In considering future process changes, a U.S. utility contracted TRAX to analyze a combined cycle power plant’s dynamics during startup, shutdown, and load maneuvering events. This client was considering adding the GE Steam Turbine Agility system with the intent to improve the plant’s startup time and reduce fuel consumption. Using modeling, TRAX can help choose process and controls changes to optimize plant operation and minimize cost before these investments are made.
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TRAX built a high-fidelity simulation of the combined cycle power plant heat recovery steam generator (HRSG), balance of plant (BOP), and steam turbine (ST) systems. The simulation model was validated by comparing plant historian data against model data during:
Once validated against plant historian data, TRAX tested incremental changes in the model to predict the behavior and evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of the client’s proposed changes. Using the modeled solution, TRAX tested changes intended to improve the client’s combined cycle startup time and reduce fuel consumption:
This testing included several important data points for the client:
TRAX tested loading rates and time for the turbines and their relationship to rotor stress calculations. The side-by-side testing exactly quantified the time cost of each startup condition, the benefit of the thermal blanket, and the ST agility maneuvering.
TRAX has delivered a carbon capture simulator for a 150 MW coal-fired unit that models the capture of the full flue gas stream. The system provides both CO2 and SO2 capture, delivering the captured CO2 to a pipeline for industrial use and underground storage.
—CO2 and SO2 capture
—Sulfuric acid plant
—CO2 and SO2 amines filtration and purification
—CO2 compression
—CO2 pipeline and cavern
As shown below, TRAX built a modular simulation replicating the plant layout using our software, ProTRAX. ProTRAX contains a full suite of modules specific to carbon capture functions and can model a wide variety of processes. TRAX also virtually replicated the user interface that appears in the plant.
Upon initial delivery, the TRAX simulator was used to debug control logic and processes prior to site installation and to provide operations training prior to plant startup. There was a clear need to begin training operators as early as possible since they had multiple unfamiliar systems to learn.
Thanks to the ProTRAX simulator, our customer gained considerable insight into control functionality and system interactions, resulting in modification to some control logic and correction of simple errors. TRAX was able to assist with controls tuning, and helped in development of initial plant Operating Procedures.
The latest upgrade brings the model into alignment with the as-built plant condition by updating and tuning the simulator models to match the current plant dynamics. In addition, TRAX has updated the simulator controls and HMI graphics to the as-built state. Keeping the simulator aligned with the current plant condition is critical to maintaining a positive training value, and is of paramount importance to the customer.
If any event causes a plant trip or other major upset during the evaluation of the simulation, TRAX tests a variety of corrective actions. In this case, TRAX identified several areas of change to the client, allowing them to train for specific conditions and concerns:
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