Showing papers on "Base load power plant published in 1981"

Effects of Battery Storage Devices on Power System Dispatch

Abstract: Electric utilities are employing large fossil and nuclear generating plants which are difficult to cycle to follow load. Additionally, it is very expensive to provide regulation with large fossil plants and government regulations prohibit the use of nuclear plants for regulation. The inability to cycle large plants produces a need for energy storage devices. Currently, several projects are underway to develop batteries to provide energy storage for peak shaving and load leveling. The batteries have a fast rate of response and therefore can potentially be used to provide regulation, thus improving the area control error (ACE)

Procedures for the Exchange of Power Plant and Load Data for Synchronous Stability Studies

Abstract: This paper provides a specification for the exchange of power plant and load data in five categories: generator data, excitation system data, power system stabilizer data, speed-governing system data, and composite load data.

Projected Costs for Electricity and Products from OTEC Facilities and Plantships

Abstract: The vast ocean thermal resource of the tropics can be used to serve all areas of the U.S. through the production at sea of fuels or energy-intensive products that can be transported to market by ship. This paper addresses ammonia, liquid hydrogen, methanol, and liquid methane, which could be sold as fuels or chemicals or used as hydrogen sources for onshore fuel-cell power systems. Estimated costs of their production on 325-MWe ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) plantships and their delivery to U.S. ports and inland cites are presented. The most promising product is ammonia, first for use in fertilizers and the chemical industry, and later as the least costly carrier of hydrogen for use in fuel cells. Estimated costs of delivering OTEC electricity by undersea cables from moored offshore plants to U.S. islands and Gulf Coast states are compared with costs of electricity from OTEC ammonia and from coal and nuclear power. Commercial viability for both OTEC approaches by the 1990-1993 period is indicated. The potentials for private cost-sharing in the initial 40-MWe demonstration facilities and plantships also are discussed.

The Solar Power Satellite as a Source of Base Load Electrical Power

Abstract: This paper presents the history and current status of the Solar Power Satellite (SPS) concept with emphasis upon the latest developments in the application of the technology of microwave power transmission to the SPS. The characteristics and features of the SPS as viewed at its interface with the earth's electric power system are presented. Its environmental impact is discussed. A comparison of the SPS with other approaches to base load electrical power is presented.

Experimental House Load Operation At Tanagawa No.2 Oil-Fired Power Station

Abstract: Any separation of a steam turbine generator from the power grid will cause the unit to trip, and under some conditions of the grid it will result in the loss of house service power source.

Plugging cogenerators into the grid

Abstract: The ability to stretch fuel supplies and expand power generation capacity without costly delays has spurred renewed interest in industrial cogeneration. The technology for the dual production of electricity and process heat is well established, but integrating these diverse and dispersed sources of generation into utility grids raises a number of institutional, economic, and environmental issues. The Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA), for example, appears to favor industry, yet many industrial managers fear new regulation and the ideal of getting into a new field, while utilities have concerns about reliability and maintenance as well as the economic losses of baseload customers and ownership. Other questions involve which fuels to use for cogeneration. Cogeneration, however, offers benefits for both industry and utilities, including the opportunity for cooperation.

Net energy of seven small-scale hydroelectric power plants

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to perform a net energy analysis of seven small-scale hydroelectric plants, all retrofitted to an existing dam, and to compare them to conventional hydroelectric plants and other energy supply technologies using the net energy criterion. The net energy results are expressed as the ratio of energy output to energy input. Two ratios were developed. In the first (R/sub 1/), the energy output, expressed as electricity, was divided by the energy subsidy; in the second (R/sub 2/), the energy output, expressed as the fossil fuel equivalent of electricity, was divided by the energy input. The results indicate that the energy output from the seven plants is 8.6 to 32.9 times greater than the energy input for the R/sub 1/ case, and 26.3 to 101.4 times greater than the energy input for the R/sub 2/ case. Five of the seven plants have ratios in the range of 10:1 to 12:1 (R/sub 1/) or 30:1 to 37:1 (R/sub 2/). Net energy ratios for existing conventional hydroelectric power plants operating on multipurpose dams are 11.2:1 for one base load plant and 2.6:1 and 7.2:1 for two peak load plants (R/sub 1/ in all cases). Thus, on the netmore » energy criterion, the small-scale plants are better than conventional peak load hydroelectric plants and similar to conventional base load hydroelectric plants. Net energy ratios given in the literature for coal-fired power plants range from 4.3:1 to 7.2:1 and for nuclear plants from 3.8:1 to 4.1:1. Thus, these small-scale hydroelectric retrofits probably represent a better energy investment than conventional power plants.« less

