[en] The proceedings contain 14 papers which deal with the following topics: anthracite culm combustion for process heat and cogeneration; case histories describing the performance of circulating fluidized bed combustors (CFBC); design and economics of CFBC; pulverizers for coal and sorbent preparation; ash removal systems; and the status of independent power generation and the Clean Coal Technology Program. Appendices contain manufacturers' installation lists with details of customers, fuels, steam conditions, and applications. All papers have been processed separately for inclusion on the data base

[en] Suitable analysis criteria for use in economic feasibility studies of renewable energy source power plants are examined for various plant types, e.g., pumped storage hydroelectric, geothermal, wind, solar, refuse-fuelled, etc. The paper focusses on the impacts, on operating cost and rate structure, of the necessity, depending on demand characteristics, to integrate renewable energy source power production with conventional power production in order to effectively and economically meet peak power demand. The influence of commercialization and marketing trends on renewable energy source power plant economic feasibility are also taken into consideration

[en] This paper reports that presently, standard coal-fired power plant concepts including flue gas desulfurization (FGD) and DENO_x systems are in the design stage to be built on relatively short delivery schedules. The rating in the 400 MW range has generally been selected, because such small power plant units with short delivery times cause a minimum financial burden during planning, delivery and installation. They also follow more closely the growth of electric energy demand at specific locations. However economical considerations could lead to larger unit ratings, since the planning and building process of higher capacity plants is not significantly different but specific plant costs are certainly smaller with increased unit size. Historically large tandem-compound steam turbine-generators have been built and have proven reliable operation with ratings in excess of 800 MW. Already in the late 1950's main steam pressures and temperatures as high as 4,500 psig and 1,200 degrees F respectively were successfully used for smaller steam turbines

[en] This paper reports on the Stockton California cogen plant which was on the CIBO circulating fluid bed technical conference tour two years ago in December. The physical design and scope details are shown. As a host plant, the 100% availability of power an steam are of prime importance. The economic details of the agreement are confidential. The agreement does contain the number of risk/benefit sharing items, which has turned into a truly win/win situation for both parties. The author considered this type of win/win approach to be essential to the host plant in protecting their own self-interests and future energy costs

[en] The growing need for new power generation capacity in the United States coupled with more stringent air quality regulations and a substantial natural gas resource base has refocused attention on natural gas fueled gas turbine systems. Gas turbines offer the advantages of low capital cost, low emissions and high efficiency. Because of their wide availability of sizes, gas turbines are well suited for decentralized power generation and cogeneration in addition to larger central station applications. Further developments can be expected to extend the economic and environmental benefits of gas turbine technology to smaller dispersed power applications. This paper presents ongoing research and new advances in technology which may result in reduced emissions and increased efficiency and reliability of gas turbines

[en] Today, utilities are facing increasing pressures of deregulation, competition, changing business conditions and varying customer requirements. Existing computers and communications systems were installed with limited capabilities to communicate with other systems. The result, say many utilities, is an electronic Tower of Babel among computers that are unable to readily talk to one another or, if they can, haven't much say because of vastly different database structures. This paper reports that estimates of the industry's operating costs for telecommunications range from $2 billion to more likely $5 billion a year, with some individual company budgets growing as much as 25% a year. A typical medium-size utility will spend $35 million in annual telecommunication expenses. EPRI has been tasked by it member utilities to develop guidelines and specification that would support the development of integrated nonproprietary, interoperable utility communications systems. Substantial cost savings and improved performance are the key reasons for communications for new products and services result when a utility can share information, across all operations, in an effective and timely manner

[en] The property/casualty insurance industry has incurred many losses involving small hydroelectric powerplants. A recent in-house study of these losses by the Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance Company in the last decade shows an upward trend in both frequency and severity. An in-depth analysis of these losses revealed a number of root causes that resulted in this loss experience. This paper addresses some of the problems and suggest solutions to improve the reliability and availability of this type of powerplant. Data and case studies are presented to support this analysis

[en] With compliance deadlines approaching in three years, utility, environmental and financial planners and their regulators are in the process of grappling with the requirements imposed, and opportunities created, by the acid rain program established under Title 4 of the Clean Air Act amendments of 1990. The novel element of the program - emissions or allowance trading through a nationwide allowance market - presents great challenges for utilities and their regulators. Perhaps the foremost challenge is establishing the allowance market. If state utility commissions subject utilities' compliance strategies to traditional after-the-fact prudence reviews, as tradition would impel them to do, the attendant regulatory risks are likely to push utilities toward more conservative compliance schemes that underuse allowance trading (as the exchange at the head of this article demonstrates). If that happens, the market will fail to develop, and its full potential for environmental benefit at least cost will go unrealized. This, in turn, is likely to strengthen the case for non-market regulatory mechanisms - a vicious circle. In this paper, the authors suggest a way out of this

[en] This is a 1992 directory of those companies doing business in all areas of the independent power producers industry. The listing includes the company name, address, telephone and FAX numbers, and the name of a company contact. The listing is international in scope

[en] This article examines the current financing situation for independent power projects and how to access the money available with low interest rates. The topics of the article include who has money available, the risks lenders are willing to take, equity and quasi-equity, finding cash, and the winning combination of excellent project economics, proven technology, airtight contracts and a demonstrated track record for developing and maintaining viable projects