Simulation of Hot Standby Mode for Flexible Steam Turbine Operation in Combined Cycle Power Plants

authored by

Roland Scharf, Henriette Garmatter, Yevgen Kostenko, Erik Marks, David Veltmann

Abstract

The operational regimes of conventional power plants are more irregular and flexible due to the increasing share of renewable energy generation. This can lead to extended time periods without dispatch and as a consequence cause longer power plant start-up times after standstills. The Hot-Standby-Mode concept contributes to a more flexible steam turbine operation. It is realized through an electrical Trace-Heating-System placed on the steam turbine casing which preserves the warm start-up conditions after turbine shutdown. Heat transfer throughout the turbine is investigated with an emphasis on the effects of topology complexity. Three finite element models of the turbine are employed for the analysis. All models are verified using unique experimental power plant measurements. Numerical and experimental results show a good correlation and proof that the simulations are suitable to capture all operational stages. The most suitable finite element model is enhanced to include the Trace-Heating-System. An application of the Hot-Standby-Mode to warm-keeping of the turbine generates information of the system’s performance which shows that it is capable to significantly improve the start-up conditions of the turbine.

Organisation(s)

Institute of Power Plant Engineering and Heat Transfer

External Organisation(s)

Siemens Energy Global GmbH & Co. KG

Type

Article

Journal

VGB PowerTech

Volume

2019

Pages

44-49

Publication date

2019

Publication status

Published

Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy, SDG 13 - Climate Action