Rotor retrofit boosts turbine output and efficiency by 1. 67%
In service since 1973, Commonwealth Edison Co.'s 2-unit Zion station is one of the earlier 1,000-MWe-range nuclear generating power plants. In the mid-1980s, both turbines were treated to a multi-million-dollar steam path component retrofit after stress corrosion-induced turbine blade failures caused lengthy forced outages. ABB's Utility Steam Turbine Division completed the work, and at 1,040 MW each, Zion's steam turbines are believed to be the largest ever to be retrofitted with non-original equipment manufacturer (OEM) rotors and related components. As a result of the retrofit, two-unit generating capacity increased by approximately 1.6% (17 MWe). Furthermore, the retrofit allowed Zion to extend the frequency of normal turbine inspection and overhaul intervals. This article reports that, after 7-1/2 years of service, a recent inspection revealed that the steam path components were still in mint condition with no signs of stress corrosion cracking.
- OSTI ID:
- 7076289
- Journal Information:
- Power Engineering; (United States), Vol. 98:4; ISSN 0032-5961
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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