Technologies for Next-Generation Thermal Power Plants Realization of Zero-Emission Thermal Power Plant KAZAO Yukihiko Prospects for Electric Power Supply and New Technologies for Future Thermal Power Plants MIYAIKE Kiyoshi With the growth in world energy demand and progress of global warming, the reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from thermal power plants is essential for the creation of a low-carbon society, in addition to the active use of nuclear power and renewable energy resources.In particular, the trends in future technologies for thermal power plants have an important effect on both energy supply and the environment. For thermal power generation, the realization of higher plant efficiency and carbon capture and storage (CCS) are required. Toshiba is promoting the development of an advanced ultra-supercritical (A-USC) power plant system and technologies to capture CO2 from coalfired power plants. 700°C-Class Advanced Ultra-Supercritical Steam Turbine SUGA Takeo / TAKAHASHI Takeo / IMAI Kiyoshi Enhancement of the thermal efficiency of coal-fired power plants is required for the reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The most effective means of achieving this goal is to improve the steam condition of the plant. Toshiba has been developing various new technologies for high-efficiency steam turbine plants, including a 700°C-class advanced ultra-supercritical (A-USC) steam turbine. These technologies will realize both higher thermal efficiency of coal-fired power plants and lower CO2 emissions to prevent global warming. High-Efficiency Steam Turbines and Turbogenerators OKITA Nobuo / TAKAHASHI Toru / SATO Osamu The power supply business has been encountering dramatic changes involving complex challenges, including global environmental issues such as the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions, diversification and conservation of available fuels due to limited reserves, and deregulation of the power supply market. Based on its extensive experience and integrated technological capabilities, Toshiba is developing and manufacturing proven state-of-the-art high-efficiency steam turbines and turbogenerators achieving high reliability, high performance, and compact design that satisfy the needs of society for stable electricity supply and the solution of various challenges. Japans First Environmentally Conscious H SystemTM Combined-Cycle Thermal Power Plant MATSUSHITA Takehiko / EGAMI Norihide / TAKASHIMA Michiharu The H SystemTM combined-cycle power plant utilizing a 1,500 °C-class gas turbine is expected to be the main environmentally conscious thermal power plant for the next generation, offering high efficiency and high power with low nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. Toshiba has concluded an H SystemTM manufacturing partnership agreement with General Electric Company (GE), and has been working with GE on design, manufacturing, installation, and commissioning for Futtsu Thermal Power Station Group 4 of The Tokyo Electric Power Company, Inc. (TEPCO), which is the first H SystemTM combined-cycle power station in Japan. The first vacuum up of the Unit 4-1 condenser was carried out in October 2007, and the first firing of the Unit 4-1 gas turbine was executed in November 2007. Unit 4-1 reached the rated output of 507 MW in February 2008,and started commercial operation in July 2008. Life Extension Technologies for Gas Turbine Hot Parts SAKAI Yoshiaki / SATO Iwataro / SAITO Daizo The number of combined-cycle power plants utilizing a gas turbine has been increasing due to the market demand for the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions toward the achievement of a low-carbon society, and for the improvement of energy efficiency. Since the hot parts of a gas turbine are susceptible to damage such as thermal stress cracks and high-temperature oxidation, it is necessary to constantly repair or replace them. Appropriate gas turbine maintenance technologies, including diagnostic and repair technologies, are therefore required so that expensive hot parts can remain in service for as long as possible. In response to these requirements, Toshiba has been making efforts to develop remaining life assessment and life extension technologies for the hot parts of gas turbines. Geothermal Turbine Technologies Contributing to Spread of Renewable Energy TANIGUCHI Akihiro To reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, which are a major cause of global warming, efforts toward energy conservation and improvement of energy efficiency are making progress. In addition, renewable energy systems such as geothermal power plants, which emit less CO2, are coming into widespread use. Since Toshibas introduction of a turbine and generator for Japans first geothermal power plant in 1966, we have been developing equipment for such plants accounting for about 30% of global geothermal energy capacity up to now. Applying various improvement technologies for geothermal turbines, including technologies for improving performance and reliability, we are making efforts to contribute to the prevention of global warming through the spread of geothermal power. Carbon Dioxide Capture from Flue Gas of Thermal Power Plants OHASHI Yukio / OGAWA Takashi / YAMANAKA Susumu Almost a quarter of global emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) are released from thermal power plants. There is consequently an increasing need for the development of low-cost CO2 capture technology. Toshiba has been developing a chemical absorption method suitable for capturing CO2 from large volumes of flue gas. We have now found new amine solvents with good performance, and have been evaluating them experimentally. We are making continuous efforts to decrease the energy required for CO2 capture and inhibit degradation of the solvents, and are carrying out experiments with a bench plant using real coal combustion gas. |