Generation Sector Update: 1

Generation Sector Update

A Report from EPRI’s Generation Sector August/September, 2009 Program members can use their EPRI.com ID and password to download Acrobat PDF files of EPRI technical reports. For assistance, contact the EPRI Customer Assistance Center at 800-313-3774.

DEAR EPRI GENERATION MEMBERS For most of the last two years, I’ve had the privilege to serve as your Generation Sector Vice President. In that time, I’ve learned a lot about the technologies and processes that convert fossil and renewable resources to the electricity that drives our society forward. I’ve also had the great joy of working with each of you and your colleagues, who play an important role in “keeping the lights on, keeping our environment clean, and keeping our rates low”. And I’ve had the great privilege of leading an extraordinary team of scientists and engineers at EPRI who are world-class at helping solve the challenges you face to keep existing units running, control your environmental emissions, and develop emerging technologies to meet tomorrow’s generation challenges. As with all good things, this must come to an end. This newsletter marks the last time that I will write this column. Next issue, you’ll hear from Carolyn Shockley, EPRI’s new Generation Sector Vice President effective Oct. 5. Carolyn brings a wealth of knowledge and experience across the industry to EPRI. She was general manager of GE Energy’s Performance Services Projects where she led a $700M global business providing upgrades to steam turbines, gas turbines, and generators. In a career spanning more than 20 years she also has held key leadership roles in several other GE Energy business units, including nuclear and transmission and distribution. Carolyn will be working out of our Charlotte offices, and I am confident that she will provide the kind of leadership for our Generation activities you’ve come to value highly and depend on. Carolyn’s arrival frees me to take on another important task: the coordination of renewable energy-related activities across EPRI. For renewable energy to become a cost-effective part of our future electricity mix, we will need three advances: renewable generation technology cost reduction and performance improvement; seamless and reliable integration of renewable resources into the transmission and distribution grid with minimal impact of existing generation; and sustainable harvesting of renewable energy from the environment without significant impacts to land, water and climate. Each of these is located in a different sector in EPRI, and without proper coordination, we can’t be sure that we’ll address all three “grand challenges” simultaneously and speed renewable energy to market. Doing so will require our best efforts and new innovations, but the potential benefit to our society could be immense. I look forward to continuing to work with you on these new challenges for EPRI and for our industry. Thank you, as always, for your support of EPRI’s Generation Sector.

Sincerely, Bryan Hannegan Vice President Environment & Generation Bryan Hannegan Vice President, Environment and Generation bhannegan@epri.com 650-855-2858

Stu Dalton Director, Generation sdalton@epri.com 650-855-2467

Norris Hirota Director, Generation nhirota@epri.com 650-855-2084

Generation Sector Update: 2

ADVANCED COAL PLANTS/CCS

CO2 Capture & Storage (Program 165) EPRI welcomes Dr. Sarah Wang to CO2 post-combustion capture team Sarah Wang comes to EPRI with substantial experience in process modeling and separation by membranes. She will be working chiefly on developing models for membrane-based CO2 capture, while also supporting model development for solvent-based capture, capture system thermal integration, and process optimization. These models are being developed under EPRI’s Office of Innovation’s Strategic Program on CO2 Capture & Storage (CCS). Wang completed her Ph.D. at the National University of Singapore and her post-doctoral work at the University of Texas-Austin. She was a visiting scientist at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSRIO) in Australia, and a lecturer and research associate at the University of California at Berkeley. Drilling commences at WESTCARB Phase 2 Arizona site All necessary permits and approvals for drilling have been received

The West Coast Regional Carbon Sequestration Partnership (WESTCARB) started drilling its 4,000 foot CO2 injection well in late July 2009, with this activity being managed by EPRI. The well was completed in August and up to 2,000 tonnes CO2 now are being injected into the Martin or Naco Formations. The purpose of the testing is to demonstrate that these formations are viable regional CO2 storage reservoirs. EPRI also will manage the subsequent testing effort. For more information, contact Rob Trautz (rtrautz@epri.com, 650-855-2088). EPRI continues to find and evaluate new CO2 capture processes Recent example is New Zealand lime-based sorbent system

EPRI staff members currently are reviewing New Zealand-based Industrial Research Limited’s (IRL) lime-based post-combustion CO2 capture process. The overall reactions are straightforward: flue gas CO2 is reacted with pelletized calcium oxide (CaO) in the absorber to form calcium carbonate (CaCO3), then that reaction is reversed in a separate vessel at elevated pressure to liberate CO2 in a concentrated stream. The reaction temperatures are much higher (600–900°C) than solvent-based processes, but the heat of regeneration is considerably lower, offering the potential for lower overall energy penalty. Unlike other carbonation/calcination processes, IRL’s is not thermally coupled with the host plant. Instead, the company proposes to use a dedicated oxygen-fired, coal-fueled calciner to provide the heat for the reverse reaction while also producing supplemental power. EPRI is reviewing the process and economic assumptions to better understand its potential benefits. For more information, contact Brice Freeman (bfreeman@epri.com, 650-855-1050). Model developed to simulate CO2 capture by solid sorbents Will help inform sorbent developers of needed properties and optimize process design for given sorbents

EPRI has created and validated a model for CO2 adsorption and regeneration for any solid sorbent in a packed bed. Regeneration can be pressure-based, temperature-based, or a hybrid of the two. This model uses either experimental or calculated adsorption characteristics to optimize the process configuration for particular sorbents and provides performance metrics for energy use, recovery, and product purity for the optimized cycle. In addition to performance metrics, column sizing and temperature requirements can be used as optimization parameters to allow for integration with existing heat streams that will prove useful in retrofit analysis. While the model can optimize a given sorbents’ performance, a more fundamental use of the model is helping shape sorbent development.

