Title: Repowering as a solution to lower generating costs
Abstract: Combined-cycle repowering or simply, repowering, is a term used to identify the conversion of an existing steam electric unit to a combined combustion turbine-steam turbine unit, utilizing much of the existing equipment. Repowering is the modification of an existing steam electric unit where the combustion turbine exhaust serves as the heat source for steam generation. In practically all cases, a repowered cycle, in addition to utilizing the existing steam turbine, will also use much of the feedwater cycle components and other components. Repowering is usually considered for the more reliable, smaller, nonreheat units built in the late 1940s and early 1950s that are still in operation. Steam pressure and temperature in these units were low by today's standards. Steam pressure ranged from 800 to 900 psig and temperatures were 800 to 900/sup 0/F. Repowering existing steam turbines with a combustion turbine-heat recovery boiler is a viable alternative for additional generation. Repowering has the following advantages: improving cycle efficiency by approximately 20 percent; minimizing cost per kW and escalation risk; reducing the time and problems associated with siting new plants and minimizing the environmental impact on a site; and allowing additional efficient generation in 18 to 24 months.
Publication Year: 1976
Publication Date: 1976-01-01
Language: en
Type: article
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