Generation Sector Update: 1 DEAR EPRI GENERATION MEMBERS Generation Sector Update A Report from EPRI’s Generation Sector March 2010 Program members can use their EPRI.com ID and password to download Acrobat PDF files of EPRI technical reports. For assistance, contact the EPRI Customer Assistance Center at 800-313-3774. A near-record crowd of about 450 EPRI members, guests and staff were on hand in Orlando March 8-12 for the winter Generation Sector advisory meetings to review our technical progress and to shape our future R&D strategy. Discussions at the Generation Council meeting highlighted a multitude of issues and the quickly evolving nature of our business environment – from the near-term impacts of EPA’s Information Collection Request and the anticipated new emission standards that will follow, to the uncertainties over the management of coal combustion products, and to compliance with new NERC CIP cyber security standards and being able to accommodate increased plant cycling operations. And these challenges to maintaining the existing fleet are complicated by regulatory uncertainties and the need to establish planning “glide paths” for units foreseen to become economically unviable and the transition to other generation resources. All of these issues place greater reliance on accurate technical bases to support critical decisions on generation assets. During this winter meeting, your representatives worked with our staff to sharpen EPRI’s R&D portfolio to address many of these challenges. In parallel, many of you have actively taken our research results and applied them to towards resolving these challenges. We are extremely gratified when the value of our research is realized by those who helped guide and support its development, ensuring it is available and valuable to all. At the meetings, we were pleased to honor 16 member companies, selected by their peers for recognition of their successful application of 16 EPRI technologies, with the 2009 Technology Transfer Awards. Please join us in applauding their work, which benefits all of us. Sincerely, Carolyn Shockley Vice President, Generation Carolyn Shockley VP, Generation [email protected]650-855-2858 Stu Dalton Director, Generation [email protected]650-855-2467 Norris Hirota Director, Generation [email protected]650-855-2084 Tom Alley Director, Generation [email protected]704-595-2566
Transcript
Generation Sector Update: 1
DEAR EPRI GENERATION MEMBERS
Generation Sector Update
A Report from EPRI’s Generation Sector March 2010 Program members can use their EPRI.com ID and password to download Acrobat PDF files of EPRI technical reports. For assistance, contact the EPRI Customer Assistance Center at 800-313-3774. A near-record crowd of about 450 EPRI members, guests and staff were on hand in Orlando March 8-12 for the winter Generation Sector advisory meetings to review our technical progress and to shape our future R&D strategy. Discussions at the Generation Council meeting highlighted a multitude of issues and the quickly evolving nature of our business environment – from the near-term impacts of EPA’s Information Collection Request and the anticipated new emission standards that will follow, to the uncertainties over the management of coal combustion products, and to compliance with new NERC CIP cyber security standards and being able to accommodate increased plant cycling operations. And these challenges to maintaining the existing fleet are complicated by regulatory uncertainties and the need to establish planning “glide paths” for units foreseen to become economically unviable and the transition to other generation resources. All of these issues place greater reliance on accurate technical bases to support critical decisions on generation assets. During this winter meeting, your representatives worked with our staff to sharpen EPRI’s R&D portfolio to address many of these challenges. In parallel, many of you have actively taken our research results and applied them to towards resolving these challenges. We are extremely gratified when the value of our research is realized by those who helped guide and support its development, ensuring it is available and valuable to all. At the meetings, we were pleased to honor 16 member companies, selected by their peers for recognition of their successful application of 16 EPRI technologies, with the 2009 Technology Transfer Awards. Please join us in applauding their work, which benefits all of us. Sincerely, Carolyn Shockley Vice President, Generation Carolyn Shockley VP, Generation [email protected] 650-855-2858
CO2 Capture & Storage (Program 165) Slipstream pilot test facility for CO2 adsorbents operational. Parametric testing of the first candidate adsorbent has begun. A 1-kW equivalent slipstream pilot system designed to evaluate candidate adsorbents for CO2 capture processes was installed and commissioned at Luminant’s Martin Lake Station. During the initial checkout phase, moisture condensation was experienced at cold-spots due to unusually cold weather. With added heat trace and insulation, the team operated the system successfully even during a snowstorm, while maintaining target temperatures and preventing condensation. Following a dry run of the parametric test plan using sand as a surrogate for sorbent, the team loaded and began parametric testing of the first sorbent, a supported amine. For more information, contact Richard Rhudy ([email protected], 650-855-2421). Lessons from other industries relevant to scale-up of CCS technology. Study explores LNG, SO2 controls, and nuclear power. A recent study examined different scenarios for how the nascent carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) industry might evolve through an examination of the emergence and growth of three analog industries – liquefied natural gas (LNG), sulfur dioxide (SO2)