Generation Sector Update: 3

One powerful use of this tool is to allow rapid iteration with computational chemists, who can simulate sorbent characteristics that EPRI can then analyze. This analysis and parametric testing on different classes of sorbents can provide guidance to the computational chemists on the specific properties that they should maximize to bring the most effective carbon capture materials to production. EPRI currently is working on characterizing sorbents and materials from the University of Wyoming (developers of a class of carbonaceous sorbents with promising properties, whom EPRI is partially supporting), and is in collaboration with computational chemists at UC Berkeley. Future work includes analyzing sorbents that have been tested by ADA-ES under another contract and performing parametric analysis on all results for guidance on directions toward optimizing both sorbents and the processes. For more information, contact Adam Berger (aberger@epri.com, 650-855-2070).

OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE Maintenance Management & Technology (Program 69) User group meeting focuses on predictive maintenance and infrared The EPRI Predictive Maintenance Users Group/Infrared Users Group (PdMUG/IRUG) meeting was in July in Long Beach, California. Approximately 90 attendees from 20 different companies were in attendance. The vendor expo attracted 14 exhibitors. The keynote speaker was EPRI Technology Vice President Clark Gellings, who presented a comparison of the many energy source options available in the United States and the potential complexities that will need to be overcome in their integrated deployment. Roundtable discussions for PdM and IR included wind turbine conditioning monitoring options and severity criteria for infrared. Workshops included transformer PdM and NFPA-70E-2009 and the IR professional. For more information, contact Gary Noce (gnoce@epri.com, 610-429-9834 x15). Web services developed for PlantView software Capability allows direct access to Oracle database

Development of web services for EPRI’s PlantView software continued in 2009 with the August release of services for Shift Logs, Report Libraries, Component Assessments, Risk Assessments, and Health Report. Work has begun on creating web services for the Maintenance Basis Optimization and Event Reporting modules, scheduled for an early 2010 release. By early 2010, 8 of the 13 PlantView modules will have web service capabilities. Web services expand the value of PlantView to users by allowing direct access to the Oracle database rather than through the traditional user interface. This new capability is the foundation for member-specific portal views that will be developed in 2010 under the Operations and Maintenance Excellence (OMX) supplemental project. For more information, contact Gary Noce (gnoce@epri.com, 610-429-9834 x15). Operations Management and Technology (Program 108) Annual conference topics include impacts of wind The fifth annual Operations Conference was conducted in July. Eighteen participants representing nine different generating companies attended the meetings, and 56 individual items were identified as insights gained at the meeting worthy of being taken back for consideration or application in participant facilities. Topics included the impact of new wind generation on existing plants – a discussion led by Luis Cerezo of EPRI – to human error concerns and prevention. For more information, contact Wayne Crawford (wcrawford@epri.com, 704-595-2233).

Generation Sector Update: 4

MAJOR COMPONENT RELIABILITY

Boiler Life and Availability Improvement (Program 63) Ultrasonic guided wave technology for detecting FAC damage and circumferential cracking tested Demonstration shows potential for guided waves in equipment monitoring

The detection and monitoring of FAC represent significant costs to the power generation industry. Proper application of guided waves can lower the cost of monitoring programs by reducing insulation removal costs and the possible number of monitoring locations. An EPRI-sponsored demonstration showed that Guided Wave Ultrasonic Testing (GWUT) can be used in power generation applications to detect flow-accelerated corrosion (FAC) and circumferential radial cracks. The results were published in an EPRI report, Demonstration of Ultrasonic Guided Wave Examination Capability for FAC Damage and Circumferential Cracking (EPRI Document #1019285). Damage morphologies typically associated with FAC and circumferential cracking were replicated in a test loop in a laboratory. GWUT was performed on the test loop before and after introduction of the simulated damage. The GWUT response from the simulated damage was compared to the baseline response. Results demonstrated that, when employed by trained and experienced operators, GWUT is capable of detecting and discriminating FAC damage and circumferential cracking from girth weld geometries. However, the smaller the changes in damage, the more difficult it is to discern flaws. In each case, flaws associated with girth welds increase the difficulty of detection. For more information contact Stan Walker (swalker@epri.com, 704-595-2081). Boiler and Turbine Steam and Cycle Chemistry (Program 64) Two informational workshops held with Brazilian utilities In August, the Boiler and Turbine Steam and Cycle Chemistry program held two informational workshops in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. EPRI staff presented the key elements of a cycle chemistry control program and provided background on chemistry technology in power plants to engineers and operators of the thermogeneration division of Petrobras. The workshop was in support of the utility’s plans to expand its thermogeneration and fossil power generation portfolio. Petrobras is the largest energy producer in South America, including the manufacture and distribution of oil and gas, hydrogeneration and combined cycle plants. The second workshop was held in Santa Catarina with Tractebel, the operator of the largest coal-fired power plant in South America -- the Jorge Lacerda Thermoelectric Complex, Brazil. This workshop focused on a review of the utility’s chemistry operating practices. For more information contact Jim Mathews (jmathews@epri.com, 704-595-2044). Workshop on cycle chemistry programs held at DTE Energy A one-day workshop was held on Aug.13 in Detroit, hosted by DTE Energy (Detroit Edison), with several neighboring utilities participating. The focus was on overall cycle chemistry programs, with the audience made up of utility chemists, engineers, and management. For more information contact Jim Mathews (jmathews@epri.com, 704-595-2044).

