and systems and equipment. During these discussions, balance-of-plant equipment nameplate data, specifications and data sheets, piping specifications, valve list and data sheets, P & IDs, system descriptions and so on are obtained for analysis.

Second, the unit is tested at turbine “throttle valves wide open” and at other loads as agreed upon to establish a base line for plant performance levels.

Third, balance-of-plant mechanical and electrical equipment and systems are analyzed to determine existing capacity and capability for operating at the uprated process conditions. The boiler and turbine computer models are calibrated based on the unit test performed at the site. These models are then used to predict the process conditions for the uprated boiler and/or turbine. The balance-of-plant equipment is then reviewed and analyzed to determine where bottlenecks exist and where efficiency improvements can be obtained. The unit’s electrical system is analyzed to determine adequacy of the existing electrical high voltage and auxiliary power systems and possible bottlenecks at the uprated conditions. When bottlenecks and potential efficiency improvements are identified, budgetary estimates of the recommended solutions are prepared to develop a prioritized ranking of improvement potentials. A rough draft of the report is then prepared for use at the joint project team design review meeting.

Fourth, the joint project team design review meeting is conducted with the client and all members of the major equipment and balance-of-plant assessment teams. Options are discussed and additional computer model runs are performed to define and select the optimum thermal performance envelope for the plant’s boiler-turbine complex. A final uprated plant configuration is developed and a final report is issued to serve as a guide for the plant uprating project.

load. It planned to increase generation by retrofitting new IP/LP inner cylinders and rotors on its nominal 758 MW pulverized coal-fired unit. Concurrently, the utility asked for help in determining maximum unit uprate through a boiler/ turbine study as well as a comprehensive review of the balance-of-plant equipment.

This was aimed at identifying potential capacity and/or efficiency limitations associated with the increased generation and providing economical solutions to remove these constraints.

An iterative and integrated plant performance evaluation identified plant modifications to the boiler and balance-

GE

Sensing & Inspection Technologies

inspection

to go

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Recent Asset Optimization Studies
An electric utility in the Midwest
had committed to installing a SO
X
reduction system and wanted to increase
generation to offset additional auxiliary