10-Difference between fixed nozzle and Variable nozzle de-super heating

  

 De-superheating is the process of reducing the temperature of superheated steam. This is typically achieved by injecting a cooling medium, such as water, into the steam flow. The nozzles used in the desuperheating process can be classified as either variable nozzle or fixed nozzle de-superheaters. Here's

 The differences between these two types are:

Sl No.	Variable nozzle de-super heater	Fixed nozzle de-super heater
1	Variable nozzle desuperheating systems have adjustable nozzles that allow for controlling the flow rate of the cooling medium injected into the steam flow.	Fixed nozzle desuperheating systems have non-adjustable nozzles, meaning the cooling water flow rate and the degree of desuperheating are fixed
2	The nozzle opening can be adjusted to vary the amount of cooling water injected, thereby controlling the degree of desuperheating and achieving the desired steam temperature.	Separate control valve is required to adjust the water flow
3	More flexibility in adjusting the cooling water flow rate and achieving precise temperature control.	Not much accuracy in temperature control
4	Variable nozzle desuperheating systems are often used in applications that require tight temperature control,	USed where there is much tolerance in temperature control, Ex: In process industries They are commonly used in applications where a constant degree of desuperheating is sufficient, such as in industrial processes with steady steam loads or in small-scale power plants.
5	Complex design	Simple design
6	More costlier than fixed nozzle de-super heaters	Less costlier
7	Little bit complicated operation	Simple operation
8	Can be used for variable inlet flow & temperature	Used only for fixed flow & temperature
9	Size of nozzle is variable	Size of nozzle is fixed
10	Maintenance is difficult & costlier	Maintenance is simple & cheaper

 The choice between a variable nozzle and fixed nozzle desuperheater depends on factors such as the required temperature control accuracy, steam flow variability, plant operating conditions, and budget considerations. Variable nozzle desuperheaters are often preferred in applications where precise temperature control and flexibility are crucial, while fixed nozzle desuperheaters can be suitable for applications with relatively stable operating conditions and lower cost requirements.

For more such articles read more >>> Power plant and calculations

11-differences between star connection and delta connections

 

11-differences between start connection and delta connections

Sl No.	Star connection	Delta connection
1	Two types of star connections are possible A-4-wire, 3-phase system B-3 wire. 3-phase system	Only 3 wire. 3-phase system is possible
2	Out of 4 wires, 3 wires are the phases and one is neutral	All 3 wires are phases in Delta connection
3	In Star  connection, one end of all the three wires are connected to a common point in the shape of Y to form neutral	In Delta connection every wire is connected to two adjacent wires in the form of triangle.And all the three common points of the connection form the three phases
4	Line current and phase currents are same	Line current and phase current are different.Line current =√Phase current
5	Line voltage and phase voltages are different, Line voltage =√Phase voltage	Line voltage and phase voltages are same
6	Since line voltage is more than phase voltage, insulation required for each phase is less	In Delta connection line and phase voltages are same hence more insulation is required
7	Star connections are used for both transmission and distribution applications/networks	This connection is generally used for distribution networks
8	Since insulation required is less, these connections are used for longer distances	Since insulation required is more, these connections are used for shorter distances
9	Star  connections are used where less starting current and starting torque is required	Delta connections are used where starting current and Torque is more
10	Power calculation in Start connections.   P = 3 X Vp X Ip X Cosθ   Or   P = (√3 X VL) X IL X Cosθ	Power calculation in Delta connections.   P = 3 X Vp X Ip X Cosθ   Or   P = (√3 X IL) X VL X Cosθ
11	In star connections different voltage levels are used as line voltage & phase voltages are different	In Delta connections, only single voltage is used

For more articles on power plant and calculations read >>>>power plant and calculations

Read practical approach to power plant O&M

Questions & Answers on Power Transformers

   

1-What do you mean by power transformer?

It is a static Electro-magnetic machine which transforms alternating current from one AC voltage to another AC voltage at same frequency & at the same apparent power (KVA).

2-What is the principle of Power transformer operation?

