teams

are demonstrating printing entire engine
components, such as this fuel injector, as one
integrated piece. Photo Courtesy: NASA

In order to improve the efficiency and

performance of todays turbine designs,
manufacturers are looking to improve
aerodynamics, produce higher pressure
ratios, and enable higher turbine inlet
temperatures in the next generation of
machines. A number of different advanced manufacturing techniques can
help achieve these goals, including new
materials, more precise or complex
geometries, enhanced cooling architectures, and new types of high-performance coatings.
A key enabler for increased efficiency and reduced emissions in industrial
gas turbines is the development of high
temperature materials applicable to the
harsh and high vibration environment
in these machines, and associated manufacturing techniques suitable for prototyping, production, and repair.
Although these have each been a
primary focus of technology development within the industry for decades,
new techniques and applications are
emerging to address the challenges of
high temperature materials and related
designs.

ADDITIVE
MANUFACTURING
One of the most exciting areas of new
technology in gas turbine engineering is
in additive manufacturing or 3D printing. This technology has been in commercial use for nearly three decades, although it is only recently being applied
to metals at commercial scale. Additive
manufacturing allows a machine operator to take digitized engineering designs
and transform them into fully functional objects. The material is added in layers
and bonded by heat deposition or chemical processes; then more layers are added to produce the desired three-dimensional shape.
Additive manufacturing technology
opens up an entirely new design philosophy for turbine parts and components.
This process can reduce component complexity by reducing the number of steps
necessary to produce a part or component, or by consolidating several components into a single integrated piece.
Additive manufacturing of metallic parts
for the turbine industry is an active area
of research for many manufacturers and
university research institutes around the
world.
The process of adapting additive manufacturing techniques to the turbine environment is still a work in progress. As
just one example, the underlying characteristics and properties of many metal
powders (especially high-temperature
super-alloys) are not yet well-understood
and tested to the industrys exacting standards. In addition, the replicability of the
build characteristics produced by different additive manufacturing machines,
even of the same model and manufacturer, remains a challenge. Many industry participants have found that in
practice, the output of each individual
additive manufacturing machine must
be assessed and certified separately, and
all production information and parameters must be tracked meticulously as part
of the quality assurance process.
www.power-eng.com

9/9/16 4:27 PM

Using Additive Manufacturing to Make Burner Tips

Using additive manufacturing, spare parts for
smaller gas turbines are already being produced today.

Siemens Power & Gas is actively utilizing 3D printing

technology to repair burner
tips, allowing it to recycle
and reuse components that
normally would have been
disposed of, and saving its
customers time and money.
A number of companies
and research teams are pursuing 3D printing of full
The Gas Turbine Burner Needs a
The Platform Lowers
A Thin Layer of Stainless A Laser Beam Fuses the
New Tip. A Digital Production Plan
by a Few Micrometers,
Steel Powder Is Applied. Powder, Thereby Creating
blade assemblies for testing
Is Created on a Computer.
the First Layer of Material. Lowering the Component
as well as airfoils, fuel injecBeing Produced.
tors, and a variety of other
components. Safran Microturbo, an engineering firm
based in Toulouse, France,
recently demonstrated the
ability to 3D print an entire
gas turbine assembly (albeit on a small scale). Many of
these applications are being
A New Layer of Metal
The Laser Again Traces
Layer by Layer, a New Burner Tip
implemented first in the aviPowder Is Aplied.
the Outline of the Piece
Is Fused Onto the Component.
Being Produced.
ation engine industry, as the
weight savings and value-add
in that sector is more signifSource: Siemens Energy, Inc.
icant than in the industrial
Given the challenges in adapting this having to stock large numbers of legacy gas turbine market, but many of these
technology to scale up for manufactur- parts for their customers. This reduces innovations will soon also be integrated
ing, one area of particular interest in the costs and improves response time for into the industrial gas turbine fleets of
short term is additive manufacturing for customers, and provides a great oppor- major manufacturers.
castings. Many industry participants are tunity for improved efficiency within
looking at new ways to utilize this tech- the repair and refurbishment business. CERAMIC MATRIX
nology to accelerate the design and iter- For example, a pump manufacturer re- COMPOSITES
ation process by providing rapid tooling duced impeller replacement costs by
Another advanced material with great
and other capabilities (such as replacing up to 90 percent and cut lead times for promise for gas turbine performance
the lost wax process in complex castings new part(s) by over a month using 3D improvements is Ceramic Matrix Comwith 3D printed cores). This can save printing. According to 3D print suppli- posites (CMC), which promise highly
months or years and millions of dollars er ExOne, the finished part took two superior thermal resistance at approxof engineering time within a develop- weeks and cost less than $1,500 using imately one-third the weight of current
ment program, whereby new iterations 3D printing methods, while a traditional nickel-based super-alloys. CMC are a
of parts can be produced and tested pattern-based replacement would have composite of intertwined ceramic silicon
within days rather than months.
taken 6 to 12 weeks and cost between carbide fibers embedded in and reinforcSeveral companies are already imple- $5,000 and $15,000 by comparison.
ing a continuous silicon carbide-carbon
menting additive manufacturing in the
Several companies are looking at ways ceramic matrix. This material has been
production of small components and the to repair blade tips, burner tips, and oth- in development for nearly 30 years, and
repair and refurbishment of legacy parts. er small repairs which might have tra- is being implemented in aviation enThe 3D printing environment allows for ditionally necessitated the disposal of a gines in the shroud for first stage turbine
companies to produce parts for repair or part that now can be safely and effective- inlets in GEs LEAP engines. CMC are
refurbishment on demand rather than ly refurbished and reused. For example, also being assessed by a number of other
www.power-eng.com

1609pe_35 35

35

9/9/16 4:27 PM

GAS TURBINES

manufacturers for applications within

the industrial gas turbine environment.
For small turbines, the use of CMC could
result in turbine blade designs without
the requirements for advanced cooling
and thus improved efficiency through
reduction of bleed-air. However, for large
turbines, concerns regarding elevated
mechanical stresses and fracture properties of the CMC are still prohibiting their
practical implementation in turbine
blades. Non-rotating components such
as combustor liners, stators, and shrouds
will see increasing implementation of
CMC, and as their mechanical properties are better understood and design
parameters improved, CMC may be targeted for implementation in other parts
of the engine as well.
A considerable amount of work is also
being done in new coatings and coating
application technologies. Significant
new advances in coatings have not occurred for nearly 40 years. Most major
coating compounds were originally
identified in the 1950s and 1960s, and
a great deal of fundamental research is
being conducted in order to identify and
improve upon the existing coating formulations and deposition techniques,
allowing for higher firing temperatures
and greater operational efficiency of
next-generation gas turbines. Substantial effort is also being made on methods
to embed instrumentation and sensors
directly into turbine components utilizing additive manufacturing or other
techniques. Enabling reliable sensors
within machines will allow for much
more direct measurement of operating
parameters and anomalies, resulting in
much greater precision in maintenance
intervals, reduced downtime, and substantial improvements in operational
performance.

