WTUI 2023 Show Report: Innovation and Technologies

Western Turbine Users Inc. (WTUI) began in the 80s with a small gathering of owners and operators of gas turbines for power generation in California. It has since evolved into a global network, helping its membership grapple with worldwide changes, including the decommissioning of large baseload units as more power is supplied by newer, renewable energy sources, said Ed Jackson, WTUI president.

More than 1,000 people from 25 countries and 46 U.S. states gathered in San Diego, CA, March 12–15, 2023 for WTUI’s 32nd annual conference and exhibition since its official incorporation in 1990, It was WTUI’s first in-person gathering since 2019.

New Technologies

Innovation that allows turbine systems to increase performance in various ambient conditions was a key topic of discussion in break-out sessions. Fogging, mechanical chilling, evaporative chilling, and inlet heat were among the subjects showcased at WTUI.

A Closed-Loop CO₂ System

Industrom Power, a Houston-based startup founded by GE veterans, introduced its ready-to-launch, closed-loop CO₂ system that, according to the company, can boost turbine plant power up to 20% and improve its heat rate by as much as 17%.

Wet Fogging

ProEnergy Services analyzed various turbine-cooling methods before determining its best investment would be an innovative fogging technology that can be combined with its wet-compression technology for superior outcomes, according to Constantin Dinu, a senior performance engineer at ProEnergy Services. The goal of the innovative system, still under development, is to improve a plant’s power output by 10% percent.

Cleaning Up

The quest for cleaner fuel production has driven innovation in selective catalytic reduction (SCR), a technology introduced in the 1950s to control nitrogen oxides (NOx).

When a power plant is designed and permitted, the needed SCR is determined by various factors. These include how many turbine starts are anticipated, how many hours a year it will run, and the expected load, Dan Johnson, P.E., Senior Director of Sales at CORMETECH.

The full show report will be available in Turbomachinery International's May/June print issue.