| Power plant products Protecting hydro generators and motors
Sensonics has expanded its range of capacitive air gap sensors for use in high magnetic field applications. Its CS probe/CSD driver combinations are now available in an increased measurement range, covering 15mm, 25mm, 30mm, 50mm or 70mm to promote effective monitoring for the smallest, up to the largest hydro generators.
Developed for use on large electric motors as well as hydro turbine generators, the sensor provides a rotor to stator air gap measurement which can be used to monitor both the eccentricity of the rotor relative to the stator and individual pole to stator air gaps. The CS sensors are designed as a non-contact dynamic position
transducer utilising a capacitive technique to provide an accurate displacement measurement from the sensor face to a metal target. The advantage of the capacitive technique in generator applications is the high immunity to magnetic fields; the CS series also provides high resolution and relative insensitivity to different
(metal) target materials.
The sensor is available in a robust strip-line mechanical arrangement, a good shape for mounting on the stator wall. It features separate transmit and receive integral coaxial cables which are routed over the stator wall or through ventilation holes to the driver which provides the transmission signal for the stripline and receiver detection. Linearised opto-isolated outputs are provided in both voltage and current format which can be configured to represent various rotor pole measurements with respect to the stator. These include pole and rotor profile as well as an overall minimum gap output.
GE synchronous condensers to upgrade Chile’s grid
GE Vernova has secured an order with Transelec Holdings Rentas Ltd, a prominent supplier of high voltage systems in Chile, to deliver synchronous condensers and high-voltage substation for the Ana Maria and Monte Mina substation projects in the north of the country. These two projects were part of a tender for ‘Voltage control by short circuit current contribution’, a part of the Chilean government’s plan to support the energy transition and decarbonisation in the country. As wind and solar power generation is increasing in the northern region of Chile, synchronous condensers are expected to play a critical role in enabling the addition
of renewable energy to the grid. With these projects, GE Vernova’s Hydro Power business will supply two synchronous condensers for each of the two projects. The scope of work also includes engineering, electrical and mechanical auxiliaries, control system, protection system, assembly at site supervision, and commissioning. GE will also supply the 220 kV substation including electrical engineering, transformers, a gas insulated substation), digital protection and control systems, and testing and commissioning to connect the synchronous condensers island to the transmission system. The commercial operation of the project
extension expected to begin in 2027. “We believe that the synchronous condenser is a key technology to help with grid challenges,” said Frederic Ribieras, hydro power CEO at GE Vernova. “GE Vernova has experience through its large synchronous condenser installed base … and we have the manufacturing capacity … to produce it in our factory in Taubaté, Brazil.” In the past seven years, GE Vernova has also supplied seven synchronous condensers in Brazil, and this order in Chile follows a similar project just announced in the USA, where four of the GE units will be delivered to help improve grid stability in upstate New York.
Oklo establishes preferred supplier agreement
Oklo Inc has announced a key strategic development in its supply chain management by signing a Preferred Supplier Agreement with Siemens Energy for the power conversion system of its ‘Aurora’ powerhouse.
Siemens will supply the power conversion and supporting systems, promoting efficiencies through economies of scale. Standardising equipment across Oklo’s powerhouses is expected to result in cost savings in manufacturing, construction, operations, and maintenance. Utilising shared spare parts across deployment is expected to reduce maintenance downtime and improve overall performance. “We prioritise cost in our engineering process to fully leverage the advantages of fast fission technology,” said Jacob DeWitte, Oklo’s co- founder and CEO. “Our technology is based
on proven designs, allowing us to utilise small, pre-fabricated, and non-pressurised components made from readily available materials and existing supply chains.” Oklo’s fast fission technology utilises molten metal as a coolant; the coolant’s high boiling point allows the reactor to operate at high temperatures without being pressurised. This design enables the use of readily available alloys, benefiting from existing large-scale supply chains already producing nearly identical parts.
Oklo has already achieved robust customer engagement exceeding 1300 MW in non-binding letters of intent. “We are committed to delivering advanced fission clean energy solutions that are both innovative and economically viable,” said Alex Renner, chief product officer at Oklo. Oklo is developing fast fission power plants to
www.modernpowersystems.com | September 2024 | 39
provide affordable energy at scale. It has received a site use permit from the US Department of Energy, and submitted the first advanced fission custom combined licence application to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. It is developing advanced fuel recycling technologies in collaboration with the Department of Energy and US National Laboratories.
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