Enhanced Efficiency Steam Turbine Blading For Cleaner Coal Plant: Project Summary

Abstract:

<p>The aim of this project was to increase the efficiency of the short height stages typically found in high pressure steam turbine cylinders. For coal-fired power plant, this would directly lead to a reduction in the amount of fuel required to produce electrical power, resulting in lower power station emissions. The continual drive towards higher cycle efficiencies demands increased inlet steam temperatures and pressures, which necessarily leads to shorter blade heights. The specific objectives were as follows: <bl> <li>To increase the accuracy and execution speed of in-house Computational Fluid Dynamic modelling (CFD) codes.</li> <li>Develop new Computer Numerical Control (CNC) techniques to efficiently produce model turbine blade rows with highly curved 3D blades.</li> <li>Optimise existing 3D fixed blade designs to improve performance and gain better understanding of how to deal with very short height blading.</li> <li>Produce a novel design for very short height fixed blades.</li> <li>Perform a model air turbine test on the new design of fixed blade to assess the performance benefit gained from it.</li> <bl></p> <p>The aim of this project was to increase the efficiency of the short height stages typically found in high pressure steam turbine cylinders. Whilst the reasons for this are still not understood, the result has led to changes in the way that such blades will be designed in the future. It also provides a challenging test case for future CFD code validation.</p> This summary provides information on: <bl> <li>Objectives</li> <li>Summary</li> <li>Background</li> <li>Overview of the Project</li> <li>Conclusions</li> <li>Potential for Future Development</li> <li>Cost</li> <li>Duration</li> <li>Contractor</li> <li>Collaborators</li> <li>Further Information</li> </bl>

Author(s):

DTI