One or Multiple ON SITE Generators

[joan271273]

I am not involved directly with this project, but the project has a load of 30MW which is under design for it's own power plant. During a meeting the Designer and the Owner disagreed over the basis of design. The main issue was a single unit ( GE LM 6000 ) arrangment vs having three (3) small units ( GE LM 1600 or Solar equivalent ).

The Owner did not favored smaller units due to LOLP,LOF,etc which are loss of load probability,etc. I could not gather much but I would like to learn more about this analysis ( and associated criteria ) can someone point me to links that address this topic

 

[peterb]

Obviously there are many factors at work in this decision; I don't have any websites at hand, but here are some thoughts -
- One of the primary concerns in my book would be the load profile -is there enough continuous load to keep the single unit gainfully employed, or is there a load cycle that would suggest multiple units which would be switched on and off with load changes to keep the online generators at close to optimum loading.
- Is grid power available as a backup, or must spinning reserve be considered? This could impact the decision, where there is a critical need for continuous power to the process - multiple units with reserve capacity could allow loss of a single unit without major impact on the load.
- Is this to be a simple cycle plant, or is waste heat recovery being considered? For heat recovery, the thermal cyclic load must also be factored in. The cogeneration concept is a great idea, if the process can use the recovered thermal energy - it is possible to double the thermal efficiency of the power plant. For a combined cycle plant, where the recovered heat energy is used to generate steam which in turn drives a steam turbine generator, the electrical output can be increased by around 50% for the smae fuel input.

 

[jbartos]

Suggestion: Visit

http://www.ultrasys.com.au/coaltech.html

http://www.nicorinc.com/solution/onsite.htm

http://www.entech-engineering.com/Engineering.htm

http://www.archenergy.com/dgenpro/faq_frame.htm

http://www.devap.com/powerlink/select_gen.asp

http://www.taylorrentalocala.com/Tips.asp?itemid=26

http://www.fourcty.org/commercial/ecodev/services.htm

http://www.pjm.com/transmission/trans_exp_plan/downloads/2000_baseline.pdf

etc. for more info.

1. One large generator:
1.1 Advantages
1.1.1 Higher efficiency
1.1.2 Fewer parts, smaller inventory
1.1.3 Probably smaller operation and maintenance costs
1.1.4 Simpler administration
1.2 Disadvantages
1.2.1 If it malfunctions, there will be bigger losses (hatching all eggs in one basket)
1.2.2 Any downtime/outage must be very carefully planned
1.2.3 More difficult to transport, manipulate, etc.
1.2.4 No backup power
2. More generators
2.1 Advantages
2.1.1 More continuous power delivery (even though the power delivery amount may be smaller)
2.1.2 Not hatching all eggs in one basket
2.1.3 Easier manipulation of equipment including parts
2.1.4 Bigger flexibility, more generating independence
2.1.5 More flexible maintenance
2.2 Disadvantages
2.2.1 Probably bigger operation and maintenance cost
2.2.2 Higher inventory
2.2.3 Higher parts count, lower reliability
2.2.4 Probably, higher initial cost of equipment, real estate and installation

etc. It could be further refined