Generation Sector Update: 5

Using electrochemical techniques to determine contaminant limits in power plant boiler water New approach uses direct indicators of corrosion

An EPRI-sponsored study is using electrochemical techniques to simulate boiler corrosion and to determine actual contaminant limits when employing a cycle chemistry treatment. This work represents a major new approach to understanding and controlling fossil plant boiler corrosion. To date, guidelines for controlling corrosion have relied on indirect measurement of corrosion in the cycle, but this research will eventually lead to an approach that uses direct indicators of corrosion processes in the boiler. The research is described in a recent EPRI report, Simulated Boiler Corrosion Studies Using Electrochemical Techniques: AVT(R) Contaminant Limits (1015665). It provides the results of an electrochemistry study to determine the limits and control curves for sodium chloride (NaCl) when using a reducing all-volatile treatment, AVT(R), boiler chemistry. Two AVT(R) solutions with initial pH levels of 9.0 and 9.5 (at 25°C) were used in this study. The project team used two main electrochemical methods (electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and linear sweep voltametry) in parallel to measure the corrosion rates during the high-temperature experiments. Data from this project will provide information for modeling with deposition studies in order to develop scientifically-based limits and risk assessments for these chemical treatments. When the corrosive limits have been established and compiled with deposition studies for determining water-wall corrosion, investigators can develop comparative boiler corrosion curves for all EPRI cycle chemistry treatments. These curves will then be incorporated into the EPRI guidelines and used by fossil plants worldwide. For more information contact Jim Mathews (jmathews@epri.com, 704-595-2044). Steam Turbines, Generators and Balance-of-Plant (Program 65) Joint Program 64/65 webcasts review turbine performance and chemistry This summer, Programs 64 and 65 offered a series of webcasts attended by hundreds of participants from the United States, as well as Australia, New Zealand, Korea, and Europe. The webcasts included: • Steam Turbine Life Cycle Management, presented by Tom Alley. • Turbine Performance 101, presented by Gary Golden. It covered the basics of maximizing the efficiency of a

steam turbine. Specifics included the steam cycle, performance testing and monitoring, and how damage and deterioration affect performance. Additionally, there was a discussion of EPRI’s Flowpath Analysis for Steam Turbines (FAST) software, which is designed to allow cost-effective decision-making with regards to turbine performance.

• Turbine Chemistry 101, presented by Jim Mathews. This webcast focused on the fundamentals of steam turbine chemistry, and was based primarily on EPRI’s Steam Path Damage: Theory and Practice document (108943). The webcast had more than 130 participants.

Earlier webcasts included Torsional Vibration, by Jan Stein; Turbine Water Induction 101, by Merrill Quintrell; and a Steam Turbine Theory and Design Tutorial, by Steve Hesler. All webcasts were recorded and added to the EPRI.com Turbine Generator web page. For more information contact Jim Mathews (jmathews@epri.com, 704-595-2044) or Alan Grunsky (agrunsky@epri.com, 704-595-2056). Fossil Materials and Repair (Program 87) Dogan appointed professor at UNCC, receives honors from ASME Bilal Dogan, who joined EPRI in 2008, has been appointed an adjunct professor in the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC) Department of Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science.

