RTR Strategies Examples
Do you have examples of RTR strategies you’ve recommended/implemented with coal operators? If so, can you share some outcomes/results?We do! Explore the following examples of RTR solutions our team has developed and implemented on coal plant equipment:
Steam Power recently supported a coal operator in Germany to modify a steam turbine low pressure rotor from a decommissioned site, repurposing it to be installed on their operating unit. Our team adapted the rotor to the new site’s dimensions by removing its coupling and shaft end, and welding on a new stub shaft. This project enabled our customer to save a significant amount of investment in a new rotor to continue operating through the latter stage of their planned life cycle Our team in the U.S. identified a solution to remove a row of damaged blades from a steam turbine unit, and return it to service safely without them until new parts could be delivered and installed. This type of solution can be applied to a coal site nearing the end of its operating life or having reduced capacity demand, saving significant costs in unneeded replacement parts, while still being able to operate safely.
When a coal operator in the U.K. was looking for a low-cost alternative to extending the life of three generators approaching the end of their life cycles, our team delivered a viable solution. Leveraging software and sensor technology from our portfolio, the operator was able to monitor the units 24/7, and detect potential issues early before a forced shutdown occurs. With this capability, the customer postponed the recommended rewind, and purchased just one rewind kit to limit the costs of continuing to operate the generators in their advanced life cycle stages with minimum risk. When deformation and reduced clearance were observed on a generator unit in the Middle East due to coil displacement, the operator needed a cost-effective solution for shorter-term operation. To avoid an inter-turn fault, our team executed a repair allowing the site to continue operating safely with only periodic inspections, but eliminated the cost of a rotor rewind life extension.
