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U.S. Department of Energy
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400-kWe high-efficiency steam turbine for industrial cogeneration

Conference · · Proc., Intersoc. Energy Convers. Eng. Conf.; (United States)
OSTI ID:5352967
The high capital cost associated with solar thermal power generation dictates a strategy of maximizing energy conversion efficiency. New technology in the form of high-speed gearing can improve the efficiency of small steam turbines by 20 percent over conventional equipment. Mechanical Technology Incorporated (MTI) recently developed a 400-kWe turbine-generator for the Sandia National Laboratories' Solar Total-Energy Project (STEP) in Shenandoah, Georgia. The unit consists of a four-stage axial steam turbine that rotates on a 42,450-rpm pinion to drive an 1800-rpm synchronous generator through a double-reduction gearbox. In this application, industrial cogeneration is achieved by the simultaneous production of 400 kWe and 2249 lb/hr of 110 psig extraction steam. The 6-psig exhaust steam generates 164 tons of air conditioning in an absorption chiller. Tests totaling 200 hours were conducted at MTI to confirm the mechanical integrity of the turbine, its thermodynamic performance and its control functions. Performance tests resulted in measured inlet throttle flows within 2 percent of design value.
Research Organization:
Mechanical Technology Incorporated, Latham, New York
OSTI ID:
5352967
Report Number(s):
CONF-820814-
Conference Information:
Journal Name: Proc., Intersoc. Energy Convers. Eng. Conf.; (United States) Journal Volume: 3
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English