Press release Infrared for Filter De-Icing for Gas Power Plants

Infrared Heat Increases the Up-Time of Gas Power Plant Comprehensive and rapid de-icing of intake filters Gas power plants, which supply electricity to meet peak demands, must work reliably and come on line rapidly, especially in the cold times of the year. For combustion, gas turbines need air which must be free from dust and other particles and, consequently, this is always pre-filtered. Cold and moist intake air in the winter months can easily lead to icing up of the filters. This means that less air is is passed through the filters so that the turbines must be choked or switched off just when they are most needed. At Trianel, infrared systems from Heraeus Noblelight complement the de-icing protection in a modern combined cycle power plant (GuD). In just two weeks in May, 24 infrared modules, including controls, were installed and commissioned. Modern combined cycle (gas and steam turbine) power plants generate electricity at a relatively high efficiency of around 60%, significantly higher than conventional power plants at around 40%. Moreover, they can be brought on line very quickly and so are used for handling medium and peak electricity load demands. Electricity consumption is not steady but demand is in peaks and troughs. To meet this, fast acting power plants must be used. These can provide high power output within minutes. Gas power points offer such capability and they rely on being able to take in cleaned air. If the in-line filters become iced up, this can lead to power plant shut down. An efficient deicing system, which above all must operate quickly and reliably, has to guarantee the availability of the power plant even in the cold winter months. Trianel is a co-operative of 47 public utilities and operates a combined cycle power plant with two block unit power stations. A coal-fired power station is under construction and a further one is planned nearby. An offshore wind farm is also underway in front of an island. The combined cycle plant is already several years old. The experience of the last two relatively hard winters caused Trianel to consider enhancing its existing anti-icing systems. Any solution had to be as easy as possible to retrofit and very responsive. Thomas Kleinwaechter, manager of technical management and maintenance, met with Heraeus Noblelight to investigate the suitability of electrical infrared systems for this application.

As with most gas power plants, the plant used the waste heat from electricity generation for filter de-icing. This hot air is blown onto the pocket filters, made of fleecy material. However, there can be local cold and hot zones, especially when the hot air is not distributed sufficiently. In contrast, infrared radiation has significant benefits. Energy is distributed without contact and generates heat within the material itself. In addition, infrared heat is rapidly available and heating is more energy-efficient than many conventional methods. I am convinced that infrared systems can heat the filters comprehensively and evenly without significantly impairing the cross-sectional flow of the intake air, says Thomas Kleinwaechter. The power station operators also made the point that the de-icing enhancement system was a turnkey system which was supplied complete. We were faced with a real challenge, says Michael Lyhs, a project manager at Heraeus Noblelight, in the end, there was a window of just three weeks for the total electrical and mechanical installation and this work had to be carried out at heights of 12 to 27 yards. Altogether, surface areas of 29' x 13' were each fitted with 24 medium wave infrared emitters, with a total rated power of 236 kW. Every three of the approx. 7' long emitters are mounted in a frame and these modules can be easily switched on and off and controlled by a switchboard or from the main control room. The co-operation and collaboration between the power station staff and Heraeus worked so well that the system was up and running in just two weeks! says Michael Lyhs, delightedly, I am convinced that the de-icing system will meet the challenges of next winter perfectly. Further Information: Heraeus Noblelight 2150 Northmont Parkway Duluth GA 30096 USA Phone 678.258.3898 Email sales@noblelight.net http://www.noblelight.net

Heraeus Photos

Infrared emitters from Heraeus Noblelight, under test, heating fleece filters, so that they can operate without icing up.

Fitting of the infrared de-icing system in the Trianel Gas Power Plant .

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