THE RISING TIDE

OF TECHNOLOGY
Although many of these improvements are driven by the large gas
36

1609pe_36 36

turbine original equipment manufacturers (OEM), it is clear that the application

of these new advances in production
technology should not be restricted only
to the largest and/or most sophisticated
classes of engines. There are substantial opportunities for improvements in
maintenance, repair, and overhaul of existing generation fleets, including legacy
gas-fired, aero-derivative, and peaking
power facilities. These new technologies
will allow more rapid, efficient, and customizable retrofits and upgrades for existing power generation facilities, as well
as improvements for new generations of
power generation equipment.
A group of turbine OEMs, design
firms, major research institutions and
other public and private stakeholders are
currently involved in an effort supported
through the National Institute of Science
and Technologys Advanced Manufacturing (AMTech) program to support
the assessment of advanced materials
and manufacturing processes on behalf of the next generation of gas turbines and rotating machinery equipment. Coordinated by Energy Florida
and the Gas Turbine Association, the
stakeholders in the Consortium for Advanced Production and Engineering of
Gas Turbines and Rotating Machinery
(CAPE) have been evaluating a variety
of techniques and technologies necessary to underpin the next generation
of highly efficient natural gas-fired,
combined-cycle turbines and generator
sets. The partners have been reviewing
the state of knowledge in a variety of
related areas, and have developed a set
of recommendations associated with
further development of related technologies. These priorities are being
coordinated with national funders,
research institutions, and key stakeholders across the industry. An update
on the AMTech CAPE effort will be
presented during the PowerGen International conference and trade show in
December 2016.

DIVERSITY OF
APPLICATIONS AND
SOLUTIONS
Although the centralized power production model remains strong in certain regulated markets and in many
emerging markets that are still working to deliver fundamental capacity
improvements to their grid, the power
production landscape is more diverse.
The power sector takes decades to fully
integrate new technology due to the high
complexity, long production lead times,
high capital investment, and operational
lifetimes of plants and equipment. Due
to this fact, the gas turbine design and
engineering community must actively
cultivate an understanding of the needs
of its customer base, both today and in
years to come. The industry must adapt
its design and engineering solutions to
be flexible enough to meet its customers future requirements, considering the
trends and development of the quickly
changing renewable energy markets. The
decades-long development cycle for gas
turbine technology requires some educated guesswork regarding the fundamental technologies that will underpin
future technology cycles. Customers will
always need power, but as we have seen,
the ways they receive and use that power
can change.
The gas turbine industry should consider ways to hedge its bets by investing in a range of materials and technical
solutions that support improvements in
smaller, less expensive machines, in addition to supporting large-scale material
science efforts to improve performance
and longevity of increasingly sizable
and complex combined-cycle power systems. The power generation community should work to ensure that all voices
are being heard, and that we are actively
sharing information and driving improvements across the range and breadth
of power generation equipment and applications. Todays world demands nothing less.
www.power-eng.com

9/9/16 4:27 PM

PRODUCTS
Nuclear Electronic
Monitoring Units

for short distances,

maintenance of distributed plants and machines

MR Group has launched a new series of

the result can be

to include a number of new security and virtual-

electronic monitoring units for the nuclear

a mutual interfer-

ization functions. Alongside OpenVPN, Version

ence phenomenon

1.2 of the management platform now also fea-

The S-Unit range has been specifically de-

called heterodyning

tures IPsec encryption, allowing a wide range of

signed by CMR for the simple and effective con-

or beating. This

various machines with different security protocols

dition monitoring of safety backup diesel genset

effect is created

to be flexibly connected. The new version is also

systems used in nuclear power plants. Designed

when the frequen-

capable of running in a virtualized environment.

to be compliant with nuclear energy industry

cies of the oscilla-

This not only increases the flexibility and avail-

standards and ensure that backup diesel gensets

tor in the individual

ability of the platform but also the efficiency of

continue to operate at optimum performance, the

signal conditioner driving the excitation signal to

maintenance and support services. The manage-

units provide advance warning of potential prob-

each LVDT vary slightly. Since the signal cables

ment platform is particularly suited for series and

lems and serious damage, improving the sched-

are close together, they can couple among each

special-purpose machine building.

uling of maintenance programs.

other, resulting in a very low frequency signal that

power industry.

is the difference between the frequencies of the

individual oscillators. This difference frequency
signal can ride on the DC output of the LVDT signal conditioners, appearing as low frequency ripple or noise with a period measured in fractions
of a second, or as a repetitive slow drift with a
period of many seconds. When a pair of LVDTs
are used together for redundancy, this effect may
be evident on only one channel of the system. In
The next generation S128 and S129 units com-

systems with larger numbers of LVDT channels,

prise easily configurable 32 channel analogue

this effect may be found in one or more channels,

The Sinema Remote Connect management

inputs for the accurate condition monitoring of

depending on many factors like cable length and

platform is a server application, allowing users to

key engine characteristics. These include mea-

layout as well as shielding and grounding.

conveniently and securely maintain widely distrib-

surement of exhaust gas temperature, bearings

Alliance Sensors Group has considered this

uted plants or machines by means of remote ac-

temperature, water temperature, stator winding

beat frequency problem with multiple LVDT in-

cess. Depending on the supported security pro-

temperature, pressure, lubrication oil tempera-

stallations and developed a successful solution

tocols, machines can now be flexibly connected,

ture and other features.

