Abstracts - VGB PowerTech Journal 8/2009

Simplified Concepts of Hard Coal-fired IGCC Power Plants with Carbon Capture: Effects on Efficiency, Availability and Economics

Johannes Eckstein, Karsten Riedl, Hans Rainer, Mathias Rieger and Bernd Meyer

The key to successful implementation of CCS technology from the operator‘s aspect is cost-optimized separation of the carbon dioxide from large fossil fuel-fired power plants. Results of a comparative study for two coal gasification technologies are presented. Based on the technical analysis the plant economy is determined on a full cost basis under generic market conditions. The effects of significant parameters on electricity generation costs are described.

EU CCS Demonstration Programme – ZEP’s Position

Heinz Bergmann

The European technology platform Zero Emission Fossil Fuel Power Plants (ZEP) has made a detailed proposition for a European CCS demonstration programme. The article defines the selection criteria and deals with the costs, deadlines and funding requirements. The aim is to meet the demands of the European Council that the CCS demonstration programme should be implemented from 2015 in order to enable commercial availability of CCS technology from 2020.

Post-combustion CO2 Scrubbing and the RWE Power AG Development Programme

Johannes Ewers and Peter Moser

The option of retrofitting power plants with CCS technology could be very important. Among others, RWE Power is involved in the further development of post-combustion CO2 scrubbing. Based on worldwide screening, one focus is on further developing the amine-based scrubbing technology. To experiment, a CO2 scrubber pilot plant was set up in Niederaußem power plant and put into operation at the start of July 2009. Parallel to this, RWE Power is also participating in the first pilot plant project for chilled ammonia technology in Wisconsin, USA.

Can the Output of Nitrogen Components in Wastewater from Wet Flue gas Desulphurization Plants be Controlled?

Leo H.J. Vredenbregt and John Visser

Wastewater from flue gas desulphurization plants (FGD) in coal-fired power plants contains nitrogen components. According to the Water Framework Directive these outputs are to be restricted in future. Investigations have been carried out into the formation and accumulation of nitrogen components in FGD plants in the Netherlands. Based on the results and with technical and economic aspects in mind, possibilities of reducing nitrogen in FGD wastewater are discussed and assessed.

Assessment of Generators for Wind Power Plants 

Andreas Wiengarn

An overview is provided to assess three-phase alternators for wind power plants. Distinctions are made between the electrical and dynamic “variables” that have a direct effect on the machine, which on the one hand, affect the insulation system and on the other, the mechanical components. Possibilities for examining and measuring these effects on site are presented. Based on known effects, it is also possible to assess the current conditions of the machine and to derive trends.

The Foundation Ensures the Dynamics of Wind Power

Gregor Gervink and Timo Poetschke

Foundations for wind power plants (WPP) are high-performance structures made from reinforced concrete that are subjected to enormous static and dynamic stresses. With targeted prophylactic measures for quality assurance it is possible to considerably reduce the risk of these foundations suffering damage. Because of the investment for the entire plant, damage preventions is advisable from the planning phase through to installation of the foundation. To prevent later damage, the foundations should be visually inspected by foundation experts at regular intervals.

Maintenance of Frequency Converters According to Power Plant Standard

Walter Sucrow and Stefan Treitzschke

Frequency converters are important components in modern wind power plants. If they fail, this has serious consequences. To prevent this happening, maintenance was carried out according to power plant standards, which led to considerable modernization. The extended possibilities of using the frequency converter’s own fault and status signals indicate the actual weak points of these components and can open up a wider spectrum of potential actions for management in future.

Combining These Conflicting Objectives into an Advanced Machinery Protection Solution

Norbert Stabel and Hans Weber

With vibration-based machinery protection you not only expect that the operating personnel and plant are protected against the machine, you also expect that the machine itself is protected against damage. Another requirement is to prevent negative effects on availability caused by false shutdowns. With the SPPA-D3000 Machinery Protection solution it is now possible to fulfil these three requirements at once, so that optimum safety and highest availability are guaranteed.

VGB-Requirements Regarding Technical Data for Power Plants

Jörg Richnow

Much of the technical plant data resulting from the planning, construction and start-up of power plants is needed for subsequent management and maintenance. Because of this, VGB has taken the initiative and has defined standard minimum requirements from power plant operators for technical plant data. They relate to the details and structure of this data, the definition of material classes and characteristics for the main power plant components and IT implementation for delivery of the technical plant data.

Oxidation Properties of Turbine Oils – Lubricant Type Comparison at Practical Oriented Test Conditions

Jürgen Burgmer

Bayer Technology Services, in close cooperation with plant operators, has investigated the precipitation problem in energy plants and has examined the suitability of a number of current turbine oil formulations. A practice-oriented oxidation test was developed, which especially took account of the potential formation of oil-insoluble reaction products. Based on the findings in the specific case the operator changed to a new, higher quality oil grade. Initial operation experiences after 20,000 hours indicate a very good oil performance.

New Developments in European and National Waste Management Legislation

Stefan Kopp-Assenmacher

Waste management law is currently experiencing a dynamic change process. On a European level the European Parliament and Council have passed an extensive revision of the entire area of waste law. On a national level the main aim is to implement the directive in German waste law in compliance with European legislation, namely in the German Act for Promoting Closed Substance Cycle Waste Management and Ensuring Environmentally Compatible Waste Disposal (KrW-/AbfG). The German legislator has until the end of 2010 to complete this.

Application of Computational Fluid Dynamics in the Development of Components for Power Plants

Igor Ivanov and Miroslav Podhorsky

The use of numerical flow simulation in power plant technology has resulted in significant optimization. Numerical simulation can shorten optimization on models considerably. However, the flood of information gained in this way must be carefully evaluated and checked with the help of plausibility considerations. In the case of turbulent flows a three-dimensional flow model investigation is recommended. Results and assessments of flow simulations are presented and discussed on the basis of specific application examples.