Generation Sector Update: 6

Last year, Dogan mentored a group of four UNCC engineering students in their work on a senior design project. This year, he will be teaching both graduate and undergraduate students about fracture mechanics and failure assessment. He also will work with the UNCC academic staff on the courses and curricula for the William States Lee College of Engineering’s new Energy Production and Infrastructure Center (EPIC), which is focused on increasing the region’s supply of trained engineers and ensuring the efficiency and reliability of power plants and distribution systems. In addition, in July, Dogan was recognized by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) for more than a decade of service to the group’s Pressure Vessels and Piping (PVP) Division and its Codes and Standards Technical Committee. Dogan’s work with ASME in organizing annual conferences and developing the sessions has included collecting and reviewing papers and publishing the proceedings. He was honored for his efforts at the annual International ASME PVP Conference in Prague.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROLS Combustion Performance and NOX Control (Program 71) Annual meeting of Waterwall Wastage Interest Group reviews impacts affecting boiler tube life The annual meeting of the Waterwall Wastage Interest Group was held in Pittsburgh, with approximately 15 member companies represented. The meeting included technical presentations by both EPRI and member participants on key issues pertaining to combustion- and fuels-related impacts on fireside corrosion, circumferential cracking, and other factors affecting boiler tube life. The meeting was successful in acquiring funder input on highest priorities and needs, and in serving as an informal forum and information exchange among participants. For more information contact Tony Facchiano (afacchia@epri.com, 650-855-2494). Cooling tower meetings provide training, technical review in performance, maintenance, and new design EPRI’s Cooling Tower Technology Seminar and Conference, hosted by Heat Rate and Cost Optimization (P71.005), was held in Cincinnati and served as a one-day training program and technical review, stressing the basics of design, performance, and testing. The subsequent two-day conference brought together industry experts with sessions covering performance, maintenance, plume abatement and advanced technologies. Highlights included presentations on design and operational issues at cooling towers at Exelon’s Dresden and Arizona Public Service’s Palo Verde power plants; fill fouling test beds at Southern Company; and the latest in plume abatement designs, air-cooled condensers, and hybrid cooling systems from major system vendors. Two expert panels discussed current issues in performance and maintenance. For more information, contact Jeff Stallings (jstallin@epri.com, 650-855-2427). Survey results published on experience with feedwater replacements Report will assist utilities anticipating replacements or upgrades

A recent EPRI report compiles the results of a survey on the experience of EPRI members with the replacement and upgrading of feedwater heaters in nuclear and fossil power plants, including the scope, objectives, and results of these upgrades. The report, entitled Compilation of Results and Feedback Regarding Feedwater Heater Replacements at Fossil and Nuclear Power Plant (1019583) summarizes the data and draws a number of conclusions and lessons learned to assist other utilities and electric generating companies anticipating feedwater heater replacements or upgrades at their sites. The data contained in the report represents the experience of approximately 300 heater replacements. For more information contact Sam Korellis (skorellis@epri.com, 704-595-2209).

Generation Sector Update: 7

Routine test guidelines published for testing of power plant components Guidelines will permit reliable testing with repeatable results

The first report of a two-year project has been issued, providing a set of 10 routine test guidelines for the periodic performance testing of power plant components and systems. This report, entitled Routine Performance Test Guidelines (1019004), also describes the common bases and similarities of the accompanying test guidelines. Current ASME Performance Test Codes provide absolute test results with minimal uncertainty, but at a very high cost. These new EPRI guidelines were developed to permit reliable testing of power plant components without major financial or time investment. They are designed to be conducted with a minimal number of people and produce immediately usable results. Power plant personnel can use the guidelines to conduct tests using common test instruments. Components and systems that can be evaluated by this set of guidelines include air heaters, cooling towers, feedwater heaters, steam condensers, and steam turbines. The plan is to develop the full set of 15-20 guidelines over a two-year period. For more information contact Sam Korellis (skorellis@epri.com, 704-595-2209). Demonstration of Flame Doctor for Cyclone Boilers Initial results show diagnostic system effectively tracks operation

A recent EPRI report describes the results of a beta demonstration of the Flame Doctor® combustion diagnostic system at five working cyclone boilers. The report, Flame Doctor for Cyclone Boilers: Beta Demonstration Program (1019503) describes the capabilities of the system, improvements made to the software, and challenges remaining to be addressed. Initial results show that the main Flame Doctor performance indices track cyclone operation well. The results also show that Flame Doctor can be used to make adjustments to primary air and secondary air separately. The Flame Doctor software has been improved by the identification and elimination of bugs, by the creation of additional performance metrics, and by the incorporation of user feedback on performance and usability. The beta program will continue into 2009. The additional testing will be aimed at confirming the operation and reliability of the cyclone freezing detection algorithms as well as demonstrating the overall impact of regular Flame Doctor use on overall plant performance. For more information contact Rick Himes, (rhimes@epri.com, 949-766-8470), or Jeff Stallings, (jstallin@epri.com, 650-855-2427). Measuring Furnace Waterwall Heat Flux Means available to determine heat absorption in the furnace

Accurate, timely, and dependable measurement of waterwall heat flux and fireside surface temperatures is difficult. However, although significant hurdles must be overcome, techniques and instrumentation are commercially available from several vendors to make these measurements and provide meaningful guidance to boiler operators. A recent EPRI report provides guidance on continuous, real-time measurement of furnace waterwall heat flux and tube fireside surface temperature. The report, Heat Flux Measurement—Requirements, Characterization, and Technologies (1019307) describes the requirements of heat flux sensors, the waterwall and slagging characteristics relevant to measuring heat flux, and the types of measurement technologies currently available.

Generation Sector Update: 8

Three different types of furnace heat flux and surface temperature sensors are available: • Calculated and indirect methods use typical boiler/furnace instrument and process knowledge and energy

conservation to model the heat flux, usually on a bulk furnace basis. • Direct measurement uses instrumentation to measure the heat flux in a localized zone of the furnace.

