Latest
-
Coal
China’s Nuclear Expansion Mired in Overcapacity
China has brought 24 of its 36 operating nuclear reactors online at a breakneck pace since 2010, but there are signs it may roll out future plants that are still under construction more slowly, owing in part
-
O&M
Dissimilar-Metal Weld Is a Misnomer
Most combined cycle professionals understand that a joint between grade 91 steel and an austenitic stainless steel is considered a dissimilar-metal weld. For that reason, it requires special welding
-
O&M
Using Rotor-In Major Inspections to Shorten Outages and Drive Safety
Today, some F-class operators continue to opt for rotor-out major inspections, which are cumbersome and inefficient. They involve complex lifts and moves of the rotor, as well as the need for substantial space
-
Legal & Regulatory
The Future of Clean Energy Is Dependent on States and Utilities
U.S. coal production in 2016 reached its lowest level since 1978. However, in its Annual Energy Outlook published in February 2017, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) expects coal-fired power to
-
Connected Plant
The Future Is Now: Connected Power Plants Are Here
New technology is being used throughout the power industry to improve plant efficiency, predict trouble with degrading equipment, forecast weather trends, and train workers. A recent conference hosted by POWER
-
O&M
Reducing Cycling Damage to Combined Cycle Steam Turbines
Cycling a combined cycle plant places additional stresses on all equipment, but the impacts extend beyond the gas turbine and heat recovery steam generator. Plant owners and managers are beginning to see
-
Connected Plant
Facilitating Predictive Maintenance of Electrical Assets with Pervasive Sensing Strategies
Continuous condition-based monitoring of electrical conductors and insulation is an effective way to reduce required plant maintenance activities, cut operating costs, and prevent unplanned shutdowns
-
O&M
Enhanced Boiler Defense Strategies for an Aging Coal Fleet
Cyclic operating conditions can be problematic for many coal-fired power plants that were designed to run as baseload units. Implementing a combustion and boiler performance management program can help ensure
-
O&M
Strategies for Small Hydro Upgrades
Small hydro is becoming big business as ongoing technological advances make more small sites economic to exploit. Older plants can also see substantial output and efficiency gains by upgrading from decades-old
-
Commentary
Reports of the Electric Grid’s Death Have Been Greatly Exaggerated
There have been numerous pronouncements recently about the upcoming demise of the bulk power grid as consumers are projected to move toward decentralized green energy sources. We don’t believe that the end