to this problem. Because the S1A and its variants

either by OpenVPN or IPsec. This facility means

Designed to withstand harsh and demanding

have a digital address for RS485 communication

that Sinema Remote Connect can communicate

operational environments, the robust units have

capability, we are able to use this digital feature

securely over routers with the majority of connect-

two operational modes, providing a permanent

to maintain the full redundancy of multiple LVDT

ed machines. Siemens also offers a complete

display of the last channel manually scanned or

systems. If the master were to fail, another

solution for virtualization (Simatic Virtualization

the automatic display of all sensor channels.

master having a different digital address would

as a Service): The solution encompasses set-up

A user friendly interface and front panel key-

instantly come on stream to maintain a single ex-

of the Sinema Remote Connect Server, the con-

board enables configuration changes to be made

citation frequency. In this approach the only thing

figuration of virtual machines and their network

easily, allowing individual output relay settings to

lost in a master oscillator failure is the former

structure, the installation and configuration of the

be modified and alarm groups and set points to

master channel itself. For multiple channel LVDT

operating system and ready-to-use installation of

be fixed.

systems, the integrity of the output signals from

the Simatic software. To support the virtualized

CMR Group
Info http://powereng.hotims.com RS#: 100

the other channels is fully maintained. This au-

systems over their entire life cycle, Siemens offers

to-mastering feature is unique to the Alliance

a number of inter-coordinated services, includ-

Sensors S1A and its variants.

ing Simatic Remote Services for remote access

Alliance Sensors Group

Info http://powereng.hotims.com RS#: 102

by means of a cRSP (common Remote Service

Signal Cross Talk Solution

lliance Sensors Group has solved the age old

problem of cross talk between sensors even

if the master signal conditioner fails.

When LVDT signal cables are bundled together
or laid close to each other in a wire trough, even
www.power-eng.com

1609pe_37 37

Platform), and Managed Support Services, which

encompass all support activities surrounding the
virtualized host system.

Distributed Plant Monitoring

iemens has extended its Sinema Remote

Connect

software

for

the

efficient

Siemens
Info http://powereng.hotims.com RS#: 103

37

9/9/16 4:27 PM

Alarm Horns and

Strobe Warning Lights

multi-generator applications in the renewable en-

2S Warning Signals launched the new D1x

ergy sector. As a buck-boost converter with scal-

range of alarm horns, PA loudspeakers and

able power, the device can work in either motor

integrated alarm horn/Xenon strobe warning units

or generator mode. The unit can connect two DC

employ the latest electronic technology and acous-

voltage levels, irrespective of these levels, on both

tic engineering in robust, marine grade, LM6 alu-

the input and output side. This makes the Sinamics

DCP ideal for charging and discharging batteries

minum enclosures. Designed to create the most

effective warning signals available for use in Class

software. The new software generation is based

and supercapacitors. Internal protective measures

I/II Division 1, Zone 1 & Zone 20 environments, the

on a standardized simulation platform. Using Simit

ensure that the

UL/cULs approved alarm horns and combined units

9, automation functions can be comprehensively

connected devices

are available with traditional directional flare horns

tested for development or functional faults and opti-

are neither over-

or omni-directional radial horns that generate a uni-

mized prior to actual plant commissioning using real

charged nor com-

form 360 sound dispersion.

time simulation and emulation. By adopting existing

pletely discharged.

planning, engineering and automation data as well

The high internal

as libraries containing functionally capable compo-

switching frequen-

nents over interfaces to Comos and Simatic PCS 7,

cy makes the com-

the new Simit generation helps real commissioning

pact design and

processes to be carried out more quickly, more eco-

low weight possi-

nomically and with fewer risks.

Simit 9 allows testing and optimization of the
automation solution within the simulation and em-

ble. The overload capability of up to 150 percent of

the rated current allows it to be used in even highly
dynamic applications.

The company also showcases its new GNEx

ulation environment on a completely virtual basis

The Sinamics DCP DC/DC power converter can

GRP Xenon strobe beacons, which add visual sig-

using a totally integrated virtual controller. The

be used in a range of applications. These include

naling to the explosion proof and corrosion resistant

virtual plant test can be performed directly at the

its use as a hybrid system with energy storage in

GNEx family. Suitable for all Zone 1, 2, 21 & 22 haz-

workplace without available plant equipment and

photovoltaic and wind power plants, or for cover-

ardous location applications the GNEx beacons

without the need for in-depth simulation expertise.

ing peak loads in press applications. It can also be

have extended temperature range with IECEx and

The new Simit generation also offers scope for

used in diesel-powered gantry cranes and storage

ATEX approvals. For applications with high levels of

safe, efficient training of plant operating person-

and retrieval systems, as well as in rapid charging

ambient light the GNExB2 beacon is available in 10,

nel. Different plant operating scenarios can be

stations for electric cars, and as a voltage source

15 and 21 Joule variants producing up to 902cd - a

simulated using realistic training environments.

for test rig equipment in the automotive industry.

very high output Xenon strobe. The GNExB1 offers a

Operators can be familiarized with the plant using

Stationary battery storage systems can also be im-

5 Joule Xenon strobe in a compact lightweight en-

original operator panel screens and automation

plemented with Sinamics DCP.

closure. Complementing the family is the GNExJ2 Ex

programs in advance of actual commissioning.

d junction box, which, having multiple cable entries

Using Simit as a training system not only reduces

Siemens
Info http://powereng.hotims.com RS#: 106

and terminal configurations is suitable for a large

the use of actual resources, it also allows possible

variety of applications. All GNEx beacons can be

hazards for operating staff in running operation to

Solar PV String Inverter

supplied as plate mounted assemblies configured

be minimized or even avoided altogether.