Examples include chordal thermocouples, crown-type heat flux sensors, and membrane-type heat flux sensors.

• Indirect measurement infers heat transfer using local instrumentation and modeling methodologies. Examples include electric resistance monitoring and visual/optical.

For more information contact Jeff Stallings, (jstallin@epri.com, 650-855-2427). Integrated Environmental Controls (Hg, SO2, NOX and Particulate) (Program 75) Preserving ash use with activated carbon injection Activated carbons initially met goals, but air entrainment degraded over time, leading to tests of other options

Activated carbon injection (ACI) for mercury (Hg) control was evaluated at Portland General Electric’s PRB-fired Boardman station. The primary objective was to determine if ACI can meet its stringent Hg emission limits with ash compatible carbons (ACC) intended to preserve the salability of the fly ash for use in concrete manufacture. Various ACCs from three manufacturers were tested along with Norit’s Hg-LH carbon as a baseline. Short-term injection tests showed that 90% Hg removal was achievable at acceptable injection rates with some of the ACCs tested; however, even though some of these ACCs showed minimal impact during foam index testing, the air entrained in the resultant concrete mix appeared to degrade over time and required adjustments to the amount of foam agents used. The amount of carbon in the ash may vary during long-term plant operation, requiring corresponding changes in the amount of air entraining agent needed, and the amount of air may vary over time even for constant amounts of carbon in ash. That means the results with the ACCs tested indicate it may be difficult to market these types of ash to concrete manufacturers when injecting enough carbon to achieve high Hg removals. EPRI is considering other options, such as boiler bromide addition, TOXECON II, and use of non-carbon sorbents. For more information, contact Ramsay Chang (rchang@epri.com, 650-855-2082). MercScreen process undergoes economic analysis Results show capital costs about half, levelized costs about one-third less than TOXECON for 90% Hg capture

MercScreen is an EPRI-patented concept that consists of a relatively thin bed of carbon granules initially placed perpendicular to the flow and behind the last, or next-to-last, field of an electrostatic precipitator (ESP). Flue gas, largely cleaned of its ash, flows through the bed, which adsorbs the mercury (as well as sulfur and, possibly, arsenic, selenium, other vapour species, and particulate). EPRI conducted a preliminary engineering economic analysis of MercScreen in this configuration and compared the results to TOXECON, a commercial technology considered the current option for achieving the goals of high mercury capture, retention of ash sales, and no increase in particulate emissions. Capital and operating costs were estimated for the two systems based on a retrofit installation at a 500 MW PRB-fired boiler located in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Both systems were designed for 90% mercury capture using brominated activated carbon. According to this study, MercScreen’s capital cost is nearly half that of TOXECON, and the levelized control costs are at least 30% lower. However, these estimates are heavily dependent on the number of regeneration cycles the carbon can endure and the carbon loss during each cycle. EPRI currently is investigating how to best regenerate the bed and achieve many cycles of regeneration.

Generation Sector Update: 9

For more information, contact Ramsay Chang (rchang@epri.com, 650-855-2082). Preventing selenite oxidation while preserving sulfite oxidation (for high SO2 removal) Operating parameters found that achieve these objectives

Preliminary tests to define the operating window that prevents selenite oxidation have shown some promise in defining a range that is still compatible with sulfite oxidation under at least some conditions. Still to be determined are the full impact of manganese and iron concentrations on the selenium chemistry in the flue gas desulfurization (FGD) unit. Work in August concentrated on testing these metals in conjunction with additives to control oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) and sulfite levels within the desired operating window. As a result of in-house discussions to understand if measures to reduce selenite-to-selenate oxidation have the unintended consequence of increasing mercury re-emissions, these newest tests include limited mercury measurements. Follow-on work will be conducted under a Phase 2 Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) grant from DOE that has been awarded to this project team began in September. For more information, contact Chuck Dene (cdene@epri.com, 650-855-2425). Good bromine skid performance for PEESP applications to enhance mercury capture by SO2 controls Latest testing showed one skid performed successfully and the other could after repairs

Injecting gaseous ionized bromine into the flue gas upstream of the flue gas desulfurization (FGD) unit can be an effective way to oxidize the mercury in the flue gas, thereby improving mercury capture by the FGD. To achieve this objective, a plasma-enhanced electrostatic precipitator (PEESP) discharge electrode (developed by Siemens) is placed upstream of an FGD and ionizes bromine gas as the gas is introduced into the flue gas stream. Because power plants do not want to handle and store bromine gas, EPRI worked with Siemens to find and test two systems that convert more acceptable alkali bromides to bromine gas just prior to being fed to the PEESP electrode. Tests of skid-mounted versions of these two systems at Alabama Power’s Plant Miller showed that one performed successfully. In the short term, at least, Siemens will offer this skid in any PEESP proposals. Pending repairs and performance validation of the other skid, it should allow an alternative in the future. The AEP Conesville demonstration, originally scheduled for this fall, will be delayed until 2010, due to tight timing and concerns on electrode corrosion rates. Additional testing at the pilot facility will be scheduled during the rest of 2009 to understand and address these corrosion issues. For more information, contact Bruce Scherer (bscherer@epri.com, 419-517-4217). Preparations progressing for tests of hazardous air pollutants (HAPS) control by a wet ESP Unit is ready for fabrication

The design is complete for the pilot scale, fabric plate wet electrostatic precipitator (ESP) that will be installed at Georgia Power’s Plant Yates in 2010, and Southern Environmental, Inc. has submitted a quote for its fabrication. Southern Company and EPRI anticipate completion of fabrication by year’s end. For more information, contact Bruce Scherer (bscherer@epri.com, 419-517-4217).