controls for power plants, and nuclear power. These analog industries faced obstacles that are similarly daunting to those in the CCS industry today – namely, extremely high capital intensity and infrastructure dependence, an uncertain revenue stream that depends on regulatory decisions, technology and regulatory scale-up uncertainties, and a complex value chain needing collective action from relevant parties. The research described in this study of analog industries provides important initial insights into how project risks must be managed as a precondition to private investment and project proliferation. The study was conducted by the Program on Energy and Sustainable Development (PESD) at Stanford University. The study’s methods and results are published in an EPRI report, Carbon Capture and Storage at Scale: Lessons Learned from the Growth of Analogous Energy Technologies (1017651). For more information, contact Brice Freeman ([email protected], 650-855-1050). EPRI supporting several post-combustion CO2 capture proposals to ARPA-E. A way for industry to accelerate development of post-combustion CO2 capture processes, while also keeping EPRI’s members better informed about cutting-edge technology. The Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy (ARPA-E), a new DOE agency focused on high-risk, transformative energy technologies, invited full proposals on concept papers submitted by four process developers and academic researchers with whom EPRI is engaged. All the ARPA-E proposals focus on early-stage CO2 capture research with high technical risk, but potentially large reductions in cost/energy penalty relative to more near-term technologies. EPRI has offered technical support to groups developing advanced membrane/ionic liquid combinations, other novel membranes, and computational methods to design adsorbents with pre-specified properties. EPRI would provide process modeling and economic analyses to help these developers aim toward practical systems for a power plant. EPRI agreed to offer this assistance after a preliminary due diligence evaluation of the merits of the technology, and concluded that these processes show promise of being more than modest incremental improvements. For more information, contact Abhoyjit Bhown ([email protected], 650-855-2383). EPRI represented at DOE-Office of Basic Energy Sciences (BES) workshop. By-invitation event was organized by the BES Advisory Committee and included research topics ranging from advanced nuclear technology to carbon sequestration. Workshop participants helped identify industry needs associated with each research topic and science directions to address each need. The workshop findings form the basis for two reports – a high-level document for senior officials in the Obama Administration and another, more detailed, that will guide the Office of Science in future formulation and execution of its strategy and programs in alternative energy technologies. Representatives from EPRI and two of its member companies, Southern Company and American Electric Power, participated in the carbon sequestration workshop. Workshop participants identified three priority
research directions for BES that would support technology development and commercial deployment of geologic carbon sequestration, including extraction of high-resolution information from subsurface imaging and modeling; understanding multi-scale dynamics of flow and plume migration; and discovery of methods for enabling short-timescale experimentation to understand millennium-timescale rate processes. For more information, contact Robert Trautz ([email protected], 650-855-2088). OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE Instrumentation, Controls and Automation (Program 68) Evaluation of automated boiler control system tuning. Automated tuning programs might enable improved control system tuning. A recent EPRI project evaluated several commercially available computer-automated tuning programs for power plant boiler control systems. In the project, which was conducted with Southern Company, the tuning programs were tested on an actual plant boiler control system at Alabama Power Company’s Greene County Steam Plant. In addition to the commercial programs, the project team also tested a new tuning method known as iterative feedback tuning (IFT). The tests and their results are published in a new EPRI report, Automated Boiler Control System Tuning Demonstration (1020370). It describes desired tuning program features and the results of testing the programs. Several studies have shown that many control loops in process plants are not optimally tuned. Automated control loop tuning programs, such as those demonstrated in this project, could result in well-tuned systems that improve many aspects of plant operations, including efficiency and responsiveness. For more information contact Aaron Hussey ([email protected], 704-595-2009). Spring Fleet-Wide Monitoring Interest Group Meeting open for registration. The Spring Fleet-Wide Monitoring Interest Group Meeting will take place May 4 and 5, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina at the EPRI offices. This meeting will feature open discussion and presentations on fleet monitoring solutions. Training for the Asset Fault Signature Database will be held on the afternoon of May 5, following the meeting. For more information, contact Aaron Hussey ([email protected], 704-595-2509). To register, please visit EPRI’s Event Calendar. Maintenance Management & Technology (Program 69) Use of Preventive Maintenance (PM) Basis Database at combustion turbine plant. Report describes techniques and good practices from the self-assessment of programs’ impacts on specific power plant components. A recent EPRI technical update describes the use of EPRI’s Preventive Maintenance Basis Database (PMBD) to define maintenance strategies for critical components at a combustion turbine plant. In the project, PMBD 2.0 was used to define maintenance defense strategies for balance-of-plant (BOP) components at East Kentucky Power Cooperative’s J.K. Smith Plant, a seven-unit peaking plant located near Trapp, Kentucky. The project was described in a recent EPRI report, Critical Equipment Maintenance Using EPRI Preventive Maintenance Basis Database (PMBD) Recommendations for a Combustion Turbine Plant (1019429). The information contained in this technical update represents a significant collection of human performance information, including techniques and good practices, related to the self-assessment of PM programs on specific power plant components. This information provides a single point of reference for the plant personnel in the PM organization. Through the use of this technical update, utilities can significantly improve and consistently implement the processes associated with PM activities and their frequencies for specific critical plant components. This should help users to achieve increased reliability and availability of the components on which the work activities are performed during outages and on-line maintenance opportunities. For more information, contact Dan Flanigan ([email protected], 931-581-1250).