with and without an alarm horn sounder or junction

Siemens
Info http://powereng.hotims.com RS#: 105

box. These new Xenon strobe beacon visual signals

deal Power Inc. introduced its new SunDial solar

photovoltaic (PV) string inverter which includes an

optional bi-directional 3rd port for direct integration

of solar with energy storage during initial installation

broaden the GNEx family which includes alarm

horn sounders, PA loudspeakers and manual call

DC Power Converter

or any time in the future. The SunDial is a compact,

points for activation of fire alarms, gas detection and

he Sinamics DCP DC power converter from

efficient, and fully isolated PV string inverter with an

Siemens extends the scalable power range

integrated PV combiner, disconnects, and a built-in

achievable with a parallel connection up to 480 kilo-

Maximum Power Point Tracker (MPPT). It also fea-

watts. The high switching frequency enables small-

tures an optional, low cost plug and play bi-di-

er nuclear reactors to be used, giving the unit very

rectional DC port kit. This new solar first, storage

Training Simulation Software

space-saving dimensions. The integrated voltage

ready design is the only commercial string inverter

iemens is launching Version 9 of Simit, marking

control allows the DC/DC power converter also to be

available with a field-upgradable, bi-directional en-

a new generation of its acclaimed virtual com-

used as a high-power 0 to 800 V DC voltage source.

ergy storage port, making the system market ready

missioning and plant operator training simulation

The Sinamics DCP is suitable for industrial and

emergency shutdown systems.

E2S Warning Signals
Info http://powereng.hotims.com RS#: 104

38

1609pe_38 38

today for the solar + storage market.

www.power-eng.com

9/9/16 4:27 PM

Updated Wireless Network Module

be installed without per-

he WNM Wireless Network Module from Moore

ed and award winning Power Packet Switching

forming costly RF site

Industries has been redesigned with a new,

surveys.

Architecture with 1000V max PV DC input and

sleeker housing and now incorporates both Serial

The WNM is ideal

480V, 3-phase output. It is the first in a planned

and Ethernet communications in one model. The

for use with the Moore

family of field-upgradable SunDial PV string in-

WNM, originally released in 2011, has been an ac-

Industries

verters. An important new feature of the SunDial

curate and reliable solution for sending process sig-

Concentrator System,

system will be a newly designed AC link providing

nals between remote field sites. The WNM provides

as well as other SCADA

true galvanic isolation from the AC to the DC ports,

a low-cost wireless communications link between

and distributed I/O sys-

enabling PV installations to be either grounded or

field sites that are in rugged or impassable terrain,

tems. As a result of its

true floating. The new SunDial inverter is compa-

with a single unit transmitting for up to 30 miles and

redesign, the WNM now

rable in size and cost to todays widely used trans-

the ability to act as a repeater for a virtually unlimited

supports data commu-

formerless PV string inverters, but is fully isolated

transmission range.

The initial SunDial product is a 30kW system

(Model 30PV+S) based on Ideal Powers patent-

NCS

NET

nications networks that

and offers the additional value of an optional, up-

The bi-directional WNM employs Spread

use Ethernet and serial (RS-485) communications

gradable fully isolated bi-directional port for direct

Spectrum Frequency Hopping technology to avoid

in one model. In each WNM network, one module

storage integration. The SunDial can be applied

interference problems caused by crowded radio

is set as a Master. This can be set to communicate

to both new PV installations and PV system retro-

spectrums. This technology allows multiple radio

with a single WNM remote unit in a Point-to-Point

fits where there is a desire to add energy storage

networks to use the same band while in close prox-

architecture or multiple WNM remote units in a

to an existing array.

imity. Operating at standard operating frequencies

Point-to-Multipoint architecture.

Ideal Power Inc.

Info http://powereng.hotims.com RS#: 107

of 902-928MHz or 2.4-2.4835GHz, the WNM does

Moore Industries
Info http://powereng.hotims.com RS#: 109

not require a regulatory license and can typically

High Pressure Bellows Seal

enior Operations LLC Metal Bellows has developed a high pressure bellows seal, the DELTA

P, for use in injection valve applications. The

DELTA P is capable of withstanding high external
system pressures, while maintaining low differential pressure across the edge welded bellows.
This low differential pressure feature enables the
bellows to be designed with thinner material,
which increases the stroking and cycle life capability. This bellows seal is ideal for use in gas lift
valve applications. Senior has applied for a patent
on this new technology.

The following are the main features and benefits of the DELTA P:
Dome pressure: 1,000 to 15,000PSIG
Injection pressure: 1,000 to 15,000PSIG
20,000 cycles minimum
Inconel 718/625 bellows
Incaloy 945/945X housing
Senior Operations LLC
Info http://powereng.hotims.com RS#: 1088

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www.power-eng.com

1609pe_39 39

39

9/9/16 4:27 PM

Energy Management
Monitoring Systems

busbars

for delivery pressures up to 4500 psig. The new EXH

arlo Gavazzi Inc. launched a new line of mod-

provide excellent shield

regulator is suited for applications including test

ular monitoring systems for energy manage-

contact

benches, high-pressure cylinder control, hydraulics

ment. VMU-C EM is a data logger system for small

mance. The adjustable

to medium projects, VMUC-Y EM is a hardware

carriers are available

The EXH ensures accurate control and sta-

data aggregator for medium to larger projects and

with heights from 70 to

ble downstream pressure in a durable, compact

Em2 Server is a software solution for large projects.

They are designed to complement the extensive

adjustable

perfor-

80 mm. Busbars can be cut to any desired length.

Busbars are pre-connected to the DIN rail
adapter cutting installation time

line of Carlo Gavazzi energy maters and current

transformers.

and

Adjustable T-connectors allow the busbar to

be positioned horizontally and vertically

The VMU-C EM is a combination of hardware

modules, whose primary function is to collect data

Flexible mounting options with carrier on

from a network of energy meters and environmen-

one or both sides and varying heights and

tal sensors and then make this data available to

orientations

end users utilizing industry standard methods,

Adjustable busbar carriers are also compatible

such as integrated web server, FTP, HTTP and

with other WAGO shield accessories offering a

Modbus/TCP data transfers. In addition to data

one-stop solution that makes any installation quick

management, the VMU-C EM platform can provide

and easy.

a relay output, SMS or email alarms and scalable

WAGO Corp.
Info http://powereng.hotims.com RS#: 111

pulse rate inputs. The VMU-C EM can function as a

and more.

design. Ideal for applications requiring variable

delivery pressures, it vents excess downstream
pressure to the atmosphere through the bonnet
as the regulator set-point is reduced. Its high-load
marginal spring provides consistent delivery pressures even at high-flow rates while its non-rising
stem design minimizes the equipments footprint.

standalone data logging solution for applications

with up to 32 meters or as a data gateway for larger

Particle Measurement Lasers

installations.

