ENGINE & TURBINE TECHNOLOGY
Valve design is highly
important for power plant operations
Steam turbine bypass valve design overhaul needed to mitigate increased cyclic load on power plants
VALVES T
VALUE-ADDED A SMART SERIES
he valve design for dispatchable gas-fi red combined cycle power plants (CCPPs) must be adapted to the increased cyclic load due to the integration of intermittent renewable sources, says an industry expert. With a growing global focus to decarbonise in line with COP27 emissions reduction goals, CCPPs are set to play a key role in the transition to clean power generation through their greater ability to cope with the demand for more frequent cycling. Yet with the accompanying grid instability meaning these plants are at risk of being used beyond their original design remit, existing steam turbine machinery components must be re-evaluated, says Jackie Hu, divisional managing director at IMI Critical Engineering. “Steam turbines are a key component within a CCPP, as are the turbine bypass valves that match blade and superheater
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steam temperatures,” explains Hu. “However, renewables accounting for an ever-increasing proportion of the worldwide energy mix, cause fl uctuation to power provision. Consequently, these systems are being started up and shut down more frequently than they were originally designed for which will lead to increased component wear.” “T e higher demand on these
valves when generating power to support green energy sources during periods of peak demand is becoming a major cause for concern. T is will become a critical issue as further action is taken to decarbonise, meaning that valves are required that can withstand even higher temperatures.”
Flow control expert IMI Critical Engineering has developed the VLB3 angle-style steam conditioning valve series to safeguard operations in high- cycling power plants. Its uniform body thickness ensures its material expands and contracts at the same rate to reduce fatigue damage, and the more compact size and weight make it easier to install and lessen the weight load on pipework. T e valve body has smooth transitions, which are known to minimise thermal stress.
The VLB3 valve series has
been developed to safeguard operations in high-cycling power plants
Steam conditioning at the outlet now takes place with improved thermal separation of the steam and water fl ow
paths, reducing thermal stress in the critical area of injection.
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