System health reporting for fossil power plants. Report documents current practices. A new EPRI report documents a generic approach to developing a system health reporting program for fossil power plants. The report, Integrated Operations and Maintenance of Fossil Plant Systems: System Health Reporting (1017528), provides an overview of what a system health reporting program looks like (including key elements, roles, and responsibilities), and gives examples of applications to various asset types. For this project, a team of EPRI staff and industry experts experienced in the field of system health reporting was assembled to document current practices deployed in the fossil-based power generation industry. These practices were assembled into generalized descriptions and functions of a system health reporting program. The generalized processes were documented to provide an overview of a system health reporting program as well as to provide examples of how these practices are currently applied in the industry. For more information, contact Brian Hollingshaus ([email protected], 704-595-2579).
ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROLS
MAJOR COMPONENT RELIABILITY Steam Turbines, Generators, and Auxiliary Systems (Program 65) Digital fault recorders for power plant applications. New applications can provide significant cost advantages. A new EPRI report provides practical guidance for installing, monitoring, and maintaining digital fault recorders (DFRs) in power plant environments. The report, Digital Fault Recorders in Power Plant Applications (1020233), also includes case studies that highlight new and unique applications for data captured by DFRs that would benefit power producers and electric utilities. As digital monitoring technology continues to evolve, DFR capabilities are being incorporated in devices that have historically performed other functions. By eliminating the need for dedicated monitoring equipment and contributing to a reduction in manpower, these new applications can provide significant cost advantages while helping power plant personnel improve their abilities to identify and diagnose power plant problems and comply with some North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) standards. The EPRI report provides a brief background on the historical evolution of DFR technology. Information is included on installation requirements for DFRs, including physical plant and interface requirements. Guidance also is provided on what DFR data to monitor and where and when to monitor it. For more information, contact Jan Stein ([email protected], 650-855-2390). Combustion Performance and NOx Control (Program 71) New report on effect of balancing coal flow. The information provided in Enhanced Fuel Conveyance: The Effect of Fuel Flow Balance on Boiler Performance (1020702) is intended for use in boiler performance analysis and enhancement and the evaluation of coal transport and its effect on the plant. The project team developed and executed a test plan to measure the boiler-related parameters in an operating power plant that best describe its performance; the balance of fuel and air flow delivered to a wall-fired boiler’s coal burners; the boiler’s emissions; and the ability of a real-time system to indicate coal and air flow rates. These parameters were measured over a range of test conditions, which included both intentionally balanced and intentionally imbalanced coal flows to the burner rows. For more information, contact Sam Korellis ([email protected], 704 595-2703). New report offers insights on fan performance. In real-world applications, all fans are subject to some degree of inlet flow distortion. An EPRI project determined and quantified the effect of distorted inlet flow profiles on fan performance, and the results are detailed in The Effect of Inlet Flow Profile Distortion on Fan Performance (1020738). The project also examined the possible mitigating effect of variable inlet vanes on centrifugal fans. Test results quantify the
adverse performance effects on the model fan caused by various magnitudes of axial and transverse inlet profile distortion and the amount of mitigation of those effects when the fan is equipped with variable inlet vanes. For more information, contact Sam Korellis ([email protected], 704 595-2703). Integrated Environmental Controls (Hg, SO2, NOx and Particulate) (Program 75) Long-term mercury emissions from wet scrubbers measured. Results show substantial variability over time. Southern Company has provided EPRI with an extensive, two-year measurement study to determine continuous mercury emissions for seven bituminous coal-fired plants and their variations over time. The plants are equipped with electrostatic precipitators (ESP) and wet flue gas desulfurization (FGD) systems. Some also have a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) for NOx control and enhanced mercury capture by the FGD. Operating data on some 300 process variables were retrieved from the plant archives, together with mercury emissions, covering a total of over 67 unit-months of operation. The data enabled Southern and EPRI to quantify the variability in emissions over a statistically meaningful time frame, which will be important information as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers setting Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) standards for mercury, which must account for variability. The collected data also can be analyzed to try to understand which operating conditions produced higher stack mercury emissions. This information could help a plant determine how to maintain consistently low mercury emissions to stay within compliance. With Southern’s encouragement, EPRI will approach other members to solicit their interest in conducting a similar study at their power plants in order to increase the confidence in and widespread applicability of the results by expanding the database. For more information, contact Ramsay Chang ([email protected], 650-855-2082). Study of mercury emission control in wet flue gas desulfurization (FGD) systems continues to focus on factors associated with absorption and re-emission. Testing is directed at unraveling complexities of oxidation/reduction chemistry and physical separation. A technical update (1017563), issued in December 2009, describes the results of full- and bench-scale tests that continue the effort aimed at characterizing the partitioning of elemental