The VMU-Y EM is a data aggregator that is built

aser Components Flexpoint laser module series

now includes dot and line lasers with 488 nm.

upon the VMU-C EM hardware platform, with a

Therefore, in addition to 405 nm and 450 nm, a third

primary function of aggregating data from a net-

wavelength is available in the blue spectral range.

Fully configurable to meet end-user specifica-

work of VMU-C EM data loggers in applications

tions, the EXH is available in PTFE, PCTFE, and PEEK

where support for more than 32 energy meters is

seat materials along with orifice sizes up to 0.2 to

required. The VMU-Y EM relies on VMU-C EM data

accommodate application-specific process condi-

loggers to collect the data from energy meters and

tions. Standard threaded bonnets and screw holes

environmental sensors, but it is also responsible

allow the regulator to be flush or panel-mounted

for the management of collected data and web

for ease of installation.

Combined with multiple porting configurations

server function. Up to 10 VMU-C EM / 320 meters

and an extensive range of delivery pressures,

can be managed by single VMU-Y EM.

The Em2 Server is a software solution provid-

Depending on the beam profile, the output

the EXH is the precise and reliable choice for

ed as a Virtual Machine software appliance to be

power amounts to up to 40 mW. Due to the nar-

high-pressure applications. Each regulator is 100

hosted either in a customers facility or remote

row-banded emission of 488 nm 2 nm, these la-

percent helium leak-checked and fully flow- and

server. Similar to the VMU-Y EM, the Em2 Server

ser modules are optimally suited for fluorescence

function-tested to ensure the highest levels of du-

relies on the VMU-C EM for communication with

applications, spectroscopic applications, and par-

rability and performance available.

energy meters. It aggregates data in large appli-

ticle measurements.

Aura Gas Controls

Info http://powereng.hotims.com RS#: 113

cations with up to 100 VMU-C EM loggers / 3,200

In addition to standard modules, customized

energy meters and provides web server function.

laser modules can be developed and produced at

Carlo Gavazzi
Info http://powereng.hotims.com RS#: 110

attractive prices.

Field Force Automation Program

Laser Components USA

Info http://powereng.hotims.com RS#: 112

oble Engineering Co., a subsidiary of ESCO

Technologies Inc., released its Field Force

Automation program, a customizable platform

Shielding Products
AGO offers a wide variety of shielding prod-

High-Pressure Regulator

that helps power companies meet requirements

ucts to assist in eliminating unwanted electri-

of new NERC CIP regulations by standardizing

cal noise. Used with WAGOs new shield clamp that

URA Controls has introduced a self-relieving,

high-pressure regulator designed to provide pri-

diagnostic testing and data collection programs

features an exclusive latching spring, 790 Series

mary pressure control of non-corrosive gas or liquid

through a combination of rugged controllers,

W
40

1609pe_40 40

www.power-eng.com

9/9/16 4:27 PM

testing software, custom engineering and data

withstanding constant pressure.

management processes.

Roxtec uses innovation to design the most

Using Field Force Automation, companies

reliable solutions that better meet the demands

are able to consolidate field test data and auto-

of challenging conditions in underground appli-

matically save and sync it from the jobsite to the

cations. UG seals are made of high-elastic EPDM

office. By automating as many as seven manual

rubber, developed specifically to resist a low con-

steps in traditional testing workflows, companies

stant water pressure.

can greatly reduce the risk of human error and

The UG knock-out sleeve is designed to fit

expedite the data collection process. Supervisors

building and bridge monitoring; and industrial au-

Roxtec UG seals and frames, and is available in

and managers are able to immediately access

tomation and fluid power systems. It can operate in

three different standard industry sizes to provide

the data the moment it is synced, review it in real

hostile factory environments such as lubricant and

customized protection for a variety of under-

time and remotely access the controllers to col-

chemical mists, airborne grit and dust, and typical

ground applications.

laborate with their field engineers and verify test

industrial wash downs.

Roxtec
Info http://powereng.hotims.com RS#: 116

results before leaving the job site. Rather than

The robust LA-25-A LVDT linear sensor has a

having test data stored in disparate forms and

sturdy one-inch (25.4 mm) diameter heavy wall

various locations, Field Force Automation central-

housing of aluminum or stainless steel, two dou-

Continuous Gas Analyzer

izes the data and drastically improves its security,

ble-contact shaft seals that keep fluids and solid

ultimately providing the right people with access

contaminants out of its bore, and offers a choice

to reliable, comprehensive data.

merson released the Rosemount CT5100

continuous gas analyzer, a hybrid analyzer

of axial connectors or a cable in a metal cord grip.

that combines Tunable Diode Laser (TDL) and

One of the ways Dobles Field Force Automation

The LA-25-A series permits a variety of mount-

Quantum Cascade Laser (QCL) measurement

program helps companies meet the new NERC

ings, including standard saddle-type clamps, a

technologies for process gas analysis and emis-

CIP Version 6 standards is through its rugged con-

two-hole flange that screws onto its front bushing,

sions monitoring. The

trollers which are configured as locked-down

and a single hole mount through a bulkhead up to

CT5100 can detect

devices to ensure they are only able to execute

1/8 inch thick. The LA-25-As core is enclosed in

down to sub ppm lev-

necessary, work-related tasks and to limit its com-

a core extension rod assembly from which it can

el for a range of com-

munication capabilities for security purposes.

never break loose, while offering a sturdy male

ponents, while simpli-

The program also makes it easy for Doble to

thread for easy mechanical connection. When

fying operation and

generate government-facing reports for clients to

mated with ASGs SC-100 industrial LVDT DIN-rail-

significantly reducing

demonstrate compliance and adherence to test-

mountable signal conditioner, an LA-25-A LVDT

costs. Unlike tradi-

ing and data management processes. These re-

becomes an ideal solution for heavy duty indus-

tional

ports can show who has used the program, what

trial applications for position sensing.

gas analyzers, the CT5100 can measure up to 12

system they accessed it from, its geographical lo-

Alliance Sensors Group

Info http://powereng.hotims.com RS#: 115

critical component gases and potential pollutants

cation, the software version and the specific work

that was done. Providing this level of specificity

continuous

simultaneously within a single system - meeting

local, state, national, and international regulatory

ultimately helps utility companies to successfully

Underground Cable Entry Seals

requirements.

complete audits.

oxtec UG solutions have been developed to

The CT5100 operates reliably with no con-

meet the demanding requirements specifical-

sumables, no in-field enclosure, and a simplified

ly in underground applications. Part of the Roxtec

sampling system that does not require any gas

Doble Engineering Co.

