POWER
-
Ocean/Marine
Subsea Kite Technology Makes a Big Splash for Marine Power
At first view, marine energy developer Minesto’s novel underwater “kite” technology may be easily dismissed as a fanciful concept, one of dozens introduced over the last decade to reap the immense ocean
-
Instrumentation & Controls
Instrumentation Fittings for Power Plants
A lot must be reviewed prior to selecting the right fitting for power plant instrumentation applications. Among the choices are whether to use single- or double-ferrule designs; heat codes, lubrication, and
-
News
Shift to Gas, Financing Issues Could Delay Polish Power Plant Project
Officials in Poland have said changing the fuel source of a planned 1-GW power plant in Ostroleka, known as Ostroleka C, from coal to natural gas could delay the project, which already faces several financial
-
O&M
Understanding Diesel Fuel Storage Requirements
Liquid fuel storage requirements are based on fuel type, usage, and whether the fuel is “combustible” or “flammable” as assessed by the fuel flash point. This article presents information on applicable
-
News
New Wind Farm Brings More Power to Senegal
Senegal is among the African nations trying to increase access to electricity for its population. U.S. officials estimate about 35% of the country’s 16 million people do not have access to power. The
-
News
Show Preview – Electric Power
POWER magazine was scheduled to host the 22nd annual ELECTRIC POWER Conference & Exhibition April 14–17, 2020, at the Colorado Convention Center (Figure 1) in Denver, Colorado. However, out of concern
-
News
POWER Digest [April 2020]
Group Readies Hydrogen Production Plant in Japan. A consortium including Toshiba, Tohoku Electric Power, and Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) in March said it has
-
News
Why We Need More Public Investment in Energy Storage Technology
When three scientists won the Nobel Peace Prize last year for their work on lithium-ion batteries, The New York Times was one of many outlets that drew the connection between improved energy storage and the
-
Safety
New Lockout-Tagout Program Improves Safety
As one of the U.S.’s premier energy companies, Southern Company is committed to providing a safe work environment for employees. It regularly implements best-in-class safety procedures to ensure compliance
-
News
EPRI Training Courses Support Nuclear Plant Operations
The Turkey Point nuclear generating facility in Florida in December 2019 became the first U.S. nuclear plant to receive authorization from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to extend its operating life from 60
-
Hydro
Water-Lubricated Bearings Offer Benefits for Hydropower Plants
Significant operating and economic benefits can be realized by replacing a poorly functioning or damaged oil-lubricated turbine guide bearing with a water-lubricated design (Figure 4), as part of a
-
Commentary
PURPA Modernization Promises Sweeping Changes for Utilities
More than 40 years ago, small power production facilities were germinated, fertilized, and have continued to blossom under the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA), a federal law passed in 1978 as a
-
News
Electrification: Too Much of a Good Thing?
Electrification has been a much-touted driver for the global energy transition toward decarbonization. But though an all-electric future could have vast implications for the power and gas sectors, achieving it
-
Nuclear
The Quest for Next-Generation Nuclear Fuels
In Part 1 of this series, published in the March 2020 issue, POWER explored how existing reactors may leverage advances in nuclear fuel to boost power generation safety and economics. This installment surveys
-
News
Battery Storage: Perils and Promise
Lithium-ion battery technology promises the first realistic approach to fully integrating intermittent solar and wind into the U.S. power system. Despite its recent growth and great potential, the battery
-
Hydro
Hydropower: Meeting Growing Needs with Improved Reliability and Efficiency
Hydropower delivers a range of benefits to society and the environment. However, there are two major challenges that face hydroelectric power plant operators—efficient use of water and high availability. To
-
O&M
Power Plant Cycles with Multiple Direct Contact Heaters
The regenerative feedwater cycle of modern fossil and nuclear power plants normally includes four or five low-pressure, closed (tube surface-type) feedwater heaters (CFWHs). However, maximum efficiency can be
-
Safety
Linemen Safety Best Practices and Apparel Selection
When a storm hits or the worst of weather conditions blow through, you’re there. The community of linemen is like no other because when the power goes out, you get to work. How do linemen remain prepared to
-
Plant Design
Gravity Base Ballast Provides Tidal Turbines with a Sturdy Grip
Offshore wind turbines deliver a strong promise in today’s tough times of climate changes’ debate. The rapid development of the sector favors the need for new gravity concepts. Besides design, ballast is a critical element responsible for the turbine’s stabilization and therefore its success. Its quality, density, and weight, defined by the material choice and […]
-
News
POWER Digest [March 2020]
Siemens Buys Out Iberdrola, Readying to Spin Off Gas and Power and SGRE Businesses. Siemens AG will acquire Spanish renewables giant Iberdrola SA’s full 8.1% stake in Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy (SGRE)
-
O&M
Changes in Boiler Operations Bring Innovations in Erosion and Corrosion Protection
Metal loss of the pressurized tubes inside the boiler is a big concern for boiler designers and operators. Changing fuel composition and other service parameters can lead to accelerated erosion and corrosion
-
O&M
The Case for Autonomous Network Management
There is a near-global drive to replace carbon-based, polluting, resource-constrained energy sources with non-carbon renewables as the primary fuel for the electricity industry. Even traditional sources of
-
Commentary
Trump’s Attempt to Bring Sanity to a Torturous Environmental Review and Permitting Process
The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) proposed changes to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations to promote “efficient, effective, and timely” NEPA review by federal agencies (85
-
News
Moving Toward Mainstream—The Rise of Renewable Goals
More states are setting targets for renewable energy. Cities and counties are joining in. Utilities are formalizing commitments. And economics, as always, play a major role. The transition to clean energy
-
Renewables
Flow Batteries: Energy Storage Option for a Variety of Uses
Energy storage is becoming increasingly important to the power industry. Lithium-ion battery technology has been implemented in many locations, but flow batteries offer significant benefits in long-duration
-
Nuclear
A New Frontier for Nuclear Fuels
Though much attention has been focused on the exciting realm of nuclear reactor technology innovation, major efforts to improve nuclear fuels—and boost power generation safety and economics—are underway
-
News
Driving Change on the Grid—The Impact of EV Adoption
Utilities and other power generators need to prepare now for increased loads as the electrification of transportation grows. As with any challenge, opportunities exist for those willing to invest in electric
-
O&M
Novel System Uses Condenser Water for District Heating
Conventional district heating systems are generally designed around the load. However, an alternate approach would be to design around potential heat sources, including the waste heat from power plants. Many
-
Gas
Winning Operations, Maintenance, Environmental, Safety, and Technical Solutions
The Combustion Turbine Operations Technical Forum (CTOTF) recently announced the winners of the 2nd annual CTOTF/POWER Innovation Excellence awards, which recognize outstanding performance in various
-
O&M
New Technology Improves Refractory Maintenance and Shutdown Planning
Power plants require regular maintenance outages to stay in top condition, but shutdown periods can be stressful. New tools are available that can save time, reduce labor costs, and improve safety. The