and oxidized mercury in the solid, liquid, and gas phases within FGD process streams. With good closure of the overall mercury mass balance, the full-scale results pointed to the potential significance of a high iron/mercury ratio being associated with mercury removal. Bench-scale tests that included other influencing factors, such as pH and chloride, were not as conclusive and are being explored further. The update includes the results of initial tests simulating use of three-stage, countercurrent hydrocyclone separation as a means of producing a low-mercury-content gypsum byproduct. The report also provides a summary analysis of the current state of re-emission additives commercially offered for wet FGD systems. For more information, contact Richard Rhudy ([email protected], 650-855-2421). Selenium not captured effectively by fly ash or activated carbon. EPRI considers field tests of other sorbents, chemical modeling. A survey of available literature and data from several full-scale test sites show that selenium is the main trace toxics species besides mercury that is not readily captured by existing air emissions control equipment. Activated carbon injected for mercury control did not appear to significantly improve selenium removal in the limited data set obtained to date. EPRI has begun a study in conjunction with the EPA to better understand and model selenium capture by fly ash. The goal is to understand the ash and sorbent properties that enhance selenium capture by these solids in order to limit emissions from unscrubbed plants and reduce or avoid selenium treatment issues on the FGD water discharge. For more information, contact Ramsay Chang ([email protected], 650-855-2082). Understanding effects of flue gas on SCR mercury oxidation and ESP capture for process optimization. Results show beneficial effect for mercury oxidation and capture when levels of chlorine are increased. Selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology is well known to have the potential to oxidize elemental mercury. A recent EPRI study sought to evaluate the mercury oxidation performance of four conventional
SCR catalysts as a function of changes in flue gas, including chlorine level, deNOx rate, flow rate, and temperature. Results showed there is a clear beneficial effect in terms of mercury oxidation and capture when levels of chlorine are increased. The project data show that, on average, increasing chlorine content improved the oxidation of mercury across the SCR reactor from 50% to 90%. The test methodology and findings are described in a recent EPRI report, Effects of Chlorine and Other Flue Gas Parameters on Selective Catalytic Reduction Technology for Mercury Oxidation and Capture (1020591). For more information, contact Chuck Dene ([email protected], 650-855-2425) or Alex Jimenez ([email protected], 650-855-2051). Particulate & Opacity Control (Program 76) Electrostatic Precipitator Model (ESPM) 5.0 approaching readiness for Beta test. New version adds predictions for particulate emissions with alkaline sorbent use. The ESPM 5.0 update is nearing completion and is expected to be ready for Beta testing by mid-April. This update adds algorithms for predicting electrostatic precipitator (ESP) emissions and opacity when using alkaline sorbents for SO3 control. Computations for both hydrated lime and Trona are included in the model. Additional improvements made during this update include improved ash particle size distribution (PSD) for both pulverized coal and cyclone-fired units; better Vista compatibility; and enhancements to the high-carbon content algorithms, along with fixes of some housekeeping issues. EPRI currently is looking for Beta version test volunteers, with emphasis on those members who are injecting these alkaline sorbents for SO3 control. For more information, contact Bruce Scherer ([email protected], 419-517-4217). Continuous Emissions Monitoring (Program 77) Host site selected for field developmental tests of continuous mass particulate emissions (PM) monitors. Program hosted at DTE Energy’s Monroe Station, will provide platform for suppliers to validate their monitors and for EPRI to test simpler calibration approaches. Power plants increasingly are being required to install and operate continuous PM monitors, and they want to make these measurements in the stack downstream of a wet FGD (to receive credit for the PM capture by the FGD). There is limited experience with PM monitors in this environment, and their calibration is challenging. This program will provide suppliers an opportunity to improve the accuracy and reliability of their systems in a noncommercial setting. DTE Energy has agreed to conduct this program at its Monroe station, which has the necessary ports and wet stack conditions. The demonstration will include up to six continuous PM monitors. An important aspect of the demonstration is to test alternatives to EPA’s PS-11 methodology for calibrating PM monitors. As currently written, PS-11 requires the “de-tuning” of emission control equipment in order to establish PM monitor calibrations. This project will investigate two or three alternative approaches, including the Quantitative Aerosol Generator (QAG) being developed with partial support from EPRI and one or two accurately metered fly ash flows to the sampling probes. The current work is developing the interface designs for the participating PM monitors and investigating low-level PM calibration procedures with the QAG. For more information, contact Chuck Dene ([email protected], 650-855-2425). Utility Continuous Emissions Monitoring (CEM) User Group to meet in Cleveland. Conference includes supplier exhibits. EPRI’s Continuous Emissions Monitoring Program and First Energy will host the nineteenth meeting of the Utility Continuous Emissions Monitoring (CEM) User Group Meeting May 12-14, at the Cleveland (Ohio) Convention Center. The meeting brings together industry leaders with experience with CEM equipment to share solutions to common operating problems. Conference topics will include particulate matter (PM) monitoring, mercury and acid gas measurements, and Information Collection Request (ICR) experience. Utility engineers and environmental managers responsible for gathering and reporting emissions data as well as those responsible for the overall maintenance of the CEM systems are encouraged to attend. For more information, contact Chuck Dene ([email protected], 650-855-2425).
