Abstract: A method for assembling a ventilation system is provided. The method includes providing a ventilation hood that includes a cover portion and a discharge portion extending from the cover portion. The cover portion includes a first aperture, an opposite second aperture, and a cavity therein, wherein an interior of the discharge portion is in flow communication with the cover portion cavity. The method also includes coupling a rotatable member at least partially within the ventilation hood, such that the rotatable member extends at least partially through at least one of the first and second apertures, and such that rotation of the rotatable member induces a windage-driven flow of fluid between a portion of the rotatable member and at least one of the first and second apertures.

Abstract: A steam seal dump re-entry system delivers steam dump flow to an LP steam turbine. The system includes a steam seal header receiving steam leaking from turbine end seal packings, and a desuperheater receiving and cooling the steam from the steam seal header. The desuperheater outputs cooled steam. A temperature sensor is disposed downstream of the desuperheater and detects a temperature of the cooled steam. A flow control circuit communicating with the temperature sensor selectively delivers the cooled steam to at least one of the condenser and to the LP steam turbine depending on the temperature of the cooled steam.

Abstract: Embodiments include a system having a turbine support key having a set of key segments selectively stackable together in a plurality of combinations to adjust a thickness between turbine supports based solely on a selection of the key segments from the set.

Abstract: A steam seal dump re-entry system delivers steam dump flow to an LP steam turbine. The system includes a steam seal header receiving steam leaking from turbine end seal packings, and a desuperheater receiving and cooling the steam from the steam seal header. The desuperheater outputs cooled steam. A temperature sensor is disposed downstream of the desuperheater and detects a temperature of the cooled steam. A flow control circuit communicating with the temperature sensor selectively delivers the cooled steam to at least one of the condenser and to the LP steam turbine depending on the temperature of the cooled steam.

Abstract: Embodiments include a system having a turbine support key having a set of key segments selectively stackable together in a plurality of combinations to adjust a thickness between turbine supports based solely on a selection of the key segments from the set.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for operating a combined-cycle power system are provided. The method includes operating the steam turbine, the combustion turbine, and the steam source at steady state operating conditions. Upon sensing a grid frequency deviation away from the standardized grid frequency value, determining a current thermal energy capacity of the steam source, determining a rate of frequency recovery available using the current thermal energy capacity of the steam source and a predetermined rate of change of the at least one steam turbine control valve, if the determined rate of frequency recovery available is greater than the grid frequency deviation, mitigating the frequency deviation using the current thermal energy capacity, if the determined rate of frequency recovery available is less than the grid frequency deviation then mitigating the frequency deviation using the current thermal energy capacity substantially simultaneously with a power level increase of the combustion turbine.

Abstract: A method for assembling a ventilation system is provided. The method includes providing a ventilation hood that includes a cover portion and a discharge portion extending from the cover portion. The cover portion includes a first aperture, an opposite second aperture, and a cavity therein, wherein an interior of the discharge portion is in flow communication with the cover portion cavity. The method also includes coupling a rotatable member at least partially within the ventilation hood, such that the rotatable member extends at least partially through at least one of the first and second apertures, and such that rotation of the rotatable member induces a windage-driven flow of fluid between a portion of the rotatable member and at least one of the first and second apertures.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for operating a combined-cycle power system are provided. The method includes operating the steam turbine, the combustion turbine, and the steam source at steady state operating conditions. Upon sensing a grid frequency deviation away from the standardized grid frequency value, determining a current thermal energy capacity of the steam source, determining a rate of frequency recovery available using the current thermal energy capacity of the steam source and a predetermined rate of change of the at least one steam turbine control valve, if the determined rate of frequency recovery available is greater than the grid frequency deviation, mitigating the frequency deviation using the current thermal energy capacity, if the determined rate of frequency recovery available is less than the grid frequency deviation then mitigating the frequency deviation using the current thermal energy capacity substantially simultaneously with a power level increase of the combustion turbine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a combined-cycle power system is provided. The system is coupled to an electric power grid. The system includes at least one electric power generator, at least one steam turbine coupled to the generator, at least one combustion turbine coupled to the generator, and at least one steam source that is in flow communication with the steam turbine. The method includes operating the system at a first power output level with the steam turbine and the combustion turbine being synchronized to an operating frequency of the grid, so that the steam turbine, the combustion turbine, and the grid are operating at a frequency substantially similar to a standardized grid frequency value. The method also includes sensing a grid frequency deviation away from the standardized grid frequency value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a combined-cycle power system is provided. The system is coupled to an electric power grid. The system includes at least one electric power generator, at least one steam turbine coupled to the generator, at least one combustion turbine coupled to the generator, and at least one steam source that is in flow communication with the steam turbine. The method includes operating the system at a first power output level with the steam turbine and the combustion turbine being synchronized to an operating frequency of the grid, so that the steam turbine, the combustion turbine, and the grid are operating at a frequency substantially similar to a standardized grid frequency value. The method also includes sensing a grid frequency deviation away from the standardized grid frequency value.