Power Generation :: Synchronous Condensing
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| An Acceleration System replacing a redundant steam turbine at the end of a 44 MVA generator on Stock Island, Florida allows the generator to be used for synchronous condensing. The unit was commissioned in 1998, by General Electric Company, Inc. an can produce 34 MVAR or absorb up to 22 MVAR enabling up to 34 MW additional power to be transmitted from the Florida mainland to the Florida Keys through an existing 138 kV transmission line. |
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| Four of seventeen LM 6000 gas turbine generators installed by GE in 2000/2001, each with an SSS Encased Clutch rated at 50 MW @ 3600 rpm enabling the units to be used for synchronous condensing and for ten minute spinning reserve. |
Power flows cause voltage changes across electrical grids, which means that it is necessary to maintain reactive power balances between sources of generation and points of demand. Grid operators pay for the provision of services to achieve this.
Generators, once run up to speed and synchronised to the system, can be declutched from their driver and provide reactive power without producing real power. This mode of operation is called Synchronous Compensation or Synchronous Condensing.
SSS Clutches enable generators to be declutched in this way.
Typical installations include...
• Peak Load Gas Turbine Generators.
• Standby or Uninterruptible Power (UPS) diesel systems.
• Generators from redundant steam plant with starting packages.