Extended requirements on turbo-generators and solutions for flexible load operation

The continuously increasing participation of renewable energy sources in the worldwide energy market causes an ongoing shift of the operational regime of conventional power plants from traditional power generation to grid stabilization operation. This exposes the shaft train components to extremely volatile operating modes with a high number of start/stop cycles, numerous steep load ramps, and frequency, as well as voltage fluctuations. The consequential thermo-mechanical stresses and accelerated aging of the shaft train components must be considered in the design of future products to avoid unexpected and cost intense outage periods. This paper illustrates an evaluation of current operating regimes and their impact on turbine generators. It shows possible solutions and mitigations for a reliable and cost optimized operation under consideration of the current trends in the energy markets.