Coal Combustion Product Use (Program 78) Spray dryer absorber (SDA) materials tested for usability in construction. Engineering properties found suitable for a number of applications. The final report was published (1017580) on the characterization of SDA materials (mix of fly ash/spent sorbent/unused sorbent collected by the particulate control) for potential use in civil engineering projects. Although the eight materials tested did not meet all of the ASTM C-618 criteria for use in concrete, they all were found to be potentially suitable for use in low-strength concrete and flowable fill applications. Two of the samples tested also had the potential for use in high-strength concrete applications. Additional work is required to further develop use of the SDA materials in concrete. The most important next phase for evaluation (assuming CCPs are not designated hazardous by the EPA) is testing for setting and hardening, as well as expansion/shrinkage. After these data are collected, mortar and concrete mixtures would be conducted to assess their mechanical and durability properties, as well as expansion/shrinkage characteristics. For more information, contact Ken Ladwig ([email protected], 262-754-2744). COMBUSTION TURBINES Combustion Turbine and Combined Cycle O&M (Program 79) EPRI evaluates new FA R-0 compressor inlet blade. New design features novel laser shock peening technique to improve damage tolerance. An engineering evaluation of the latest redesigned flared GE R-0 inlet compressor for the 7FA+e gas turbine has been completed. Early results are being rolled out to the project sponsors and advisors. The new design includes a number of features to address multiple issues, including fretting, tip rubbing, leading-edge damage tolerance and cracking, dovetail cracking, and synchronous and asynchronous vibratory excitations. Changes to the inlet guide vane scheduling are integral to mitigating the R-0 asynchronous stall excitations during startup. A novel deep-penetrating laser shock peening technique is employed on the lower portion of the leading edge to improve damage tolerance to minor impacts, erosion, and corrosion pitting. This technique is discussed in a recently released EPRI report, Compressor Dependability: Laser Shock Peening Surface Treatment (1017581). Continuing work is planned to address other FA compressor issues such as the S-0 and S-3 vanes and other downstream stages. For more information, contact John Scheibel ([email protected], 650-855-2850). New Combustion Turbine/Combined-Cycle Plant Design and Technology Selection (Program 80) Recent natural gas explosion highlights safety concerns during construction. Similar incidents in other industries point toward failures in procedures and communications. The explosion at the Kleen Energy combined-cycle plant during blow-down of the main gas lines and other related near-term incidents will affect both U.S. and international regulations. Discussions during the winter Generation Sector advisory meetings indicate that leading utilities are implementing formalized procedures for purging natural gas and even hydrogen from generators. Use of compressed air or robotic “pigging” of newly commissioned gas lines are established alternate cleaning techniques to high-pressure gas releases. EPRI’s New CTCC Plant Design program plans to address such procedures as part of its commissioning “lessons learned” and project risk assessment activities. For more information, contact Dale Grace ([email protected], 650-855-2527).
