Work surrounding the nuclear power industry in the United States started quickly in 2010 as the Department of Energy in February awarded the first loan guarantee for new reactors to be constructed. The award of $8.3 billion for two additional reactors at the Vogtle plant in Georgia marked the beginning of a possible nuclear renaissance in the States. The loan, though, is conditional until the plant receives the combine construction and operating license from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, which is expected sometime in 2011. To date, the NRC is currently reviewing 13 applications for 22 new reactors after placing the reviews of five applications on hold at the request of the applicants.
The renewable energy industry faces what could be a defining moment in its evolution thanks to the recent recession and growing talk on Capitol Hill to reduce or end incentives. However, the industry remains one of the U.S. economy’s most consistent jobs creators and renewable energy enjoys widespread support among politicians and the public. State renewable portfolio standards are a key driver so proponents breathed a sigh of relief last November when California voters rejected a referendum that would have eased the state’s renewable energy goals.
At a gala banquet at POWER-GEN International in Orlando, Fla., on December 14, Power Engineering magazine’s editors recognized the 2010 Projects of the Year Award finalists and announced four winners. This year’s Projects of the Year Award winners and honorable mentions represented facilities and/or technology that signified excellence in four categories: coal-fired, gas-fired, nuclear and renewable/sustainable energy.
The earliest peristaltic pumps have been in existence since the 1930s. The designs have been continuously refined to improve performance and enhance lifetime over the years. Throughout the early developmental years of the peristaltic pump, the greatest improvements have been advancements in rubber technology.
Data centers are increasingly viewed as poster children for extraordinarily large energy consumption. And onsite power generation is increasingly viewed as a viable alternative to reduce the reliance on utility-generated power for various types of building projects.
When a new environmental rule comes out, the power industry is usually at its mercy with no influence on how it will apply or how the industry complies with it. One rare exception applies to the new National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), specifically to how background values are set.
As we begin 2011 there are a number of events screaming for predictions. So below are five “sure-fire” prognostications for the nuclear power industry for 2011 (and beyond).
A frequent problem plaguing power plants with finned air-cooled condenser tubes is erosion of the tube walls due to influences ranging from feed water chlorination to extreme temperature fluctuations and header condensation. Holes in these elliptical tubes allow air to leak into the sealed steam system, resulting in turbine backpressure with a corresponding decrease in megawatt output. The usual solution is to plug the failed tubes, taking them out of operation. Of course, this reduces the efficiency of the condenser and if too many tubes are plugged, entire tube bundles may need to be replaced at a cost reaching hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Brennan Industries Inc., has introduced a new line of standard- and heavy-duty clamps.
Coal Units by Age, Capacity and Emissions
Though universally agreed to be a renewable resource with great promise, solar power has been slow to take off. The market’s evolving perspective of the economics of photovoltaic (PV) systems has been a major reason for this.
In August 2010, the Plum Point Energy Station started commercial operations. Over the course of four years, engineers, construction workers and five owner participants overcame numerous hurdles to complete the 665 MW coal-fired power plant.
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