Superconducting generator design. Final report

Technical Report · Tue Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1977

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6793854· OSTI ID:6793854

Parker, Jr., J. H.; Towne, R. A.

The principal results of a detailed conceptual design study of 300 and 1200 MVA turbine generators utilizing superconducting field windings as carried out by the Westinghouse Electric Corporation are presented. Designs are reported that cover a range of reactances, e.g., the subtransient reactances range from 8 to 27% per unit. Design concepts utilized for the rotor involve an NbTi superconductor, a double-shield system, a flexible-disc thermal contraction concept, a convection-dominated helium circuit and an automatic helium level control. The armature designs are based on a new spiral winding concept which is applied at low voltage (14 kV) and at high voltage (up to 500 kV). Utilization of such a high voltage armature implies that the unit transformer can be eliminated. Refrigeration systems have been designed to match generators at both ratings. System studies have shown that the critical fault clearing time for the lower reactance superconducting generators can be appreciably longer than for conventional machines. The increased efficiency of the superconducting machines by about 0.5% plus elimination of the unit transformers with the high-voltage armature yields a life cycle savings for a utility that is equivalent to the original price of the generator. A development plan has been developed that lays out the tasks and schedule leading to the construction and utility test of a 300 MVA superconducting unit. It is concluded that the superconducting generator design is technically and economically attractive and sound; that its reliability can be made at least equal to that of present conventional units at a competitive price; and that its economic benefits extend to ratings as low as 300 MVA.

• Research Organization: Westinghouse Electric Corp., Pittsburgh, Pa. (USA). Large Rotating Apparatus Div.
• OSTI ID: 6793854
• Report Number(s): EPRI-EL-577
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
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DESIGN
ECONOMICS
EFFICIENCY
ELECTRIC GENERATORS
FEASIBILITY STUDIES
POWER PLANTS
RELIABILITY
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SUPERCONDUCTING GENERATORS