Info http://powereng.hotims.com RS#: 114

underground product family, the UG knock-out

conditioning to remove moisture. The new gas

Linear Position Sensors

sleeve is designed to be cast directly into the

analyzer is ideally suited for process gas analysis,

. G. Schaevitz LLC, Alliance Sensors Group is

foundation structure, and is easily attached to the

continuous emissions monitoring, and ammonia

proud to release its LA-25-A series LVDT linear

casting mold prior to casting. A knock-out plate

slip applications.

position sensors, designed to handle extreme indus-

is located inside the sleeve to ensure a tight seal

trial environments. Available in ranges from 3 inches

prior to routing cables.

The CT5100 is a unique combination of advanced technology, high reliability, and rugged

(75 mm) to 15 inches (375 mm), the LA-25-A is ideal

The UG product can be installed below ground

design. Its laser chirp technique expands gas

for roller gap positioning, process valve displace-

to seal cables entering through the foundation of

analysis in both the near- and mid-infrared range,

ment, head box and actuator position feedback with

electrical substations and shelters, as proven by

enhancing process insight, improving overall gas

the durability to withstand the harsh environments

UG test standards. These reliable underground

analysis sensitivity and selectivity, removing cross

found in steam and hydro power plants; paper, steel,

solutions have been documented to provide op-

interference, and reducing response time. The la-

and aluminum mills; die and stamping presses;

timal performance, especially when it comes to

ser chirp technique produces sharp, well-defined

www.power-eng.com

1609pe_41 41

41

9/9/16 4:27 PM

peaks from high resolution spectroscopy that en-

EMAX4 Fans

The

able specificity of identified components with min-

ulti-Wing introduces the EMAX4 Fans, which

ened units offer 2 kV

provide up to 77 percent total efficiency.

isolation protection for

imum interference and without filtration, reference

cells, or chemometric manipulations.
Emerson
Info http://powereng.hotims.com RS#: 117

EMAX4 has a computer-optimized blade de-

the PROFIBUS system

sign for maximum performance. Customized for

and dual power inputs

your requirements, EMAX4 decreases noise by

to

2 to 3 dB and reduces energy consumption in

communications.

Thermal Inspection Camera

air-cooled condensers, chillers, cooling towers,

evaporators and more.

LIR Systems, Inc. released the T1K series of pre-

industrial-hard-

ensure

non-stop

Rated for operation

in environments rang-

mium HD thermal inspection cameras. Creating a

ing from -40 to 75C,

new performance point at the top of FLIRs uncooled

both units are capable

thermal camera value ladder, the T1K series sets a

of distances up to 4 km

new industry standard with an HD infrared detector

(2.5 miles) on multi-

delivering outstanding image clarity, exceptional

mode fiber, or up to 45

measurement

per-

km (28 miles) on sin-

formance, and an

gle-mode fiber in both

intuitive yet simple

ordinary and hazardous applications, a first for

hybrid-touch

user

the industry. The ICF-1180I extends connections

interface. The new

over a single optical fiber port, whereas the ICF-

cameras allow users

1280I extends connections over two optical fiber

to find problem ar-

ports that can be arranged in a redundant ring for

eas quickly, measure

extremely high communications reliability.

them precisely, and document and report findings for

In addition to hazardous area certification, the

corrective action.

ICF-1180I and ICF-1280I offer protection from bus

T1K series cameras feature a rich set of new hard-

faults. The ICF-1180I and ICF-1280I work trans-

ware, software, and optical designs each tailored to

parently to detect and recognize bus faults. If the

take advantage of the new 1024 X 768 HD-IR detec-

A modular design, EMAX4 is available with 5,

bus fails on one side, the issue will not propagate

tor. High fidelity images are created utilizing FLIRs

6, 7, 9 or 12 blades in diameters from 22 to 36

through the ICF units and affect additional bus

OSX Precision HDIR optics which feature a precision

inches (559 to 914 mm). Pitch angles include

segments. In addition, the ICF units will also trig-

ultrasonic autofocus capability. The combination of

20 degrees to 48.5 degrees in 3.5-degree incre-

ger an alarm notification to the field engineer on

the higher resolution detector and the variety of OSX

ments. EMAX4 blades are constructed of glass-re-

the location of the failure so that it can be quickly

lenses available allow users to view problems from

inforced polyamide (PAG), and the hub is made

replaced with minimal downtime.

longer distances and with greater accuracy, promot-

from pressure die cast silicon aluminum alloy.

ing better safety and more efficient workflow.

Multi-Wing
Info http://powereng.hotims.com RS#: 119

Moxa Inc.
Info http://powereng.hotims.com RS#: 120

Advanced real-time image processing is done utilizing the integrated on-board FLIR Vision Processor,

Wireless Headsets
oxa, Inc. is helping connect PROFIBUS

devices with its ICF-1180I and ICF-1280I

neously just like on a regular telephone. These

which combines FLIRs patented MSX multi-spectral

Profibus-to-Fiber Converters

dynamic imaging with a series of other proprietary

image enhancement algorithms to deliver highly de-

tailed thermal and visual images to users while in the

PROFIBUS-to-Fiber converters, which now feature

field. The advanced image processing features pro-

Class 1 Div 2, IEC Ex, and ATEX certification for

vide the highest quality images available in a com-

deployment in hazardous locations including

pact uncooled system. Additionally, built-in audio and

upstream and downstream petrochemical pro-

on-screen text/sketch annotation features support

cessing, chemical plants, and other areas where

in-field documentation while the included FLIR Tools

explosive vapors are present.