R ENEWABLES Renewable Generation (Program 84) Small-scale pilot production of torrefied biomass. Preliminary results confirm feasibility of attaining high heating values for all tested feedstocks. Small-scale testing recently was completed to produce torrefied chips and pellets from seven selected species with potential for biomass-to-energy production, including three woody species (southern yellow pine, hardwood mix, and hybrid poplar) and four herbaceous species (wheat straw, switch grass, arundo, and miscanthus). Preliminary results confirmed the technical feasibility of attaining high heating values for torrefied chips and pellets for all tested feedstocks. The efficient integration of pre-drying, torrefaction, and pelleting processes to optimize energy synergies was identified as a key issue to optimize production costs on a commercial scale. Potential process improvements were also identified through this work as well as the key parameters to achieve and control a consistent quality of the torrefied material produced in a commercial installation. Testing of other promising biomass species to define the optimum torrefaction conditions as well as improvement to the pelleting process will be pursued in 2010. For more information, contact Luis Cerezo ([email protected], 704-595-2687). Update to Renewable Energy Technology Guide available. Report allows users to perform preliminary capital investment evaluations. The 2009 update to the EPRI Renewable Energy Technology Guide was released in February. This document provides a basic reference to inform the technical and economic assessment of renewable energy generation technologies. Technology status, deployment, design, cost, and performance information contained in this report will enable EPRI members to perform preliminary capital investment evaluations in a consistent and informed manner. Renewable technologies covered include wind, biomass, solar photovoltaic, geothermal, solar thermal, ocean tidal, ocean wave, river in-stream energy, and grid integration technologies that are commercially available or on the threshold of commercialization. The report also addresses greenhouse gas emissions control using renewable generation technologies. For more information, contact Chuck McGowin ([email protected], 650-855-2445). Evaluation published of central-station solar photovoltaic power plants. Includes 22 combinations of six PV technologies and four locations. A new EPRI report, Engineering and Economic Evaluation of Central-Station Solar Photovoltaic Power Plants (1017600), provides power production, capital and operation and maintenance cost, and levelized cost of electricity for estimates for conceptual 10-MW central-station photovoltaic power plants. It addresses 22 combinations of six PV technologies and four locations in the United States. The PV technologies are fixed-tilt flat-plate modules using single-crystalline silicon (c-Si), thin-film amorphous silicon (a-Si), and thin-film cadmium telluride (CdTe) modules; single-axis and tilted single-axis tracking modules using c-Si cells; and two-axis tracking, multijunction concentrating PV modules (CPV). The locations are Las Vegas, Nevada; Alamosa, Colorado; Jacksonville, Florida; and Columbus, Ohio. For more information, contact Chuck McGowin ([email protected], 650-855-2445). Evaluation of utility-scale wind power plants published. Includes five onshore and one offshore wind power plant locations in United States. A new EPRI report, entitled Engineering and Economic Evaluation of Utility-Scale Wind Power Plants (1017599), provides power production, capital and operation and maintenance cost, and levelized cost of electricity for estimates for conceptual utility-scale wind power plants. The engineering and economic evaluation addressed five onshore and one offshore wind power plant locations in the United States. The onshore projects included a base case site that is representative of a site with a very good wind resource and four other representative sites in California, Texas, Michigan, and New York. The offshore wind plant site is off the coast of New York. For more information, contact Chuck McGowin ([email protected], 650-855-2445).
These challenges require assessment, development and coordination of several strategies: • Planning “glide paths” for units foreseen to become economically unviable and a transition to other resources • Capturing experience from existing, older units to determine future planning • Pre-planning modifications to enable future compliance with anticipated regulations • Maintaining adequate diversity in technology mix to enable business flexibility • Considering compatibility with existing infrastructure in investing in new technologies
The group concluded that risk/scenario analysis is necessary to define contingencies associated with these strategies. The group also agreed that establishing planning horizons through such analysis is a valuable approach to “bracketing” the strategies that will optimize the ability to respond to key challenges. Both tasks were viewed as natural parts of the work of Program 178 in investigating consequences of asset portfolio management strategies through integration of technology cost and fuel market research with financial tools to assess portfolio valuation and risk. For more information, contact Revis James ([email protected], 202-293-6348).
TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER 2009 Technology Transfer Award Winners Announced. At the Generation advisory meetings in Orlando the week of March 8, EPRI presented the 2009 Technology Transfer Awards to 16 member companies, representing 16 technologies implemented by plant owners/operators and marketers worldwide. The commitment to technical excellence and collaboration demonstrated by these individuals and teams is what enables the fossil industry to drive continuous performance improvement. The 2009 awards spanned a wide array of technology transfer activities from improved operations and maintenance, environmental controls, combustion turbine/combined cycle management, boiler tube failure reductions, ash management, and innovative nondestructive evaluation techniques. Award details and member recipients included: 7FA and 501F Repair Guidelines – Robert LaRoche and John Alice, Salt River Project Snake Robot Technology for Nondestructive Evaluation – Thomas Buelter and John Goodman, Dynegy Generation Boiler Tube Failure Reduction Methodology – Dale Dunlap, Charles Hancock, Larry Battles, Jr., Vernon Mize, John Brosnan, Wesley Kuehn, Garry Waggoner, Keith Pearson, Tony Hardin, Donald Foreman, Charles Major, and Robert Zischkale, Luminant P87 Weld Filler Metal for Dissimilar Metal Weld Joints – Tom Andress, AEP; John Hainsworth, John Siefert, and James Tanzosh, Babcock & Wilcox Co. Real-time Digital Radiography – Eric P. Thurston, E.ON U.S. Material Validation for Steam Turbine Rotor and Blade Design – Dr. Jeong Tae Kim, Dr. Seog Hyeon Ryu, Dr. Byung Ha Chi, Dr. Byeong Ook Kong, Mr. Jong Jin Park, Mr. Yeon Soo Lee, Mr. Byoung Koo Kim, Mr. Sung Tae Kang, Mr. Kuk Cheol Kim, and Mr. Min Soo Kim, Doosan Heavy Industries Flow-Accelerated Corrosion (FAC) Software and Training – Arne Lindberg, Midwest Generation PlantView Technology – Kimberly Green, Progress Energy Alarm Management and Annunciator Guidelines – Greg Smith, Cathleen Shepard, and Kenny Smith, PNM Resources
Fleetwide Monitoring – Antonio Chamblin, Mike Dotson, Randy Jones, Mike Kelly, Jerome Morrow, John Sorge, and Jim Geller, Southern Company Sorbent Activation Process – Stephen M. Long, Ameren Hydrated Lime Research Facility at Georgia Power’s Plant Yates – Jeff Wilson, Southern Company Sustainable Coal Combustion Product Management – Lamar Larrimore and Hollis Walker, Southern Company; Bruce Boggs, Headwaters Resources; Russell Hill, Boral Material Technologies Inc. Advanced Temperature Mapping System – Pete Ulvog, Luminant EPRI’s Electric Sector Model (NESSIE) – Richard Clark, Oglethorpe Power Corporation Solar Augmented Steam Cycles for Natural Gas Plants – James Doubek, NV Energy Two new Success Stories highlight applications of EPRI results. Two EPRI member companies their shared successes in applying EPRI research results in the published Success Stories: E.ON U.S. Shows Potential of Digital Radiography for Detection of Boiler Corrosion Fatigue Cracking (1020700). In a field trial at one of its plants, E.ON U.S. demonstrated the capabilities of a real-time digital radiographic system, developed by EPRI, for detecting corrosion fatigue in boiler waterwall tubes without disassembly of the boiler. Application of the radiographic system could allow plant crews to spot damaged areas before they lead to unscheduled outages. Ameren Demonstrates Sorbent Activation Process for Mercury Control (1020699). Ameren conducted the first demonstration of the sorbent activation process (SAP), a technology that uses on-site coal to produce activated carbon for direct injection into the flue gas for mercury control. The technology for SAP was developed by EPRI, together with the Illinois State Geological Survey (ISGS) and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). SAP has the potential to significantly reduce the cost of activated carbon injection, one of the most promising current options for control of mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants. If you have an application success and want to share that with your colleagues, please contact Susan Rodgers, 704-595-2572, [email protected]. OUTREACH ACTIVITIES Legislative New York State Climate Action Plan Visionary Meeting. John Novak, EPRI Executive Director, Federal and Industry Activities, Environment and Generation, participated in a panel discussion entitled “Possibilities and Options for a Low-Carbon Future” at the meeting that was held on Jan. 5 at New York Academy of Sciences in New York City. The session was held as a result of a gubernatorial executive order to set a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in New York State by 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050. Meetings with Department of Energy Office of Fossil Energy. In January and February, members of EPRI’s executive team, officers and staff held a number of meetings with James Markowsky, DOE Assistant Secretary, Office of Fossil Energy, and members of his leadership team, including senior staff from the National Energy Technology Lab. The purpose of the meetings were to explore opportunities for DOE and EPRI to move forward with efforts in the areas of coal plant efficiency improvements (existing and new), CO2 capture and storage retrofits, and international knowledge management and sharing.
