1991 EPRI heat-rate improvement conference: Proceedings

Heat-rate improvement is a key element in reducing operating costs of fossil power plants. This conference highlighted key technical issues, with discussions focusing on a wide range of heat-rate improvement programs. Technical advances include improvements in plant equipment, operation and maintenance procedures, performance monitoring methods and hardware, and performance analysis and diagnosis. EPRI, in conjunction with the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), conducted a three-day conference, May 7-9, 1991, in Scottsdale, Arizona. This conference, hosted by Arizona Public Service, featured presentations of 54 papers on specific aspects of heat-rate improvement. More than 400 representatives from utilities, municipalities, research facilities, manufacturers, architect/engineering firms, and consulting firms attended. Individual working groups investigated recent developments in turbine and condenser performance, ASME performance monitoring guidelines, performance monitoring/testing, and decision analysis for heat-rate improvement.Several sessions highlighted utility implementation and use of the EPRI plant monitoring workstation. This software with state-of-the-art instrumentation helps utilities enhance power plant operating efficiency, predict maintenance needs, and improve economic dispatch