reporting software allows users to generate instant

PROFIBUS is the worlds most widely used

reports on a variety of mobile and desktop platforms.

fieldbus and especially common in the oil and

The FLIR T1K series is available now through select

gas industry. With the newly certified ICF-1180I

channel partners and directly from FLIR.

and ICF-1280I, oil and gas users can now use

FLIR Systems
Info http://powereng.hotims.com RS#: 118

optical fiber to connect their PROFIBUS devices

42

1609pe_42 42

omSTAR offers full duplex wireless that allow

up to eight users to communicate simulta-

and controllers in remote or hazardous locations.

www.power-eng.com

9/9/16 4:27 PM

General Highlights on

revolutionary headsets are not voice activated

the FirstLine P 924:

and there is no delay when transmitting. They en-

mation and a variety of heavy duty industrial or

58.5-225 Kw, Three

hance industrial job site productivity and safety

contactless devices designed for factory autocommercial applications such as solar cell posi-

by providing instantaneous, hands free voice

Phase,

On-Line

tioners, wind turbine prop pitch and brakes, chute

communications within an 800-yard range.

Double

Conversion,

or gate positioners on off-road or agri-vehicles,

Central

robotic arm position feedback, and packaging

UL924

The XTreme is a specialty hard hat compati-

Lighting Inverter

ble ComSTAR headset that features miniaturized

equipment. With their compact yet robust design,

wireless circuitry and antenna installed right in-

Features IGBT and dig-

superior performance, and excellent stroke-to-

side the ear cup. This streamlined All in One de-

ital signal processing

length ratio, LR-27 and LRL-27 sensors are ideal

sign is a breakthrough, eliminating the need for

(DSP)

for both industrial and OEM position sensing

Emergency power provides FULL LIGHT

cables and belt pack transceivers.

OUTPUT from all lamps and fixtures for the

ComSTAR operates within the DECT, 1920

entire runtime

1930 MHz band allocated by the FCC for voice

applications.
Operating from a variety of DC voltages, the LR27 and LRL-27 series offer a choice of four analog

Staco Energy Products

Info http://powereng.hotims.com RS#: 122

outputs, and all units include ASGs proprietary

applications where a shorter length and smaller

Emergency Lighting Inverter

Expanded Linear
Position Sensors Line

lliance Sensors Group a div of H.G. Schaevitz

LLC has expanded its sensor product offering

be hard fixed to the measurand.

communications only. No FCC licensing required.

ComSTAR
Info http://powereng.hotims.com RS#: 121

SenSet field scalability feature.

The LR series also includes the LR-19 series for
diameter body is required and the spring loaded

LRS-18 for applications where the probe cannot

Emergency Lighting Inverter called the FirstLine

by adding to its line the LR-27 and LRL-27 Series

P 924.

Inductive Linear Position Sensors. These are

Alliance Sensors Group

Info http://powereng.hotims.com RS#: 123

taco Energy Products released a new

Three Phase, On-Line Double Conversion

Damper Drive Solutions

Demolition

Brandenburg

The Leader in Uptime Since 1905

Brandenburg is the premier demolition and

environmental remediation contractor for
power plant decommissioning and retrofitting. Brandenburg services utility companies
throughout the U.S. by performing demolition and repurposing projects ranging from
selective removal of obsolete equipment
to complete closure of power plant facilities.

a brand of TerraSource Global

Eliminate fugitive dust to

improve plant safety with

Posimetric Feeders
Dust-free processing of coal, limestone,
biomass, crushed stone, sand,
wood chips and more.
+1 (610) 544-7200

info@terrasource.com

Handling a World of Materials

www.TerraSource.com/PE
Posimetric is a licensed trademark of GE Energy (USA) LLC.
TerraSource Global is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hillenbrand, Inc.
(NYSE: HI) 2016 TerraSource Global. All rights reserved.

http://powereng.hotims.com RS#300

www.power-eng.com

1609pe_43 43

 
 
  
     
  

   
 

 
  
 
 



  






  

 





 

 






  
    
  

 
      

  

  

POWER PLANT
Demolition, Environmental Remediation,
Decommissioning, Retrofitting

SUPPLIERS SHOWCASE |

Crushers

 
 
 

 

   
 


   




  

 



 



  
 

(800) 932-2869 | www.brandenburg.com

http://powereng.hotims.com RS#301

43

9/9/16 4:27 PM

ShowcaSe advertiSing contact Jenna hall: 918-832-9249, Jennah@pennwell.com

| SUPPLIERS SHOWCASE

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The Viega MegaPress and MegaPressG systems

for installing schedule 5 to schedule 40 black iron
pipe in sizes 1/2 to 2 are ideal for industrial,
commercial and residential applications. Viega
MegaPressG fittings are designed for fuel oil and
natural gas applications.
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800-976-9819

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1609pe_44 44

Viega MegaPress and MegaPressG Systems

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CLASSIFIEDS |
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For info. http://powereng.hotims.com RS# 450

For info. http://powereng.hotims.com RS# 453

CONDENSER OR GENERATOR AIR COOLER TUBE PLUGS

THE CONKLIN SHERMAN COMPANY, INC.

Quality and Service Since 1908

Easy to install, saves time and money.

Get a thorough mix with:

Pugmill Systems, Inc.

P.O. Box 60
Columbia, TN 38402 USA

ADJUSTABLE PLUGS - all rubber with brass insert.

