SMART POWER GENERATION

ENABLING THE TRANSITION TO A

MODERN, SUSTAINABLE POWER SYSTEM

Electricity consumption will continue to grow Towards a new low carbon type of operation would cause serious sub-
rapidly all over the world during the coming power system optimisation, increased generation costs, and
decades. At the same time, concerns related Electricity demand fluctuates depending on insufficient CO2 reductions.
to global warming and declining fossil fuel the time of day, the day of the week, and the Forecasting the magnitude and speed of
resources have created political pressure season of the year. Current power systems wind and solar power variations is complicated
and a need to reduce carbon emissions have been designed to handle these variations, and the inaccuracy just an hour ahead is
through renewable power. but it is becoming increasingly problematic to considerable. Therefore, the low carbon power
In 2011, 68% of global electricity match power generation with the ever growing system of the future must be capable of
production was based on fossil energy demand. continuously balancing such rapid, large scale
sources. At present, renewable sources, Wind and solar power are by nature variations.
hydro power excluded, cover a good 3% intermittent. As wind conditions change, the Wind-based electricity production does not
of total production, although the share is output of wind power varies accordingly. This follow power demand. In a power system with a
growing rapidly. Together with daily load has to be balanced by other power plants. high share of wind power, nights with high wind
variations, however, the intermittency For example, when the wind speed calms are particularly challenging since the major part
of renewable power brings along new from 10 m/s to 7 m/s – which can happen of the thermal power production would have to
challenges to power systems. many times a day and within a time frame of be stopped. Furthermore, weather conditions in
less than 15 minutes – the output of modern Europe, for example, are such, that low pressure
large wind turbines is reduced by 60%. fronts arriving from the west result in high winds
Imagine a fleet of e.g. 100 GW of wind power, simultaneously across the continent. Therefore,
which is being planned in many regions of the wind power cannot balance itself over larger
world, reducing the output with 60 GW in 15 geographical regions, and thus is a problem that
minutes! How will the power system handle cannot be solved by any grid solution.
this? Obviously, current power systems have The current power systems, which consist
not been designed for such variations. This mainly of non-flexible steam power plants,

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 Werner Nystrand/Folio

need to be complemented with dispatchable, Combined wind power output (GW)

dynamic capacity to overcome this problem. 25
There must be the capability for frequent
system balancing on a large scale in the form Spain
Denmark
of fast starts, stops and load ramps. The low 20
North-East Germany
carbon power system of the future will require North-West Germany
a capacity which corresponds to ~ 50% of the
installed intermittent power capacity. 15

Smart Power Generation is

the ultimate solution 10
There are many ways to improve power system
balancing capabilities. Reservoir hydropower
can be used where available. Similarly, smart
5
grids with demand response offer a means
of shifting some of the load, and the existing
power system can also assist by regulating
0
its output. Nevertheless, in the majority of
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cases these offer just a partial solution. By

complementing the power system with Smart
Power Generation, all system balancing The combined wind power output of Germany, Denmark and Spain shows that similar wind
challenges can be solved, even with the conditions occur simultaneously over large geographical areas, making it impossible for
wind power to balance itself.
maximum quantity of intermittent renewables.

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 ENERGY EFFICIENCY

SMART
POWER
GENERATION

FUEL OPERATIONAL
FLEXIBILITY FLEXIBILITY

Smart Power Generation

enables a smart power system

Smart Power Generation is the missing Operational flexibility availability of 97%, plant reliability of 99%
piece of the puzzle. It is a unique, modern Smart Power Generation means excellent and starting reliability of more than 99%, one
combination of features that enables the operational mode flexibility, and outstanding simply can’t make a smarter choice.
transition to a more sustainable, reliable dynamic response. Smart Power Generation plants are also
and affordable energy infrastructure. And it Being able to operate in multiple modes, easy to locate next to critical load pockets, i.e.
is available. Today. from efficient base load power production in cities, thanks to their plant size, and low
to dynamic system balancing, makes these emission and noise levels. The infrastructural
plants the key factor in power system requirements are also modest, with little or
optimisation. They can generate megawatts no water consumption, and low pipeline gas
to the grid in 30 seconds from start-up and pressure (5 bar) needed.
reach full load in two. They are designed to
start and stop – at the push of a button – Energy efficiency
time after time without creating maintenance Smart Power Generation plants based on
problems. multiple generating units are far more reliable
Fast reserve, load following and peaking. and fuel efficient than single – or several – large
We have it all covered complete with ancillary power stations. They also serve efficiently on
services and grid support. With a typical plant part load and in demanding ambient conditions,

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 AFFORDABLE Multiple
operating modes
The flexibility of Smart Power Generation is
emphasised by its capability in serving various
operating modes. These include:
zzBase load generation
–– The technology is proven in base load

SMART applications with more than 53,000 MW

of references worldwide
POWER zzRapid load following in the morning
SYSTEM zzStarting and loading units one by one as the
load increases
zzPeaking during high consumption periods
zzBalancing wind power, i.e. “Wind chasing”
RELIABLE SUSTAINABLE zzStarting, loading and stopping rapidly when
wind conditions change
zzSystem balancing
–– Fast frequency regulation and efficient
spinning reserve
zzUltra fast zero-emissions non-spinning grid
reserve for any contingency situation
–– Starting and producing power in just 30
seconds, and reaching full power in just
2 minutes
zzFast grid black start in case of a power
system black out