Power transformers work on the principle of electromagnetic induction. Which states that, EMF induced in a closed conducting circuit when the magnetic flux linking with that circuit changes in time.

3-What is the main function of a power transformer?

Generally it is used for stepping up or stepping down of Voltage to desired level

4-What are the various parts of power transformer?

General arrangement of Power Transformer

• Casing
• Core
• Primary & secondary windings
• LV & HV bushings
• Radiators & cooling system
• Conservator
• Breather
• Protection devices like Buchholz relay, relief valves, temperature sensors

5-Why does the oil conservator is placed at higher elevation?

Oil conservator is placed at a slightly higher level than that of the tank. It accommodates the contraction & expansion of oil level during lower & higher loads respectively. At higher load, oil temperature rises and hence level in the conservator rises & at lower load, oil temperature decreases & level in conservator drops down.

The above cushioning in oil level is by cushioning bag present in conservator, the air cushion in the conservator permits expansion & contraction of the oil tank without contact with moist air.

6-What is the function of breather in Transformers?

Breather is installed in a pipe from conservator. One end is connected to air cushion bag in the conservator, other end is connected to external air.

Breather is filled with dry silica jel, generally pink in colour. When oil in the conservator rises, air is let out through the breather. During low load when oil level in the conservator decreases, air is sucked into the cushion bag through breather. Silica jet absorbs the moisture & lets only dry air. Wet silica jells are blue in color.

7-What is the function of Buchholzs relay?

It is fitted in the pipe between conservator tank & main oil tank. It operates by gas during arcing or short circuits

8-What are the various cooling methods employed in Power transformers?

• ONAN: Oil Natural & Air Natural
• ONAF: Oil natural & Air forced
• OFAF: Oil forced & Air forced
• OFWF: Oil forced & water forced
• AN: Air natural

9-What is the function of Pressure relief valve in Transformers?

It is fitted on tank to vent out the gases formed in oil & hence protects the transformer from explosion

10-What do you mean by small, medium & large transformers?

• Small transformers: < 5 KVA
• Medium transformers: 5 to 500 KVA
• Large transformers :> 1 MVA

11-What do you mean by core type transformer?

In this type of transformers, winding surround the limbs of core

12-What do you mean by the Shell type transformer?

In this type of transformers, core surrounds the major portion of the windings

13-What is the relation between voltage, current and number of turns on coils in a transformer?

We have following relation:

Vp/Vs = Np/Ns = Is/Ip

Where, Vp and Vs are Voltage on primary and secondary side.

Np and Ns are No. of turns on primary and secondary coils.

IP and Is are Primary side current and secondary side current of a transformer.

14-A 10 KVA single phase 2200/220 Volts Transformer has 60 turns on secondary side, then calculate Primary current, no. of turns on coil and secondary side current.

Given that,

Vp = 2200 V

Vs = 200 V

Ns = 60

Transformer rating = 10 KVA

We know that Vp/Vs = Np/Ns

Np = 60 X 2200/220 = 600 turns

Further, KVA rating of transformer is (Vp X Ip)/1000 and (Vs X Is)/1000

10 = 2200 X Ip/1000

Therefore, current on primary side Ip = 10 X 1000/2200 = 4.54 Amps

Similarly current on secondary side Is = 10 X 1000/220 = 45.45 Amps

15-A Power transformer’s input voltage is 11 KV & output voltage is 110 KV,then calculate the number of turns on secondary side, if Primary side winding has 25 turns

We have

V1 / V2 = N1 / N2

11 / 110 = 25 / N2

N2 = 250 Nos

16-A power transformer input voltage is 11 KV & output voltage is 220 KV, then calculate the secondary side current if it has 2300 Amps of current on primary side?

We have

V1 / V2 = I2 / I1

11 / 220 = I2 / 2300

I2 = 115 Amps

17-What are the materials of composition of lamination cores?

Laminations are thin 0.2 to 0.3mm thick silicon sheets. These are further coated by varnish or insulation oxide.

18-Why do the laminations are made up of silicon steel sheets?