Expand it, install it, reverse action for tight fit.
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For info. http://powereng.hotims.com RS# 454

Ring Granulators, Reversible Hammermills,

Double Roll Crushers, Frozen Coal Crackers
for crushing coal, limstone and slag.
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Ph: (314) 781-6100 / Fax: (314) 781-9209
www.ampulverizer.com / E-Mail: sales@ampulverizer.com

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Ph: 931-388-0626 Fax: 931-380-0319

www.pugmillsystems.com
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FOR SALE/RENT

| CLASSIFIEDS

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UNDERSTANDING PRICING, POLICIES, AND PROFITS
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9/9/16 4:28 PM

INDEX
RS# COMPANY

PG#

17

Acromag

RS# COMPANY

Power Generation
Week 2016
DIGITAL EDITIONANNOUNCEMENT SPONSOR

www.acromag.com

10 Agru America

31

www.agruamerica.com

8 Ashcroft
3 Evoqua

www.powergenerationweek.com

C3

Rentech Boiler Systems

DIGITAL EDITION-COVER

www.indeck.com

2 John Zink Co

www.johnzinkhamworthy.com

www.kiewit.com

4 Mobil Industrial
Lubricants

www.rentechboilers.com

6 Roxul Inc

13

www.roxul-rti.com

14 Siemens Energy Inc

C4

www.siemens.com/gasturbines

12 Testo

39

www.testo350.com

www.mobilindustrial.com

9 Power Generation
Week 2016

1421 S. Sheridan Rd., Tulsa, OK 74112

Phone: 918-835-3161, Fax: 918-831-9834
e-mail: pe@pennwell.com
Sr. Vice President North
American Power Group Richard Baker
Reprints Foster Printing Servive
4295 Ohio Street, Michigan City, IN 46360
Phone: 866-879-9144
e-mail: pennwellreprint@fosterprinting.com

Power Generation
Week 2016
BROWSER EDITIONLEADERBOARD

www.evoqua.com/intake

5 Kiewit Power

SALES OFFICE

www.powergenerationweek.com

19

www.ashcroft.com

13 Indeck Power
Equipment

PG#

27

www.powergenerationweek.com

Power Generation
Week 2016
BROWSER EDITION-TOC
BANNER
www.powergenerationweek.com

11 US Water Services

32

www.uswaterservices.com

Vallourec

C2

www.vallourec.com

Advertisers and advertising agencies assume liability for all contents

(including text representation and illustrations) of advertisements printed, and also assume responsibility for any claims arising therefrom
made against the publisher. It is the
advertisers or agencys responsibility to obtain appropriate releases on
any items or individuals pictured in
the advertisement.

National Sales Manager Veronica Foster

1421 S. Sheridan Rd., Tulsa, OK 74112
Phone: 918-832-9256; Fax: 918.831.9834
e-mail: veronicaf@pennwell.com
AK, AZ, CA, CO, HI, IA, KS, MN, MO, MT, ND,
NE, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA, WI, WY,
AB, BC, SK, Manitoba, Northwest Territory,
Yukon Territory
Regional Brand Manager Ben Stauss
Phone: + 513-295-2155
e-mail: bstauss@pennwell.com
CT, DE, IL, IN, MA, ME, MI, NH, NJ, NY, OH,
PA, RI, VT, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia,
Newfoundland, Ontario
Regional Brand Manager Joanna Shatwell
1421 S. Sheridan Rd., Tulsa, OK 74112
Phone: 918-831-9884
e-mail: joannas@pennwell.com
AL, AR, DC, FL, GA, KS, KY, LA, MD, MO,
MS, NC, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV
International Sales Mgr Tom Marler
The Water Tower
Gunpowder Mills
Powdermill Lane
Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 1BN
United Kingdom
Phone: +44 1992 656 608, Fax: +44 1992 656 700
email: tomm@pennwell.com
Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland,
France, Germany, Hungary, Norway, Poland,
Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Slovakia, Sweden
International Sales Mgr Roy Morris
The Water Tower
Gunpowder Mills
Powdermill Lane
Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 1BN
United Kingdom
Phone: +44 1992 656 613, Fax: +44 1992 656 700
email: rmorris@pennwell.com
UK, Austria, Africa, Holland, India, Italy, Ireland,
Israel, Russia, Australia & New Zealand, Singapore,
Scotland, Switzerland, Turkey, Greece, UAE/SAUDI
and Iran
Classifieds/Literature Showcase
Account Executive Jenna Hall
1421 S. Sheridan Rd., Tulsa, OK 74112
Phone: 918-832-9249, Fax: 918-831-9834
email: jennah@pennwell.com

www.power-eng.com

1609pe_47 47

47

9/9/16 4:27 PM

GENERATING BUZZ

Duke Energy Completes

Los Vientos Wind
Power Projects
After more than four years, the last of the Los Vientos wind power projects in Texas has been completed by
Duke Energy Renewables. Altogether, 426 wind turbines were installed over more than four years.
The final project, Los Vientos IV with a capacity of 200 MW, recently began commercial operation near the
Rio Grande in Starr County, Texas. Los Vientos I was commissioned in 2012. Altogether, the five projects have
a total capacity of 900 MW.
The power and associated tax credits from Los Vientos IV are being sold to Austin Energy under a 25-year
powerpurchase agreement.
Vestas supplied 100 V110-2.0-MW turbines for the project and will service the project under a three-year
operations and maintenance agreement, Duke Energy said.
With the turbines installed at Los Vientos IV, Vestas crossed a historic milestone 75 gigawatts installed in
75 countries, said Chris Brown, president of Vestas sales and service division in the U.S. and Canada.
The facility was constructed by Wanzek Construction. Amshore US Wind provided development support
for the project.
Duke Energy Renewables projects in Texas: 1,563 MW
Sweetwater Windpower Project, Nolan County, 283 MW (of 585 MW
total)
Ocotillo Windpower Project, Howard County, 59 MW

Los Vientos II Windpower Project,

Willacy County, 202 MW
Los Vientos III Windpower Project,
Starr County, 200 MW

Notrees Windpower Project, Ector &

Winkler Counties, 153 MW

Mesquite Creek Windpower Project,

Borden & Dawson Counties, 106
MW

Blue Wing Solar Power Project, San

Antonio,14 MW

Los Vientos IV Windpower Project,

Starr County, 200 MW

Notrees Battery Storage Project, Winkler County, 36 MW

Los Vientos V Windpower Project

Starr County, 110 MW

Los Vientos I Windpower Project,

Willacy County, 200 MW

48

1609pe_48 48

www.power-eng.com

9/9/16 4:27 PM

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For info. http://powereng.hotims.com RS#13

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Successfully proven in
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Siemens, 2016. All Rights Reserved.

Outstanding flexibility meets groundbreaking

efficiency.

Siemens is meeting the demands of the global energy markets with

the latest product line of 50 Hz and 60 Hz gas turbines: the SGT-8000H
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