Wind energy on the upswing– reliable and safe
Christopher Weßelmann
The energy transition represents one of the greatest challenges and at the same time one of the most significant opportunities for our future. A central component of this transformation is wind energy, both offshore and onshore. Both offer considerable potential for supporting a sustainable energy supply. However, this also involves significant technical challenges.
Offshore wind farms are exposed to extreme conditions due to their location on the open sea. One of the major challenges is the installation and subsequent maintenance and repair of the wind turbines and other offshore equipment. The high level of corrosion caused by the salty sea water and the strong winds – which are desirable for energy generation – require the use of robust materials and innovative protective technologies. Another technical issue concerns the construction of the foundations. These not only have to bear the weight of the turbines, but also withstand the enormous forces of waves and currents. So-called jacket foundations and floating platforms are increasingly being used here, as they are more flexible and adaptable than traditional foundations.
Cybersecure energy supply
Sandro Schmidt
Modern energy generation plants are highly networked in order to reliably generate optimum yields. This significantly increases their risk of cyber attacks. Since last year, there have been new legal requirements for their cyber security: among other things, a new technical rule tightens the conditions for safety-relevant measurement and control equipment. The European Machinery Regulation adopted last year also focusses on safety control systems. TÜV SÜD prepares operators for the new obligations and tests systems for conformity.
Dynamic rotor geometry measurement – a state of the art tool to detect aerodynamical an mass imbalance
J. Dietrich Mayer
Dynamic Rotor Geometry Measurement (DRGM) is a method for the verification of the aerodynamic condition and the aero elastic behaviour of a wind turbine rotor and the turbine-tower-system. The system allows the measurement of rotor blades during operation, thus down time of the wind energy converter can be avoided. Rotor blade misalignment is a challenge to a wind turbine due to the substantial surplus loads caused by aero dynamical imbalance.
Fuel Switch Stuttgart-Münster – Decarbonisation of electricity and heat generation in practice
Tim Breining and Julian Speiser
On the way to climate neutrality, EnBW Energie Baden-Württemberg AG is currently implementing three H2-ready fuel switch projects in which coal-fired plants are being replaced by highly efficient, gas-fired CHP plants. These make a significant contribution to the decarbonisation of electricity and heat generation as well as to security of supply. EnBW is consciously relying on the bridging technology of natural gas, whose contribution to decarbonisation will take effect directly from the time of commissioning, while the planned conversion to 100 % hydrogen will avoid investing in a dead-end technology.
Upgrading a gas turbine burner for higher proportions of hydrogen in the fuel gas
Dominik Waßmer and Bernhard Ćosić
The addition of hydrogen to natural gas is a possible pathway for decarbonizing industrial gas turbines for combined heat and power applications. Low-emission combustion of high hydrogen fractions in gas turbines is challenging. This paper presents a modification to enhance the hydrogen capabilities of the low-emission Advanced Can Combustion (ACC) system for the MGT6000/MTG8000 gas turbine. The experimental results are used for calibrating computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations to enable evaluation under various operating conditions and future changes and to explain the improvement found.
The path of developing a reliable technology for Hydrogen combustion in gas turbines
Dieter Bohn and Karsten Kusterer
As part of a long-term cooperation agreement concluded in 2010 between Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. (KHI), the Institute for Steam and Gas Turbines (IDG) at RWTH Aachen and B&B-AGEMA GmbH, the development of an innovative DLE hydrogen combustion system for burning 100 vol % hydrogen was initiated. It was of central importance that a high-pressure test stand was already available at the research center in Aachen at this point in time. This article traces the successful development path of this technology. Building on the results of basic research for a so-called “Micro-Mix” combustion principle in low-pressure applications, several test burners and prototype combustion chambers were designed by B&B-AGEMA using application-oriented simulations in close collaboration with KHI. It was important to transfer the basics of “Micro-Mix” combustion principle to the realistic conditions of high-pressure combustion using validated numerical combustion simulation.
Gas separation technologies for energy production
Greg Kelsall
Oxygen (O2) separation is an energy-intensive process. Any improvements that can be made to enhance the performance of air separation units (ASUs) and reduce their cost can have a large impact on the introduction of net zero technologies in industrial and power generation applications. This report assesses recent developments in the performance of cryogenic ASUs applicable to oxyfuel, integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) and industrial applications, including an assessment of sensitivities to oxygen purity and to scale. It also reviews research into state‑of‑the‑art ASU technologies which offer potential for step-change improvement in ASU performance.
Infrasound from wind turbines – much ado about nothing
Stefan Holzheu
Humans evolved with infrasound and it is harmless. Nevertheless, for a long time infrasound was one of the main arguments used by wind power opponents to create a favourable mood against new wind power projects. Based on some physical principles of sound physics, the origin and intensity of infrasound from wind turbines is analysed. The article explains why infrasound has become one of the main arguments used by wind power opponents and why the issue has become much quieter in the meantime.
