Repowering: We`ve set our sites on you
Repowering of steam electric generating capacity can be broadly defined as the replacement of existing equipment with new, more efficient systems that offer lower emissions and substantially increased capacity. This paper focuses primarily on the repowering option called substitute heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) repowering. Substitute HRSG repowering involves the retirement of an aging natural gas- or oil-fired boiler (which would typically be left in place) and the addition of one or more gas turbine-generators and HRSGs. Steam generated in the HRSG(s) is used to power the existing steam turbine-generator, creating a combined cycle. The resulting repowered unit typically achieves a 150 to 200 percent increase in capacity, as well as a 30 to 40 percent improvement in heat rate, while retaining much of the existing plant`s systems and infrastructure. Substitute HRSG repowering can also be accomplished on coal-fired plants. Other repowering options for coal-fired plants include replacement of the existing boiler with advanced designs such as circulating fluidized bed boilers or integrated gasification combined cycles. However, only one percent of California`s total generating capacity is coal-fired, while about 55% is natural gas- or oil-fired. Thus, this paper focuses on repowering with gas turbines and HRSGs.
- OSTI ID:
- 405615
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-951208--
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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