All articles by James Varley
James Varley
Understanding technical challenges in shifting from coal to natural gas in power generation
Many coal fired power plant steam generators designed and supplied in the latter part of the twentieth century still have a remaining useful life. While coal – which is the fuel around which these units were designed and sets the performance of the plant – has come under increased scrutiny as the world looks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the need for reliable, baseload power continues to grow. It makes sense to find environmentally friendly ways to increase the life of these historically coal fired generation assets. By John Koslosky, Senior Director, Business Development, Thermal Projects, Babcock & Wilcox
Role of computational fluid fynamics modelling in optimising ACC performance
With the increasing popularity of dry cooling systems, air cooled condensers (ACCs) are becoming key to power plant efficiency, yet these systems are notoriously sensitive to environmental factors like wind, leading to power generation losses and increased operational costs. As energy security and climate change take centre stage, fabric-engineered windscreens are helping power plants maintain efficiency.
Insights from NRC’s supplement on power-operated valve reliability and testing
The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission has published ‘lessons learned’ from its inspection programme of power operated valves in US nuclear plants.
How ester oils enhance transformer performance and safety
Traditionally, transformers have relied on mineral oil for both electrical insulation and cooling. However, mineral oil poses significant drawbacks: it is derived from non-renewable sources, presents environmental risks if spilled, and has a relatively low flashpoint, making it a potential fire hazard
How academic-industry collaboration is transforming effluent management
Collaborative research is helping Sellafield manage and treat radioactive effluents from its large and complex site. By exploring radionuclide, mineral and microbial behaviour in waste pond environments and during effluent treatment processes, the projects are helping to cut the costs of decontamination.
How exhaust gas recirculation can reduce CO2 emissions from combined cycle power plants
CO2 capture from flue gases is recognised as part of the strategy for climate change mitigation.
Understanding UK’s new roadmap to support advanced nuclear technologies
The UK government wants to provide an investment environment that will bring forward a pipeline of new nuclear projects. To do so it is willing to sweep away some longstanding industry assumptions.
Smart Wires’ APFC project: Driving renewable energy integration in Brazil
The project will resolve both a near-term need caused by an overloaded line, and also a long-term need for power flow control capability at another location
How Natrium and Hermes reactor projects are advancing nuclear technology
The summer of 2024 has seen start of construction on two key nuclear power projects in the USA: the TerraPower/GE-Hitachi Natrium demonstration power plant in Wyoming and Kairos Power’s Hermes Low-Power Demonstration Reactor, Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
Mitigating climate change with carbon capture, utilisation, and storage
A Technip Energies perspective by Rebecca Eason Head of Market CO2 Management, Technip Energies