Abstract
Many steam turbine modernizations projects evaluated today are viewed by operators with focus to mitigate risk, minimize outage time, and maintain reliability, while getting the best cost-benefit possible. This technical paper will take you through the steps on how the owner/operator, Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU), began evaluating traditional modernization approaches for their JR Kelly Unit 8, re-evaluating alternatives from multiple suppliers, and eventually selecting a Brownfield Steam Turbine Generator Exchange (BEX) as the most technically viable and economic solution to support their current and future power plant needs. Utilizing a brownfield exchange concept, known most typically to be associated with gas turbines, this approach involved removal of the entire original steam turbine-generator unit and replacement with new latest technology steam turbine-generator components, while re-using the turbine building, condenser cooling, and electrical connections.
Siemens Energy Inc. (Siemens Energy) provided this Florida utility with a comprehensive package which included demolition of the existing turbine-generator equipment, integration engineering services, supply and delivery of a new steam turbine-generator set, gear box, field installation components, technical field assistance services, field installation services, start up and commissioning services, and performance testing services. Major components were skid mounted and installed onto existing turbine deck. The project was implemented in Spring 2021 during the height of the Covid pandemic, which presented additional challenges to the stakeholders and will be discussed. Authors include GRU Project Manager, GRU Manager of Outage Planning & Major Maintenance, and Siemens Energy Steam Turbine Modernization Project Lead, who will share their critical perspectives of the project.
