Efficiency in Auxiliary Electrical Systems

by Jack Nelson, US Army Corps of Engineers, Portland, OR, USA,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Water Power '87

Abstract:

In 1984, during the preliminary design for the proposed second powerhouse at the Corps of Engineers' McNary Dam on the Columbia River, the more recent improvements and techniques were investigated. To that end, many of the available options were compared, basing final selection on lowest life cycle costs, including initial cost, energy cost, and where relevant, maintenance. Salvage values were generally neglected. The investigation was restricted to electrical aspects of the auxiliary systems only. Main power equipment efficiency had always been an active goal, and little additional familiarity was needed in that field. The second powerhouse design has been set aside until power demand increases, so the recommendations of this investigation were not completely followed through at McNary. But the information and methods studied have been applied to designs elsewhere, so the work has been of value. This paper shares some of the discoveries made in the process, often confirming well-known methods, occasionally finding something new.

Subject Headings: Benefit cost ratios | Power plants | Electrical systems | Electric power | Hydro power | Electrical equipment | Maintenance and operation

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