Smart Power System Fuel flexibility

Flexible power generation plays a significant role in creating sustainable, reliable and cost Smart Power Generation enables the
effective power systems. Smart Power Generation, together with modernised transmission and continuous choice of the most feasible fuel,
distribution, enables electricity to be generated when and where it is most affordable. At the including solutions for liquid and gaseous fuels
same time, it allows the consumption of electricity to be better balanced and more controlled. as well as renewables. The possibilities gained
Smart Power Generation enables the complete power system to operate in the most cost from multi-fuel plants and fuel conversion
efficient way with the lowest possible carbon emissions, and the maximum utilisation of wind solutions hedge for the future.
and solar power. In addition, Smart Power Generation secures the electricity supply by balancing The role of natural gas in power generation
the system even during extreme wind variations and contingency situations. is expected to grow significantly over the next
decades. Recent technical breakthroughs
and the commercialisation of shale gas have
resulted in a substantial extension of the
perceived depletion time of gas reserves and
enabling high dispatch even in hot climates and 49% or more. With the Flexicycle™ solution reduced the price of gas. With Smart Power
at high altitudes. the advantages of a flexible simple cycle plant Generation plants running on gas the 20%
We also offer the highest available simple are combined with the superb efficiency of a renewable energy share target set for 2020 by
cycle energy efficiency of current technologies, combined cycle plant. many nations is within reach.

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 FAST STARTING AND LOADING
1100
Benefits
5 The right amount of power at the right time is
1000 100

900
what Smart Power Generation is all about. It is
800 80
a unique combination of features that benefit
both power systems and power producers.
700
Speed rpm

600 60
For power systems

Power %
4
500
3 For power systems, Smart Power Generation
400 40
1. Start up conditions +HT-water temperature >70°C offers a number of tangible benefits. By
300 2. Start up preparations
3. Speed acceleration and synchronisation enabling the maximum integration of wind
200 4. Loading within 90 sec 20
and solar power capacity, and overcoming
5. Full power reached within 120 sec
100 the challenges created by wind variability and
1 2
0 0 curtailment, it offers a reliable, affordable and
0 30 60 90 120 150 180 210
sustainable energy supply.
Time sec.
Similarly, it removes the abusive stops
and starts, and eliminates cyclic load from
base load plants that are not designed for
such variations. This serves to optimise the
operation of the entire system and greatly
enhances its overall efficiency and stability
in variable wind and contingency situations,
while also reducing the emissions of the whole
system.
The 20% by 2020 renewable energy
targets become achievable, while the ability
to locate Smart Power Generation capacity in
load pockets shaves load peaks and notably
reduces grid investment costs.
PLAINS END I & II, COLORADO, USA
The Plains End peaking power plant is based on 20 x Wärtsilä 18V34SG and 14 x 20V34SG gas engines. The For power producers
plant has a total output of 231 MW and is used to balance Colorado’s 1000 MW wind power capacity.
For power producers, Smart Power Generation
opens a number of possibilities. It allows them
Coal power plants Load
to operate on multiple markets, for example
by selling power to energy markets and selling
fast starting and ramping capabilities to
ancillary services and capacity markets.
The high efficiency levels enable high
Gas generation Wind generation dispatch, which in turn increases revenues,
while the multiple parallel generating units
offer dependability in making commitments.
The plants can be optimally located close to
the consumers, and their fuel flexibility is an
Plains End 1&2 power plants important hedge for the future.
Flexible generation
Delivery can be done on a fast-track
basis, ensuring quick access to income. The
The Plains End power plant is used to balance Colorado’s 1000 MW wind power capacity. maintenance is simple, and full OEM and O&M
services are available.
Total PSCo wind generation Total PSCo gas generation (calc)
PSCo obligation load Plains End net MW
PSCo total coal generation-PI calculation PSCO.PCOG.NO-T.GEN.PEAG

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 The conditions and needs of power generation vary tremendously
from country to country. Some features may locally be more

References important than others, but Smart Power Generation will be an

essential part of tomorrow’s optimised and secure energy supply.

STEC PEARSALL, TEXAS, USA ELERING, KIISA, ESTONIA

The 202 MW STEC Pearsall power plant consists of 24 x Wärtsilä 20V34SG gas The 250 MW Kiisa dual fuel power plant is based on 27 x Wärtsilä 20V34DF engines.
engines. The plant started commercial operation in 2009 and is utilised to balance The plant is scheduled to start commercial operation in 2013 and will operate as an
variable wind power and supplies ancillary services to the ERCOT grid. emergency reserve power plant for the Estonian transmission system operator.

SUAPE II, BRAZIL ALIAGA, TURKEY

The 380 MW Suape II power plant is based on 17 x Wärtsilä 20V46F HFO engines. The 270 MW Aliaga power plant consists of 28 x Wärtsilä 20V34SG gas engines.
The power plant is mainly intended to supply power during the dry season when The plant has been constructed in three phases from 2008 to 2010.
availability of hydropower is insufficient.

SANGACHAL, AZERBAIJAN UTE LINHARES, BRAZIL

The Sangachal dual fuel base load power plant is based on 18 x Wärtsilä 18V50DF The 204 MW Linhares power plant, based on 24 x Wärtsilä 20V34 engines, started
engines with a total output of 308 MW. The plant can utilise natural gas, heavy commercial operation in 2009.
fuel oil (HFO) and light fuel oil (LFO) depending on which fuel offers the most
competitive operation.

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Wärtsilä is a global leader in complete lifecycle power solutions for the
marine and energy markets. By emphasising technological innovation
and total efficiency, Wärtsilä maximises the environmental and economic
performance of the vessels and power plants of its customers. Wärtsilä
is listed on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki, Finland.

PP-EN-DBAB908290 / 05.2013 / Bock´s Office /

WÄRTSILÄ® is a registered trademark. Copyright © 2013 Wärtsilä Corporation.