The definition of the optimal degree of modernization is a complex inter-disciplinary task, which has to be performed individually for each power plant. The challenge of modernization consists in the definition of the extent to which existing components have to be replaced or modified specially in order to achieve the biggest energy production improvement.
Previous modernizations highlighted that the traditional procurement procedure, consisting of a specification to invite for tenders, may be sub-optimal for this kind of projects, because the final solution is already determined from the beginning without time for the necessary alternative analysis.
Considering the various above mentioned aspects of turbine modernization, ANDRITZ HYDRO introduced in the early nineteen-nineties its three phase approach which enables, in co-operation with the plant operator, to work out and evaluate various suitable modernization scenarios.
The proven strength of this approach is that each envisaged solution is fully designed and analyzed thanks to state-of-the-art technologies (i.e.: numerical flow simulation, model tests, residual life analysis, dynamic simulation, etc.) already in the planning phase, so that the plant owner can select the optimum modernization with full knowledge of the projects ins and outs (detailed scope of work and corresponding investment, implementation procedure and resulting outage losses, achieved improvements, etc.). In this way the uncovering of the best scenario is ensured while the risk of the unforeseen and the overestimation of the performance improvement is reduced to a minimum.
During the diagnosis phase, customers and consultants may take the benefits of the comprehensive HydroCARE ™ software package (CARE stands for "Computer Aided Refurbishment Evaluation"). During a one-day plant review, specialists of the customer and ANDRITZ HYDRO can apply this tool for the logging of the most important plant data, the planning of a modernization and upgrading strategy as well as for the identification and determination of the most suitable procedures.
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