Generation Sector Update: 10

Particulate & Opacity Control (Program 76) ROPE power supply for capture of high-resistivity particulate without adding chemicals is ready to test Power supplies installed at Alabama Power’s Plant Gadsden.

The structural steel and platform supporting the two Rapid Onset Pulse Energization (ROPE) power supplies to be installed at the plant has been completed, and the ROPE units have been craned into place and physically installed. Electrical installation and testing will follow internal connection work, to be executed during the fall outage planned for October. The project is on schedule for completion of short-term performance testing in 2009, with long-term durability testing extending into 2010. For more information, contact Bruce Scherer (bscherer@epri.com, 419-517-4217). Continuous Emissions Monitoring (Program 77) Development of Quantum Aerosol Generator (QAG) for calibrating particulate CEMS is progressing Prototype testing at low-particulate concentrations shows improved sample transport efficiency

The QAG system is intended to overcome the difficulties of calibrating continuous particulate (PM) monitors, imposed by Performance Specification 11 (PS-11), by subjecting the PM CEMS to accurately known quantities of aerosols. The prototype QAG was tested at low PM levels (0.1 to 10 mg/m³) and transport efficiency was found to be 95-98% -- much better than the previous designs. However, the dilution flow needs to be optimized further, and the stability of the power supply needs to be improved. These remaining issues are being addressed with the equipment supplier before subjecting the QAG unit to field tests. EPRI completed performance testing up to 20mg/m³ in August. For more information, contact Chuck Dene (cdene@epri.com, 650-855-2425). Coal Combustion Product Use (Program 78) Environmental and economic benefits of CCP use assessed Analysis suggests substantial savings in energy, water, CO2 emissions, and costs by using fly ash beneficially

To inform EPA’s rulemaking process on the hazard designation of CCPs, as announced earlier this year, EPRI has been conducting a number of studies on a fast-track basis to determine the multidimensional effects of different classifications. One such study sought to quantify the benefits of ash use, and the researchers have now completed their preliminary analysis. They investigated five uses: three for fly ash (concrete, structural fills, and soil stabilization), and two for bottom ash (structural fills and soil stabilization). Researchers used standard lifecycle modeling to estimate energy savings, water savings, reduced CO2 emissions, and financial savings. They also included the benefits associated with reduced disposal. Using CCP use statistics for 2007, they showed estimated annual energy savings for these five uses of 60 trillion Btu (annual energy use for over 600,000 households); water savings of more than 1 billion gallons; CO2 emissions reductions of 10 million tons; and nominal cost savings of $4.5 billion. The team currently is evaluating the savings associated with FGD gypsum use in wallboard. For more information, contact Ken Ladwig (keladwig@epri.com, 262-754-2744).

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ombustion Turbine and Combined Cycle O&M (Program 79) xtending the life of gas turbine hot sections odeling and materials testing may lead to better estimation of life consumption

nterest in tapping the fuller potential of hot section life has grown as gas turbine capacity factors also have ncreased and utilities seek to control costs. Gas turbine blades and vanes typically are specified by the OEM s one-, two-, or three-refurbishment-interval components. The interval criteria based on machine starts and perating hours are an approximation of component life consumption. EPRI has been developing a more ccurate estimation of life consumption using detailed modeling and material testing. The overall objective is to evelop the technical criteria and testing procedures to safely extend the highest temperature components by ne interval and the lower temperature components by two intervals for E- and F-class machines.

or more information contact John Scheibel (jscheibel@epri.com, 650-855-2850).

ew CT/CC Plant Design and Technology Selection (Program 80) ew edition of Emissions Control Handbook published ublication offers information on technology and regulatory factors in air quality compliance

imely information on changing air emissions regulations and emission control technologies can help keep ew generation projects on track. A new edition has been released of EPRI’s Gas Turbine/Combined Cycle missions Control Technology and Regulatory Issues Handbook (1015799). It is designed to help power enerators better understand the technological and regulatory factors in air quality compliance as they apply o new gas turbine projects.

he 2009 edition handbook provides a timely update of the latest improvements in dry, low-NOX (DLN) ombustor technology, SCR and CO vendor consolidation, biofuels testing, changes to emissions monitoring veraging times, and startup and shutdown requirements. It also takes a close look at the technology available

o meet increasingly stringent emission limits and at how environmental concerns in a particular region may ffect written regulations.

or more information contact Leonard Angello, (langello@epri.com, 650-855-7939).

