Research & Development
Toshiba creates core technologies for the future growth engine with the aim of achieving sustainable society.
Toshiba is working on a variety of developments for early commercialization of A-USC (a 700 °C-class, ultra supercritical pressure power generation) that enables a significant increase in efficiency by achieving steam conditions of 700 °C and higher while taking part in a national project*1 for the underlying technological development. *1: "Research and Development of the Underlying Technologies for Commercializing A-USC Thermal Power Generation Technology" (2008-)
A-USC (700 °C-class, ultra supercritical pressure power generation)
A-USC is used to refer to a 700 °C-class advanced ultra supercritical power generation system. Even the latest thermal power generation uses steam at a temperature of approximately 600 °C, but with A-USC, the steam is utilized at temperatures above 700 °C, which allows a great improvement in efficiency. A double reheat A-USC plant (main steam pressure:35 Mpa, main steam/reheat steam temperatures: 700 °/720 °/720 °C) is expected to achieve a 46% plus increase in net thermal efficiency [by HHV standards].
In order to make practical use of A-USC, Toshiba has to develop materials that can withstand steam with temperatures exceeding 700 °C, as well as design systems and structures that simultaneously achieve reliability and economic viability.
Mikawa Power Plant steam turbine verification testing facility
Comprehensive verification test
A comprehensive verification test of steam turbines is implemented at the steam turbine verification testing facility inside Mikawa Power Plant, owned by Sigma Power Ariake located in Omuta City, Fukuoka, under actual load and plant conditions. This can accelerate the speed of development and the time of marketing steam turbines with high performance and reliability.
Mikawa Power Plant verification testing facility