Control system development for a 1 MW/e/ solar thermal power plant

Abstract: The point-focusing distributed receiver power plant considered consists of a number of power modules delivering power to a central collection point Each power module contains a parabolic dish concentrator with a closed-cycle receiver/turbine/alternator assembly Currently, a single-module prototype plant is under construction The major control system tasks required are related to concentrator pointing control, receiver temperature control, and turbine speed control Attention is given to operational control details, control hardware and software, and aspects of CRT output display

Solar Power Stations for Remote Sites: An Economic Analysis.

Abstract: : While solar power plants are not presently economically competitive with fossil fuel power plants at most locations, solar power may be competitive at some remote locations. Energy at remote locations is both costly and subject to disruptions due to hostilities and/or shortages of fuel. Even if the direct costs of fossil fuel power plants are not sufficient to make solar power economically attractive the costs associated with fuel supply disruptions (or the possibility of disruptions) may make solar power desirable. Evaluation of the economic and strategic feasibility of utilizing solar power can be accomplished by comparing the uniform annual costs of competing systems over their lifetimes. Formulas are developed for fossil fuel and solar power plants to enable economic evaluation of the costs of competing power plants. Evaluation can be accomplished whether the present power plant requires replacement, or if it is desired to reduce use of, and dependence on, fossil fuels even though the present power plant is still serviceable. An example shows that solar derived energy may be economically feasible, depending on the cost data and assumptions used for a study. (Author)

Policy Analyses for an Infant Technology: Hot Dry Rock Geothermal Resources

Abstract: This paper demonstrates the potential role of policy and management analyses at early stages of technology development as exemplified by the case of hot, dry rock HDR geothermal energy resources used for electricity generation. Management issues concerning initial drilling depths, power plant design, redrilling strategies and periodic choices for well-flow rates are analyzed as they relate to R and D policies concerning first, the staging of R and D within the HDR R and D program and, second, priorities for the HDR research program relative to other R and D programs. Results reported here suggest that commercially attractive HDR systems do not require the development of new, very high temperature drilling technology >275i¾°C. Priorities for research concerning reservoir renewal and completion methods and baseload dimensions of an HDR system are emphasized. The desirability of periodic variations in well-flow rates as a means to reduce reservoir cooling is shown to be questionable. The commercial potential of HDR-produced electricity is assessed using calculations of the busbar cost of electricity from optimally-managed HDR geothermal systems. Busbar costs for a plausible set of base case conditions were found to vary between 26-76 mills kWh 1978 dollars as geothermal gradients varied between 30-60i¾°C per kilometer of vertical depth. Commercial feasibility for HDR-produced electricity then involves a comparison of these costs with one's expectations for future busbar costs for electricity produced with other fuel sources.

Estimating the costs in lost power of alternative Snake-Columbia Basin management policies

