Abstract
The time taken to construct large-capacity thermal power stations is becoming increasingly important and demands close attention. During the constructional period large capital sums are invested without return and as the demand for electricity is ever increasing early availability of generating plant is of consequence.
Subject always to satisfactory load-bearing conditions the level of a coastal or esturine power station turbine house is hydraulically related to sea level. An investigation has been made into the economical depth of excavation for the turbine house as plant erection cannot commence until basic building work is complete.
The investigation shows that the optimum level of a turbine house is amenable to calculation and two methods of establishing the level are described. The first method involves equating the financial value of lost generation to the savings in civil engineering consequent upon reduced excavation. The second method balances generation lost at low water with increased generation at high water.
The results demonstrate that acceptance of periodic small reductions in electrical generation reduce excavation depth, construction time, capital cost or operating cost. The study involves variation in sea level with moon phase, cooling-water pump flow, hydraulic gradients, condenser vacuum and turbine power.
Extension in coverage of the conclusions permits power station design engineers to select an optimum turbine house level, subject to consideration of relevant civil engineering factors, in the early design stages.
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