Higher the silicon content in steel sheets increases the resistivity & reduces the eddy current losses. But silicon percentage is restricted up to 3.25% max.to avoid brittleness of sheet.

19-What are the various tests carried out on Transformers?

Meggering

• IR value measurement
• Magnetic balance test
• Magnetizing current test
• Capacitor measurement
• Ratio test
• Vector group test
• Induced voltage test
• Temperature rise test
• BDV test
• No load current test
• No load loss test

Turbine oil and transformer oil standard testing parameters

20-What is the significance of magnetizing current test?

• This test is performed to locate the defects in the magnetic core structure,
• To detect the shifting of winding, failure
• To detect the problems in tap changers

21-What are factors which affect IR value of transformer?

• Surface condition of the terminal bushings
• Quality of oil
• Quality of winding insulation
• Temperature of oil
• Duration of application & value of test voltage

22-What are the various protections given for power transformers?

• Differential protection for earth faults
• High oil temperature & high winding temperature protection
• Over current protection
• Over fluxing protection
• Protection against fire
• Protection against lightening
• Buchholz relay for gas & arcing protection
• Pressure relief valve

23-On what factors transformer loading depends on?

• Transformer current
• Winding temperature
• Oil temperature

24-What are the effects of Transformer over loading?

Overloading results into

• Cellulose insulation becomes mechanically weak & resulting in winding failure
• Oil gets rapidly oxidized

25-What is the function of tap changer in Power transformers?

Tap changer is for adjusting the secondary voltage

26-What do you mean by No-load current?

The current flowing through the terminal of a winding when rated voltage is applied at rated frequency the other winding being left open circuited

27-What do you mean by no-load losses in Power transformers?

The active power absorbed when rated voltage at rated frequency is applied to the terminals of one winding, with other winding being left open circuited

28-What parameters of Transformer oil are tested yearly?

Transformer oil qualities are recommended as per IS-335-1963

• Density
• Kinematic Viscosity
• Flash Point
• Pour point
• Neutralization Number (Acidity)
• Sludge
• Moisture content
• Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA)
• Dielectric Dissipation test
• Interfacial tension
• Break down Voltage

29-What is the importance of Transformer BDV test?

BDV test is done to detect moisture, dirt & conductive particles in the oil. The BDV value should be more than 50 KV

30-Briefly explain the BDV test of transformer oil?

This test applies an AC voltage of frequency 40 to 60 Hz through two polished electrodes having diameter 12.5mm to 13 mm with oil gap around 2.5 to 4.0 mm.Rise in voltage between the electrodes is at uniform rate of 2 KV/sec.Thus voltage is increased from zero to till breakdown.

The final value will be arithmetic mean of 6 consecutive tests

 

 

Batteries & troubleshooting

  

1-List down the applications of auxiliary DC power supply system in Power plants?

•  Protections relays
• Circuit breakers
• DCS
• Trip circuits
• Signaling
• Telephone system & communication
• Emergency lighting
• Transmitters & Positioners
• Emergency oil pumps
• Metering panels

2-List down the various DC voltages & their applications in power plants

Sl No.	Voltage	Applications
1	220 VDC & 110 VDC	Protection system Emergency lighting Trip & closing coil of circuit breakers Operating mechanisms
2	48 VDC	Telephone communication
3	+/- 24 VDC	Control circuits Measuring instruments Static relays

3-What is the power source for DC supply?

Main power source is lead-acid storage battery & AC/DC rectifier set

4-What are the installation requirements for lead acid battery ?

• The room should be isolated from other system
• Room should have adequate lighting & ventilation
• The room walls & floor should have acid proof tiles
• Battery cells should be installed on insulated racks
• Racks should be placed on insulator generally porcelain insulators
• Cables should be acid proof
• The DC bus bars should be of round or flat copper materials
• Bus bars connections are made by soldering or brazing
• The positive terminal of the battery is Red & negative terminal should be blue

30-selected QnA on power Transformers

5-How do you calculate the maximum discharge current of batteries?

Maximum discharge current = (Continuous load (W1) + Short time Load (W2)) / Rated Voltage

6-How do you specify the batteries?