Abstract: This work, in part, describes a 51 dam, 56 time period long-range simulation model of the hydropower system in the Snake-Columbia basin, including projects on those two rivers and on major tributaries thereof. The model is then applied to study a series of alternative basin management scenarios, and the consequences in lost power of these scenarios are evaluated economically. With 56 time periods and 51 projects (some having as many as five data sets), computational efficiency in a restricted computing environment is important. Efficiency in this model was achieved via use of ‘French Curve’ cubic spline data fits, together with fast pointers to carefully defined data structures. In addition, care was taken to couch the model in a setting making it accessible to use by nonprogramers, in a quasiconversational mode. Some technical detail on the implementation of the model is included in the paper. Mention is also made of another model developed during this effort, called PASO (Peaking Alternatives System Operation), a heuristic look ahead model now operational and available to interested users. Discussion of the validation procedures for both models is involved. The ‘firm power’ capability of the hydropower system in the Pacific Northwest is that maximal (monthly or biweekly) energy production which the system could produce during a 44½-month ‘critical period’ of extremely low historical flows. In years of higher, more normal flows, the hydropower system can generate power substantially in excess of the firm capability. This ‘secondary’ power ebbs and flows annually as a function of many things, and it therefore seemed most relevant to focus studies of alternative basin management schemes on firm power production. Accordingly, the work assumed the historical flows of the period July 1, 1928-June 30, 1932, a period of time including the critical period. The model and flow data was applied to the series of alternative basin management schemes, each selected for its environmental and/or political interest. The impact of each management scheme was then evaluated in terms of lost or foregone power against a ‘base regulation’ in which the objective was to generate as much power as possible over the critical period. Lost power was conservatively evaluated at 35 mills per lost kilowatt-hour for baseload, with much higher costs possible for lost peaking.

Coal-fired power-plant-capital-cost estimates. Final report. [Mid-1978 price level; 13 different sites]

Abstract: Conceptual designs and order-of-magnitude capital cost estimates have been prepared for typical 1000-MW coal-fired power plants. These subcritical plants will provide high efficiency in base load operation without excessive efficiency loss in cycling operation. In addition, an alternative supercritical design and a cost estimate were developed for each of the plants for maximum efficiency at 80 to 100% of design capacity. The power plants will be located in 13 representative regions of the United States and will be fueled by coal typically available in each region. In two locations, alternate coals are available and plants have been designed and estimated for both coals resulting in a total of 15 power plants. The capital cost estimates are at mid-1978 price level with no escalation and are based on the contractor's current construction projects. Conservative estimating parameters have been used to ensure their suitability as planning tools for utility companies. A flue gas desulfurization (FGD) system has been included for each plant to reflect the requirements of the promulgated New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for sulfur dioxide (SO/sub 2/) emissions. The estimated costs of the FGD facilities range from 74 to 169 $/kW depending on the coal characteristics and the location ofmore » the plant. The estimated total capital requirements for twin 500-MW units vary from 8088 $/kW for a southeastern plant burning bituminous Kentucky coal to 990 $/kW for a remote western plant burning subbituminous Wyoming coal.« less

Power frequency regulation circuit - is for combined grid and local supply system and introduces load shedding in steps based on priority using local turbine pressure

Abstract: The power-frequency regulation circuit is for an energy consuming system drawing electrical power from the grid and also from its own power generation unit. The turbine system of the local power unit is regulated by controlling the steam pressure and the nominal power. Load shedding is introduced when there is a likelihood of exceeding the agreed consumption from the grid. The first shedding stage (1) disconnects consuming units listed in a system of priority until the instantaneous consumption of the local turbine set can cover the existing demand. The power drawn from the grid is then controlled until the regulator (18) exceeds a min. value. This is followed by a second shedding stage (2) until a negative regulation error is obtd.

Combined-cycle power plants: a thermodynamic approach

Abstract: The aim of the present work is to show how a simple thermodynamic approach can lead to the optimization of combined power cycles, in terms of efficiency, power output, or generalized matching of the performances required by the widely diversified energy market. 8 refs.

Geothermal Power Generation-An Aggressive Utility Program

Abstract: While water-dominated geothermal resources with potential for large scale power generation have been known to exist in Southern California for many years, they have not yet been commercially developed. In the last ten years, however, Southern California Edison as well as other utilities and resource production companies have made major commitments to the development of geothermal resources located in the Imperial Valley. Edison's program includes the construction of three flash steam power plants with varying objectives and designs which will assist in the assessment of the feasibility of hot water geothermal as a base load generation option.

Solar Power Satellites as a Class Design Project in the University

Abstract: The solar power satellite, a potential source of baseload electric power, has been used as a topic for a class design project at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. The class organization and student design projects are summarized, with the emphasis on student innovative design.