IPCC Special Report on Renewable Energy. EPRI joined a number of industry organizations and companies in sponsoring an experts workshop to provide input on this report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Stan Rosinski, manager of EPRI’s renewable generation R&D, and Novak participated in the two-day workshop held in Washington, DC on Feb. 1 and 2. EPRI also submitted comments on the draft special report to the IPCC. Coal Utilization Research Council (CURC) Meetings. Generation Vice President Carolyn Shockley, Director Stu Dalton, and Novak participated in the CURC General Membership and Technical Committee meetings in Washington, DC on Feb. 17 and 18. Edison Electric Institute Meetings. Novak participated in the meetings of the EEI CO2 Capture and Storage Working Group, the Global Climate Change Subcommittee, the Clean Air Strategy Group, and the Environment Executive Advisory Committee, held Feb. 23-25 in Washington, DC. He provided updates on EPRI projects and research results. For more information on these activities, contact John Novak ([email protected], 202-293-6180). EPRI in the news EPRI and its members recently made headlines in a number of media outlets, including: January. Jan.1 – EPRI’s biomass R&D is cited in the January 2010 issue of Biomass Magazine in an article entitled, “The Quest for Renewable Biomass Electricity.” Jan. 5 – Dave O’Connor was interviewed by Bloomberg News on technology challenges of biomass generation. Jan. 9 – EPRI Environment VP Bryan Hannegan was quoted in a Wall Street Journal story about an internal federal conflict over regulation of fly ash from coal generation. Jan. 12 – Renewable Energy Focus, a web-based publication, carried an extensive article on EPRI’s solar thermal hybrid demonstration project. Jan. 13 – EPRI’s patented TOXECON mercury removal technology was featured in a DOE press release about its demonstration at a We Energies plant. The release was carried on the front page of Energy Central. Jan. 14 – EPRI’s renewables research into single well geothermal technology was featured in a GreenTech media blog. Jan. 14 – Environmental Leader ran an article on efforts to thwart classifying fly ash as a hazardous material saying that EPRI predicts that utilities could lose between $5 billion to $10 billion annually if they couldn’t sell coal combustion by products. Jan. 16 – Art Altman led a panel of energy risk experts in comparing energy trading risk to financial trading at a Jan. 15 meeting of the Global Assocation of Risk Professionals (GARP) in Mahattan. Coverage appeared in GARP’s online Risk Exchange newsletter and the event also led to an article in Energy Risk Magazine. Jan. 19 – EPRI’s single-well geothermal R&D was cited in Geothermal Digest. Jan. 21 – EPRI’s solar thermal hybrid demonstration projects were featured in an article on concentrated solar power in CSP Today. Jan. 27 – Senior VP Hank Courtright was interviewed by The Environment Report about EPRI’s CCS R&D and the future of coal generation.
Jan. 28 – Art Altman of the Generation Planning team held a webcast on risk management education and certification, which led to an interview on the subject by a writer for Energy Risk magazine. February. Feb. 8 – Stan Rosinski, manager of Program 84—Renewables, was quoted in an article in Geothermal Digest on EPRI’s test of new single well engineered geothermal systems. Feb. 10 – SNL Energy devoted on article to an EPRI white paper written by Tom Key on advances in solar photovoltaic technology and how it may impact the future of the industry. Feb 14 – The televised broadcast of Clean Skies News’ Sunday program, which airs in the Mid-Atlantic region, featured a segment of carbon capture and storage in which EPRI’s role was mentioned in the Pleasant Prairie Plant in Wisconsin and the Mountaineer site in West Virginia. Feb. 15 – The National Review carried an article on solar-augmented generation of fossil fuel plants that features EPRI’s two demonstration projects on solar-and wind-augmented generation. Feb. 17 – EPRI’s research into high-temperature materials and repairs was the cover story for the February issue of Energy-Tech Magazine. Feb. 17 – EPRI’s solar thermal hybrid demonstration projects were featured in Suite101.com, an online publication focused on renewables and the environment. Feb. 17 – Platts Electric Power Daily carried an article about NARUC’s meeting in Washington. Senior VP Hank Courtright is quoted on elements of the prism and MERGE analysis and why a full portfolio of technologies is preferable to a limited one in curbing the nation’s carbon footprint. Feb. 18 – A new EPRI white paper, Solar Photovoltaics: Status, Costs & Trends, is the subject of an article in Renewable Energy Focus. Feb. 19 – EPRI’s PC-CCS projects were prominently featured in an article on Alstom CCS projects in the January-February issue of Carbon Capture Journal. Feb. 22 – EPRI’s estimate of the costs of solar-generated electricity was included in a Wall Street Journal story about the challenges and potential of alternative sources of energy. Feb. 23 – EPRI’s Generation Planning research into the future costs of various forms of power generation was the basis for an article in Renewable Energy Focus on the price for renewable energy. It also was cited in an article the same day in REVE on solar power. Feb. 23 – EPRI’s power plant control retrofit guidelines were cited in a Power Engineering Power-Gen Worldwide article on how EPRI is working with TVA to upgrade controls at its Kingston Plant. Feb. 25 – Stan Rosinski, manager of EPRI’s Renewable Generation program, is featured in an article in the Austin American-Statesman on wider deployment of wind power. Feb. 25 – Revis James, director of EPRI’s Energy Technology Assessment Center (ETAC), was interviewed by Clean Skies TV for its Sunday program on the economics and other challenges of converting coal-fired plants to natural gas. Feb. 26 – McClatchy News Service reported on the future viability of coal-fired generation, quoting Revis James on the importance of a full portfolio of technologies to meeting the nation’s growing energy needs while reducing emissions from power plants. For more information about EPRI’s Generation Sector communications, please contact Jeff Brehm ([email protected], 704-595-2521).
