Showing papers on "Base load power plant published in 1980"

Optimal Generation Scheduling of Hydrothermal Power Systems

Abstract: In this paper decomposition and coordination techniques are applied to minimize the operation al cost of hydrothermal power systems. Through this for muXation large systems are dealt with by a more general and precise model that includes thermal operation costs and hydroelectric power generation as nonlinear functions, water head variations, stochastic load demands, hydraulic networks with cascade plants, time delays, and spilling. An economic interpretation and an example are given.

Demand load control

Abstract: System, method and apparatus for carrying out the shedding of electrical loads on a predetermined priority basis. A sensor network (32) detects a demand load at a power input (10) and develops a signal representative thereof. This signal is introduced to a series of controllers (36-39) along with a signal from an allowable load control circuit (48) which represents a predetermined maximum allowable load value. The controllers respond when the demand load is higher than the allowable load, a priority delay network (108) in each having a time-out interval corresponding with the relative priority basis assigned each load. Simultaneously, with the shedding of a load at the termination of the priority delay, a fictitious load feedback signal (102) is summed (96) with the demand load signal of the sensor. A reset control (90) responds in conjunction with a predetermined review interval timing function (144) to re-evaluate the priorities of shed loads in the event of a drop in demand load.

Economic power factor: key to kvar supply

Abstract: The application of shunt capacitors to defer plant investment and to reduce energy costs is a valid investment. The two main benefits are a flatter voltage profile and a reduced load. The number of capacitors to be installed is shown to be related to the economic power factor. Capacitor placement should be studied and bank size carefully determined for maximum economic benefits and voltage control.

Impact of storage on load management by utilities

Abstract: In this paper we study the impact of storage on load management by electric utilities. The results we have obtained are based on a simple model with linear storage costs and quadratic generating costs. Inefficiency of storage is a parameter in the model. An optimal control problem, with state variable and control variable inequality constraints, is formulated. It is shown that the optimal storage/retrieval strategies may be summarized in terms of a "peak line," above which the load curve will be shaved off and a "valley line," below which the load curve will be filled. The control strategy, albeit based on a simple model, makes explicit the role of storage and generation parameters in the planning for the operation of the system.

Load Management Economics with Pumped Storage

Abstract: A general mixed-integer programming model of an electrical power generation system with several load and generation centers is formulated and used to analyze the impact of different levels of load management on the New York State Electric and Gas Corporation power system. The potential of load management for reducing the need for more power plant capacity and expensive fossil peaking fuel is well-established. For various levels of load management, the analysis provides quantitative estimates of the magnitude of reduction in systems average costs and also the degree of reduction in the role of pumped storage in the system. Results from the model are used in a benefit-cost analysis of different degrees of metering as a potential load management measure. The general model and analytical approach is suitable for application to other power systems that include pumped storage facilities.

Thermal energy storage for non-fossil power plants

Abstract: Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the thermal energy storage system for nonfossil power plants—nuclear and solar power plants. Integrated thermal energy storage within the nuclear power plant is one of the most promising possibilities to achieve base load operation of the reactor and, at the same time, to cover daily demand peaks by means of the nuclear power plant: The base load operation of the reactor island minimizes temperature cycling of the fuel and makes maximum use of this capital cost intensive plant item; it is, therefore, the safest and most economic way of reactor operation. Using the nuclear power plant for peaking by means of energy storage also saves the need for a separate peak load plant and eliminates the need to use scarce and expensive peak load fuel (light oil, kerosene, and natural gas) with low efficiency. The solar thermal power plant exhibits several special features that make integrated thermal energy storage even more necessary. The chapter presents a flow sheet with H2O saturated steam storage in a solar steam plant with direct steam generation in the receiver (single cycle). Charging is done by means of live steam and feed water and discharging via a series of flash evaporators.

165-Mw coal-fired PFB for operation by 1985

Abstract: By 1985, a 165-MW combined cycle plant module operating on high sulfur coal buried in a pressurized fluidized bed system and meeting all proposed emission regulations without stack gas scrubbers could be in commercial utility operation. A combination of three of these modules into a nominal 500-MW central station could go operational several years after that, offering lower capital costs and a better heat rate than pulverized coal steam plants for base load power generation. The program by Curtiss-Wright Power Systems to meet the projected timetable is described.

Impact of weather on power system loads

Abstract: As a result of the growth that has occurred in the use of electricity for space and water heating, as well as for air conditioning, the load requirements of electric utilities have tended to become more sensitive to fluctuations in weather. In general, the approach that is discussed in this paper has been tailored to reflect the limited availability of data on the factors governing peak demand growth. 6 refs.

