Turbine vs. Power Transformer pirce rate, why

[EddyPach]

Does somebody know the approximate price rate of a turbine vs. a power transformer, and why this should be so? i know turbines cost far more, but by how much? and why?
Thanks for the info.

 

[electricpete]

#1 - Turbine generator transforms the power from heat/steam to mechanical to electrical. Transformer only transforms it from one voltage to another. This is a simpler transformation.

#2 - Turbine generator has rotating parts. Transformer does not (neglecting pumps/fans).

 

[EddyPach]

Yes, Electricpete, yet, if you pay x dollars for a transformer, what do you expect to pay for a turbine (approx), two or three or five or how many times more?

 

[electrageek]

Maybe I don't understand the question. I would seem that it would be difficult to compare the two options without understanding what you are trying to accomplish. If you need a source of power you can get it from a Utility and possibly have to install a Power Transformer. You could also get the power from a Turbine Generator system that would probably include a Power Transformer as well. If you are trying to compare the cost benifits of a Turbine Generator vs a Power Transformer they really aren't the same animal. They are not interchangeable.

 

[peterb]

I think that the rough numbers that you are after are of the order of:
- Steam turbine generator plant, price inclusive of steam plant, generator, turbine, fuel system, auxiliaries, electrical equipment (including transformers) and installation - order of magnitude somewhere around $800 - $1000/kW
- Power transformer equipment cost - somewhere around $12-$15/kVA, for medium voltage units

Doesn't seem like much of an equation, until you consider the possible payback of a generation plant. Most cogeneration schemes that I have been involved in offer a simple payback of between 1 and 3 years, depending on utility and fuel costs.

 

[electricuwe]

EddyPach talked just about turbines not steam turbines !

Installation cost for a power staion with gas turbines are much lower than for a steam power station, but, of course significantly higher than for a transfomer.

But, today there is an increasing number of small gas turbine power stations installed at industial customers due to two reasons:

Utilities unable to supply power to the customer because of the pitfalls of deregulation (no money available for new equipment)

Billing practice of utilities (high demand charges). So for someone having an high demand for a short time of the year, a gas turbine power station may be an option.

 

Thank you all. The question is more in the sense to try to understand a freightliner whose truck dropped a turbine and now has to pay the deductible to the insurance company. Another carrier had long before dropped a power transformer, and we were trying to guess the price difference. So we were surmising the cost impact.