Evaluation of ozone disinfection compared to chlorine disinfection of sea water of a once-through cooling system applicable at pilot scale
M. Ghazimirsaeid, M. Daneshfar, M. Salehloo, A. Ghamari and S. Hajibabaei
Our study case power plant uses the once through cooling method of the Pare Sar power plant situated near the Caspian Lake in Iran. The comparison of chlorination and ozonation methods was researched at the pilot level, and after the completion of the research period, the results show that ozone is more effective in terms of the efficiency of marine organics killing, and causes less corrosion (Residual: 0.1 to 0.2 ppm). It has better energy efficiency in the condenser and due to the project conditions, such as daily purchase of salt, equipment repairs and low electricity and energy prices in Iran and power plant.), it is the economic cost of consuming more economical than the chlorine method.
Forum Technology – Revolution for shut-off and drainage valves
Volker Wurzer
From the industrial sector to conventional and renewable power plants and petrochemical facilities, shut-off and drainage valves play a crucial role in various fields. The future of shut-off and drainage valves is facing a fundamental transformation. Driven by innovative advances and progressive technologies, the company aas GmbH developed a new generation of shut-off and drainage valves. Its new product AMODA-V, which is pending patent, represents a turning point in the efficiency and functionality of high-pressure valves. One of the key features of the new generation of valves is the use of solid Stellite for seat rings and throttling valve plugs. It dramatically reduces the FE content below conventional values and ensures extremely high hot hardness and resistance to wear.
GECF Global Gas Outlook 2050
Gas Exporting Countries Forum
The GECF Global Gas Outlook 2050 stands as one of the flagship publications of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum, offering invaluable insights into the future of global energy dynamics. The 8th Edition of Outlook delves deep into the intricate challenges of the energy trilemma, exploring economic growth, energy demand, supply complexities, and the evolving landscape of natural gas.
Summary ‘DIHKW 2024 Energy Supply in Germany – Opportunities and Risks’
vgbe energy
In order to align current and future energy policy requirements with the best possible technological developments, the vgbe symposium ‘DIHKW 2024 Energy Supply in Germany – Opportunities and Risks’ was held in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany on 16/17 April 2024. For many years, the DIHKW symposium has been a centrepiece of vgbe energy e.V. The vgbe community appreciates the high-quality presentations and inspiring discussions with the exhibitors.
Editorial
Christopher Weßelmann
Editor in Chief vgbe energy
Wind energy on the upswing– reliable and safe
Dear readers of the vgbe energy journal,
the energy transition represents one of the greatest challenges and at the same time one of the most significant opportunities for our future. A central component of this transformation is wind energy, both offshore and onshore. Both offer considerable potential for supporting a sustainable energy supply. However, this also involves significant technical challenges.
Offshore wind farms are exposed to extreme conditions due to their location on the open sea. One of the major challenges is the installation and subsequent maintenance and repair of the wind turbines and other offshore equipment. The high level of corrosion caused by the salty sea water and the strong winds – which are desirable for energy generation – require the use of robust materials and innovative protective technologies. Another technical issue concerns the construction of the foundations. These not only have to bear the weight of the turbines, but also withstand the enormous forces of waves and currents. So-called jacket foundations and floating platforms are increasingly being used here, as they are more flexible and adaptable than traditional foundations.
Onshore wind energy is also facing challenges. A key issue here is the choice of location. Suitable locations must not only have sufficient wind resources, but also have as little potential for conflict with nature conservation and residents’ interests as possible. In addition, the construction of wind turbines on rough terrain requires special transport and construction methods.
In recent years, numerous technological innovations have been developed to overcome the challenges mentioned. In the offshore sector, these include advanced corrosion protection systems, such as special coatings and cathodic protection, as well as the development of high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission technologies, which enable more efficient transmission of electricity over long distances.
In the onshore sector, increasingly powerful wind turbines are being used that can also deliver high yields in weaker wind conditions. Furthermore, modern storage technologies such as battery storage and power-to-X systems are being developed that can store excess wind power and feed it back into the grid when needed – technical solutions to balance the volatility of wind.
With the increasing digitalisation and networking of wind turbines, the importance of cyber security is also increasing, both for networked offshore wind farms with shared infrastructure and for onshore wind energy. Wind farms are increasingly dependent on digital control and monitoring systems that are potentially vulnerable to cyber attacks. Robust cyber security measures must be implemented to minimise the risks. The IT infrastructure can be protected against attacks by using firewalls, encryption technologies and regular security updates. Continuous monitoring of networks and systems for suspicious activity, as well as the ability to respond quickly to incidents, are crucial to recognising and fending off attacks at an early stage. Training staff in cyber security risks and practices is also of great importance in minimising human error.
The future of wind energy looks promising. Technological advances and falling costs are making wind turbines increasingly competitive. In addition, new business models such as community wind farms and energy communities offer the opportunity to involve the population more closely in the energy transition and to increase acceptance of wind energy projects.
This means that the energy industry has numerous attractive opportunities. The expansion of wind energy not only creates new markets and business areas, but also enables the development of innovative products and services. In addition, the integration of wind energy into smart grids and the coupling with other sectors such as mobility and heat supply offers numerous synergies and efficiency gains.
Overall, the expansion of wind energy, both offshore and onshore, is a key component of a successful energy transition. The technical challenges are considerable, but solvable – vgbe energy e.V. and its member companies are working on these and demonstrating the technical solutions through successful joint initiatives. With innovative technologies and a clear political framework, the potential of wind energy can be fully exploited and a decisive contribution made to a sustainable future.