A helioelectric farm

Abstract: A multimodule solar thermal electric plant has been designed to use conventional materials and engineering techniques. Each module occupies only 0.8 hectare and contains 500 mirrors of 2.4 square meters each. 600 modules, each with a heat receptor on a short tower, collect solar energy for a 100 MW generator operating 12 hours a day. Sophisticated computer programs are used for both design and plant operation. The design program minimizes bus bar cost by finding the most cost-effective mirror dimensions, spacing, module dimensions, tower height, and receptor dimensions. The operation program completely surveys the solar field, calibrates all shaft encoders and control devices, and aims the reflected solar light toward the tower all by computer software. No engineering adjustments or manual check-out is needed in the solar farm. A land area of 550 hectares is sufficient to produce 500,000 megawatt-hours of electric energy each year. This can be a 100 MW, 50-percent duty factor plant, or 70-MW, 70-percent duty factor, or 50 MW base load plant, with no significant change in megawatt-hour cost. 480 hectares is used for heliostat fields, and 70 hectares is used for radiative heat-rejection panels. The latter eliminate the need for a dry cooling tower, and partially compensate for heat pollution from fossil-fuel plants. The 300,000 small mirrors and 600 short towers permit mass production techniques to significantly reduce the manufacturing cost. The mirror costs are a predominant part of the total system cost, and minimizing the mirror cost produces an economically competitive power plant. Estimated manufacturing and installation cost including interest during construction is 175 million dollars for each 100 MW power plant. Estimated operations, maintenance, and repair costs are 4 million dollars per year. Half of the construction cost is direct labor wages, which would make a desirable impact on employment and economy. A building program of 1000 solar megawatts each year would support 40,000 maintenance laborers with wages of 400 million dollars per year (in 1978 dollars). These workers would be employed on a solar farm of less than 30 km square. The Smith Multimodule Solar Thermal Electric System uses small hexagonal interlocking modules that minimize piping and land costs. Smith's system used a molten salt for a heat transfer fluid (HTF) which is pumped from the solar receptors on 27-meter tall towers into the power house

Electrical and/or thermal power generation method - has motor continuously driven at optimum power level, and excess power taken off, to process water, at low power demand

Abstract: The method is for generating electrical and/or thermal energy by means of an engine and aims at providing economical utilisation of the primary input energy despite fluctuations in demand or consumption, such as in thermal power stations. Thus, the engine is continuously driven in its optimum power (output) range and following a reduction in demand for electrical and/or thermal energy, the excess power in the engine (1) is then used for processing water by the Briiden compression cycle method. The engine (1) may be an Otto motor, a Diesel motor or a gas turbine, with a cycle connection to a cooling water stage which includes the Briiden compression cycle (4), a salt water cooling loop (RW) and a fresh water collection loop (WS). The turbine (7) and the compressor (8) are mounted on the same spindle (6).

Economics of geothermal energy

Abstract: A selected summary is presented of the resource, technical, and financial considerations which influence the economics of geothermal energy in the US. Estimates of resource base and levelized busbar cost of base load power for several types of geothermal resources are compared with similar estimates for more conventional energy resources. Current geothermal electric power plants planned, under construction, and on-line in the US are noted.

Residential Heat Storage Furnaces for Load Management - Design and Control

Abstract: The use of thermal energy storage, or off-peak electric heating, to level the electric system load and improve the system load factor is described. A general introduction to the economic benefits of off-peak heating is given along with details of a heat storage furnace and controller designed for residential home heating on the Canadian Prairies.

Network evaluation of distributed generation sites

Abstract: This paper presents a new method for quantifying the impact of various siting alternatives on the Load Supplying Capacity (LSC) of a power system. This procedure accounts for the limits imposed by the transmission network on the delivery of power from generation to load. 2 refs.

Gas turbines prove effective as drivers for LNG plants

Abstract: For baseload LNG applications, gas turbines - particularly the modular, lightweight machines - are proven, efficient drivers for the large refrigeration compressors. The proper choice of a turbine and the careful integration of waste-heat recovery into the total plant energy balance can maximize the individual train throughputs while maintaining high overall thermal efficiencies. Because the capital investment associated with the power-generating section of an LNG plant is substantial (about 20% of the total investment), the driver selection and thermal efficiency will have a pronounced effect on the overall project economics. When gas turbines are used, the resulting simplification of the plant's steam system and water-treatment facilities can improve plant operation and reduce maintenance. Gas turbines are particularly suitable for integration into the three-driver-compressor arrangement typical of the precooled, mixed-refrigerant processes and the cascade-refrigerant process.

Putting baseload to work on the night shift

Abstract: Energy storage could open the door to the full use of baseload power, allowing the excess output produced at night to be shifted to daytime consumption. This would help utilities and their customers manage electric load cycles better, shift demand from the scarce fuels to more-plentiful and less-costly domestic resources, and assist the gradual integration of solar energy into utility systems. A variety of technologies for both system-load storage and end-use storage is being developed. Economics and regulatory strategies will affect how energy storage is used.

Ocean thermal energy conversion programmatic environmental assessment

Abstract: Significant achievements in Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) technology have increased the probability of producing OTEC-derived power in this decade with subsequent large-scale commercialization to follow by the turn of the century. Under U.S. Department of Energy funding, Interstate Electronics has prepared an OTEC Programmatic Environmental Assessment (EA) that considers tne development, demonstration, and commercialization of OTEC power systems. The EA considers several tecnnological designs (open cycle and closed cycle), plant configurations (land-based, moored, and plantship), and power usages (baseload electricity and production of ammonia and aluminum). Potencial environmental impacts, health and safety issues, and a status update of international, federal, and state plans and policies, as they may influence OTEC deployments, are included.

Residual Power and Economic Feasibility of a Solar Powered Irrigation System

Abstract: The problem of nonmatching irrigation and solar power production seasons creates the problem of what to do with the surplus power. The economic law of opportunity cost dictates that substitution for currently commercially purchased power is the best use for this power. This law also allows for new power using enterprises that satisfy specific criteria to be used on the farm before sale of the residual to a local public utility can be considered. Economic and Financial Evaluation of the solar powered irrigation system show that the price of commercially purchased power must reach 9.5 cents per Kwh before the system is feasible under the ideal assumption of complete use of the residual power to substitute for commercially purchased power.