POWER Magazine - October 2019

COVER focus: Gas Top Plants Work Ethic Leads to ‘World Class’ Performance A gas-fired power plant that serves members of a cooperative in Michigan’s lower peninsula is a model of efficiency, in large part thanks to a culture of teamwork fostered by the plant’s operators. The plant has a record of near-perfect run and start reliability, providing dependable power and helping replace retired coal-fired generation in the region. Power to the People—Family Approach Supports Plant’s Positive Impact Dominion Energy’s Greensville County Power Station is notable for many reasons, including its large power block, advanced emissions-control technology, and an air permit with perhaps the nation’s strictest CO2 limits. Dominion calls it an “engineering marvel,” and the plant’s workforce is committed to the facility’s efficient performance. Redefining Modern Gas Power: Lackawanna Energy Center The Lackawanna Energy Center is an innovative, highly efficient power plant. Its three gas turbines can provide up to 1,485 MW in combined cycle mode. The facility is the largest project Invenergy has developed, constructed, and operated. Competitive Advantages: Power Plant Wins with Low Fuel Costs, High Efficiency The abundance of natural gas in areas near the Marcellus and Utica shale plays has led to construction of several new gas-fired power plants in the region. A facility in Ohio is a model for this new group of generating stations, economically producing power using inexpensive gas and proven technology. DLN Upgrade Helps Gas Turbines Meet ‘Blue Sky’ Requirements The Shenzhen Nanshan Power Plant in China installed an innovative dry low- NOx upgrade on the facility’s gas turbines in an effort to reduce emissions and comply with government regulations. The project provided added benefits, including improved flexibility and durability, along with reducing maintenance time and cost. Almost No Heat Is Wasted at This Highly Efficient German CHP Facility A combined heat and power plant in a Bavarian factory, inaugurated earlier this year, generates its own power to produce the facility’s wood pellets, which heat thousands of nearby homes. The plant also sends much of its power production to the public grid, representing the total output for the local utility. Coal Ash Handling A New Technology for Bottom Ash Conversion Emerges Operators of coal-fired power plants have been studying new ways to handle their boiler bottom ash, in order to comply with environmental regulations. Mechanical drag systems may meet requirements, but a grinder-conveyor design could be a more effective, and less costly, option. Connected Plant Empowering Data to Efficiently Build the Connected Grid of the Future The changing landscape of power generation includes a continuing move toward decentralization and digitization. Data is a powerful tool, supporting the growth of the Industrial Internet of Things. Networks are evolving, and autonomous systems are becoming the norm in the energy space. Coal Removing Asbestos and Regulated Materials Key to Power Plant Decommissioning The process of decommissioning coal-fired power plants is a common occurrence as more and more units are retired worldwide. Remediating or redeveloping these sites is a complicated, challenging task, but the success of several projects is proving how the job can be done with great success. READ MORE

Read Now