Batteries have following specification:

• Rated voltage
• No.of cells
• AH capacity
• Arrangement of cells
• Details of charging equipment

7-What do you mean by AH of batteries?

AH (Ampere hour) is the capacity of battery. It is the product of current and total time required for discharge. It depends on the magnitude of discharge current.

8-How do you decide the number of batteries for a particular battery bank?

No. of battery cells = Bus bar voltage / Voltage of one cell

9-What are the various charging methods employed for batteries?

• Initial charging
• Quick charging
• Trickle charging

60-Basic questions & Answers on power plant electrical system

10-What do you mean by trickle charging? & what is its significance?

Trickle charging is constant charging current that is supplied to battery to compensate its discharge current.

Batteries get discharge when not in use. Hence to avoid sulphating, the batteries should be kept continuous charging by trickle charging.

11-What do you mean by primary cells (dry cell) & secondary cells?

Primary cells are non rechargeable cells & Secondary cells are storage batteries

12-What are anode, cathode & electrolyte in Lead-acid batteries?

• Cathode: Sponge lead
• Anode: Lead Peroxide (PbO2)
• Electrolyte: Sulphuric acid & water

13-What is the voltage level of lead acid batteries that are generally employed?

It is 2 V

14-What is the voltage level of fully charged & fully discharged lead acid battery?

Voltage of fully charged cell is 2.5 V & 1.75 V for fully discharged cell

15-What will happen during battery discharge & charging of lead acid battery?

During discharging process, the lead & lead peroxide het change into lead sulphate. And during charging lead sulphate gets convert into lead & lead peroxide

16-How do you check the specific gravity (SG) of electrolyte of lead acid battery?

Specific gravity (SG) is checked with the help of Hydrometer

17-What is the SG of fully charged & fully discharged electrolyte

SG Fully charged electrolyte: 1.28 & 1.12 for fully discharged electrolyte

18-What is the proportion of Sulphuric acid & water in Lead acid batteries?

Sulphuric acid: 64% & Distilled water: 36%

19-How do make up electrolyte level in lead-acid batteries?

Lower level of electrolyte is due to evaporation of water.

If the lower electrolyte level is due to evaporation of water, then add distilled water. And if If the lower electrolyte level is due to spilling over bubbling, then add acid & water solution.

20-Explain the charging method of lead-acid battery?

During charging process current forced into battery from opposite direction to its normal direction of current flow.

That is during normal use current leaves from positive terminal & enters through negative terminal. During charging current enters through positive terminal & leaves through negative terminal

21-Why do the lead-acid batteries get discharge when they are not in use?

This is because internal discharge current due to impurities in the electrolyte

22-What electrolyte is used in Nickel-Iron batteries?

Potassium hydroxide

23-What is the voltage level & density of electrolyte of Nickel-Iron battery?

It is 1.2 V & 1.2

24-Which electrolyte is used for Nickel Cadmium batteries?

Potassium hydroxide

25-What precautions do you take to avoid over discharging of battery?

• Over discharging can be avoided by
• Regular charging of battery
• Avoid excessive discharge rate
• Avoid short-circuit currents & leakage current
• Schedule charging & discharging
• When not in use, battery terminals should be considered

Basics of power plant instrumentations

26-What do you mean by sulphated Battery?

Discharge battery with abnormal hardened lead sulphate on its plate is a Sulphated battery

27-What actions you will take if Battery is charging slowly?

• Check battery connections & rectify if there are loose connections
• Check charger capacity
• Add distilled water or acid water solution if electrolyte is low
• Check sulphatation of battery & rectify it
• Increase current rating
• Check connection that is positive lead of charger to positive of battery & negative to negative

28-What are the reasons for overheating of battery while charging?

• Poor ventilation
• High charging rate

Lower specific gravity of electrolyte

29- What are the reasons for overheating of battery while discharging?

High discharge rate

Separators between plates have damaged

30-What are the reasons for cells having unequal voltages?

• Over discharge
• Lower electrolytes level
• Foreign material in electrolyte
• Positive plate worn out