3 ms·
> Thermal plants require energy to start up It's not just about the power. System components cannot be brought to operating temperatures, speeds and pressures
by bob1029 2y ago
> Thermal plants require energy to start up
It's not just about the power. System components cannot be brought to operating temperatures, speeds and pressures faster than mechanical tolerances allow. If a thermal plant is cold & dark, it can take days to ramp it to full production.
- pfdietz 2y agoThat's true of some kinds of thermal generators, but not all. Simple cycle gas turbines can come up very quickly (think jet engines). Or your car's engine.
- bob1029 2y ago> Simple cycle gas turbines can come up very quickly In some cases yes. Modern combined cycle plants can take as little as 30 minutes to ramp to full output. Older designs can take upward of 4-6 hours. If you have steam as an indirection, that's when things take a really long time. Natural gas turbines are a more direct cycle.
- pfdietz 2y agoCombined cycle turbines do have a steam component (that's where the word "combined" comes from). The waste heat from the combustion turbine front end is used to make steam in the back end.
- bob1029 2y agoCombined cycle turbines are not primarily powered by steam. It is a secondary consequence of their operation. This contrasts with nuclear and coal plants where steam is the prime mover.
- 7952 2y agoCan thermal stations be kept running without any laod?