enewable Generation (Program 84) eothermal Interest Group summer webcast held, new supplemental project previewed he Geothermal Interest Group summer webcast included presentations by EPRI on the new Program 84 tructure for 2010, geothermal stimulus, and opportunities in the American Recovery and Reinvestment ct of 2009 (ARRA). Updates on geothermal technology included the U.S. geothermal installed capacity, ew exploration and assessment methods using GIS-based spatial statistical modeling, low-temperature odular reverse air conditioning cycles, and geothermal hybrids with natural gas CGT’s and solar.

n EPRI supplemental project on a solar-geothermal hybrid, to be launched on 2010, was previewed. The roject will evaluate concentrating solar thermal technologies best suited for coupling with geothermal oderate-temperature resources (two-phase and liquid). The study will explore how to optimize efficiency, roduction, and electricity cost, and will perform a complete basic conceptual design and economic analysis for wo detailed case studies. Solar-geothermal hybrids offer the potential of improved performance over a pure eothermal system, off-set risk of premature resource depletion, provide operating flexibility, and may take dvantage of peak summer high electricity market prices.

Generation Sector Update: 12

Future expansion of geothermal will require RD&D on techniques to reduce risk on the assessment of geothermal resources, new drilling technologies to reduce cost, stimulation techniques for hydro-thermal and Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS), new high-temperature-resistant cements, and new casing technologies. Geothermal technology has received significant administration attention through the ARRA, with $366 million funding allocated to EGS demonstration, energy production, exploration, geothermal heat pumps, and EGS component R&D. Of special interest is the development of a National Geothermal Database, which will collect data for all 50 states and will be available to the public. This database will be populated with critical geothermal site information, and will cover all types of geothermal resources. For more information, contact Luis Cerezo (lcerezo@epri.com, 704-595-2687). Solar Power Technology Summit helps focus renewables R&D Edison International hosted a solar technology summit for EPRI with Southern California Edison, Edison Mission Energy, and more than 40 other participants. The goal was to help EPRI identify potential R&D opportunities in solar energy research and development. Areas discussed during the workshop included photovoltaic, concentrating solar thermal, deployment and integration, energy conversion and storage, hybrid systems, and operations and maintenance. Results will be used to help develop an overall strategy for renewable energy technology to identify future research opportunities. For more information contact Stan Rosinski (srosinski@epri.com, 704-595-2621). Geothermal hot rock proposal submitted to DOE EPRI has submitted a proposal to DOE for a project on closed-loop system optimization for converting geothermal hot rock energy to electricity. EPRI is partnering with GTherm Inc, Lehigh University, and Dartmouth-Thayer. The project builds on an EPRI-sponsored RD&D project, and will model and quantify the benefits of enhancing the heat-harvesting ability in various down-hole characteristic environments. Benefits of the proposed work include development of a framework to assess the generation potential of a specific well or field using a single-well, closed-loop approach. The system is designed for use in a single hole, which is ideal for existing depleted or abandoned oil and gas wells, which are numerous throughout the United States, typically with existing transmission and distribution infrastructure on-site. Productive use of existing depleted wells turns liabilities into assets, with minimal ecological intrusion. For more information, contact Luis Cerezo (lcerezo@epri.com, 704-595-2687).

GENERATION PLANNING

Understanding Power and Fuel Markets and Generation Response (Program 67) New report provides fuel-by-fuel analysis of global fuel and power markets As events over the past two years have made clear, the world is connected—at least at times—and planning/risk analysis must take account of events and places beyond the traditional purview of geographically isolated companies. Long true of oil and uranium, the need for global knowledge reaches to natural gas and coal. Even if wariness over price spikes subsides, CO2 issues will surely spur again the need for global proficiency to monitor technology development, to appraise shifting commercial pressures on what gets built, and to stay ahead of energy/commodity market developments and risks. A recent EPRI report offers a summary of global developments over the short and long term in the oil, natural gas, and coal markets. The report, entitled Tensions in Global Power and Fuel Sector Development (1015680), also includes a discussion of global renewables and a detailed profile of Russia, an important energy exporter that plays a major role in world market dynamics. The report provides executives and planners a helpful guide to global developments in the power and fuel markets, and the risks and opportunities that they present.

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For more information contact Jeremy Platt (jplatt@epri.com, 650-855-2628). OUTREACH ACTIVITIES EPRI testifies at house hearing In July, EPRI VP of Environment and Generation Bryan Hannegan testified at a Hearing of the Subcommittee on Energy and Environment, House Committee on Science and Technology, on “Technology Research and Development Efforts Related to the Energy and Water Linkage.” In his testimony, Hannegan made the following key points: EPRI, working with DOE and others, has identified a $40 million, 10-year research program focused on reducing the cost of existing cooling options, and developing new technology options and decision support tools to reduce the demand for fresh water resources in the coming decades. These research efforts are urgently needed to mitigate the expected shortfall in water needs for thermoelectric cooling as a result of future electricity demand growth, competing demand for water resources by other economic sectors, and new water demands from low-carbon generation sources such as nuclear, biomass, and CO2 capture and storage. Joint mid-year meeting held for Programs 49 and 78 John Novak, EPRI Executive Director, Federal and Industry Activities, Environment and Generation, participated in the joint mid-year meeting of EPRI Programs 49 and 78, focusing primarily on EPRI research to provide technical information to inform the CCP disposal regulatory process. After the meeting, John and others from EPRI met with representatives from the Utility Solid Waste Activities Group to discuss plans for communicating the results of the research with key stakeholders in Washington, DC. EPRI updates DOE on industry technology demonstrations EPRI staff met with representatives of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Fossil Energy, including Vic Der, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary and Jarad Daniels, Office of Planning and Environmental Analysis, to provide an update on the EPRI industry demo projects, to discuss the status of DOE CCS activities, and to explore areas of future collaboration. DOE/NETL participants included Brad Tomer, Director of Demonstration Programs, and Joe Strakey, Chief Technology Officer. EPRI participants included John Novak, Stu Dalton, Jeff Phillips, and Jack Parkes. EPRI participates in international climate meetings EPRI’s John Novak attended the meetings of the Ad Hoc Working Group on Further Commitments for Annex I Parties under the Kyoto Protocol (AWG-KP) and the Ad Hoc Working Group on Long-Term Cooperative Action under the Convention (AWG-LCA) in Bonn, Germany from August 10 to 15. One of the important topics is the subject of technology “transfer” to developing countries, including cooperative RD&D. Novak was asked by delegates from the United States, Canada, and Australia to provide a briefing on EPRI’s approach to knowledge management and sharing to members of the Umbrella Group involved in the discussion on technology. There were about 12 delegates at the briefing, including representatives from the United States, Australia, Norway, Canada, and Japan. John presented slides on knowledge management and sharing that were developed for CCS projects. EPRI attends meeting of International Electricity Partnership (IEP) Established last fall at a meeting of CEOs from the international electricity associations, the IEP is developing a technology roadmap to reduce emissions from the electric power sector by 60–80% by 2050. EPRI is providing technical support and was represented by John Novak at a coordination meeting that was held in Bonn.

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EPRI attends meeting on IPCC special report on renewables The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is preparing a special report on renewables. A meeting was held in Bonn, lead by Exxon Mobil, with international business groups to continue planning for a workshop on renewables with the lead authors on the IPCC special report so that business can provide input to the report. EPRI has agreed to participate in the workshop and to provide financial support. EPRI in the news EPRI and its members made headlines in a number of media outlets in August and September, including: August Aug. 3 – The release of the 2009 Prism and MERGE updates at the Summer Seminar prompted a flurry of articles. Bryan Hannegan was interviewed for a GreenTech Media piece that includes special emphasis on the chilled ammonia pilot project. Aug. 4 – CCS research, with emphasis on retrofit capture, was featured in the cover story of the summer EPRI Journal. Also featured were torrefied biomass, the ITM demo project, and several international meetings. Aug. 6 – Forbes published an article that cited EPRI research on the cost of natural gas as an alternative fuel to coal in meeting more stringent emissions requirements now being considered in the Senate energy bill. Aug. 7 – Art Altman was interviewed by Phil Hall of North American Wind Power about risk management issues facing wind asset owners and operators. Aug. 10 – The Washington Post ran a lengthy article on the Mountaineer PC-CCS demonstration project. Aug. 10 – CoalFleet Manager Jeff Phillips was quoted extensively and EPRI’s research was featured in a POWER Magazine article on IGCC plant development. Aug. 18 – Cara Libby was quoted and EPRI’s research was cited in a Christian Science Monitor piece, “Sunrise for solar heat power.” Aug. 21 – The Charlotte Observer carried a lengthy article on the future of coal generation in the United States that cited EPRI’s Prism-MERGE analyses – noting it is technically possible to reduce carbon emissions from coal plants by 41 percent by 2030. Aug, 26 – The Columbia Tribune in Missouri cited EPRI research and quoted Ellen Petrill about the future viability of coal as a generation fuel in an article on the potential of wind energy in the state. Aug, 27 – Reuters mentioned EPRI’s Prism-MERGE analyses and quoted Revis James in an article on the declining use of coal-fired generation during the economic downturn. September Sept. 4 – Bryan Hannegan was interviewed at length by CleanSkies TV about CCS and EPRI’s R&D. Sept. 21 – Cara Libby was quoted and EPRI mentioned in an Arizona Sun report about the potential of concentrated solar power in parabolic reflectors to make electricity in the United States. Sept. 28 – EPRI issued a press release detailing its involvement in the AEP/Alstom Mountaineer CCS project. It resulted in articles in the Charleston Daily Mail, Power Engineering, and Energy & Environment Report (E&E).

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Sept. 29 – Bryan Hannegan was interviewed by Gail Roberts of Platt’s Electric Utility Weekly about the Mountaineer project and how it fits in to Prism and EPRI’s target of commercially available CCS by 2020. Sept. 29 – George Offen was interviewed by Mara Lemos-Stein of Dow Jones Media about the Mountaineer project. Sept. 29 – Jeff Phillips was interviewed by Mavis Scanlon, Associate Editor of California Energy Markets, about IGCC technology and the HECA project. For more information, contact Jeff Brehm (jbrehm@epri.com, 704-595-2021).

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