Stellar Energy Begins Work on Two Inlet Air Chiller Systems for Black Hills Corp. Gas Turbine Power Plants
Inlet air chiller systems to boost output at new power plants in Colorado
Stellar Energy, a leading global energy systems company, has begun work on two inlet air chiller projects for subsidiaries of Black Hills Corp., a diversified energy company based in Rapid City, S.D. When completed, the inlet air chiller systems will deliver increased output for two new power generation projects which are expected to be constructed in Colorado, pending approval of the Company's air permit. The plants will be owned by Black Hills Energy - Colorado Electric and Black Hills Colorado IPP. Stellar Energy will provide engineering, procurement and fabrication services for the two generation projects.
Inlet air chilling will be a key feature in boosting energy output for the two generation projects. Stellar Energy will develop chiller modules for the new inlet air chiller systems, which deliver cold glycol to coils at the inlets of combustion gas turbines in order to cool the air entering the compressors of the turbines. The cool, dense air improves turbine heat rate and output on a new or existing plant.
The BHE - Colorado Electric plants will be "peakers" - facilities designed to generate power during periods of high electricity demand, such as the summer months. Stellar Energy's inlet air chiller system will provide cooling capacity for the utility's two General Electric (GE) LMS100 combustion gas turbines, and is the first project to utilize inlet air chillers on the newly developed GE LMS100 turbine. Black & Veatch Corp. is the general engineer for the utility plant construction.
The two Black Hills Colorado IPP plants will be base-load combined-cycle plants. The inlet air chiller systems for the IPP plants will provide cooling capacity for four GE LM6000 combustion gas turbines. An enhanced tube metal material - superior to the standard copper traditionally employed - will be used within the modules, allowing the system to withstand varying water quality over a long period of time. Zachry Engineering Corp. will provide general engineering services for the Black Hills Colorado IPP generation project.
"We feel confident working with Stellar Energy on these two important projects knowing that they guarantee the performance of their inlet air chiller systems," said Mark Lux, vice president and general manager of power delivery for Black Hills Corp. "Stellar Energy offers an excellent combination of efficiency, cost-effectiveness and industry experience."
Stellar Energy has completed its design and engineering, and is currently in the procurement phase for both inlet air chiller projects. Module fabrication is anticipated to be complete in late 2010. A total of eight York centrifugal chillers will provide inlet chilling for the Black Hills projects; the BHE - Colorado Electric plants will be served by two chillers, while the Black Hills Colorado IPP plants will be served by six chillers. Each inlet air chiller system will deliver 3,800 tons of refrigeration. Stellar previously provided an inlet air chiller system for a Black Hills Corp. power plant project in Las Vegas.
About Stellar Energy
Stellar Energy is a global leader in the design, manufacturing, installation and operation of a range of energy systems. The company’s experience spans more than 20 years across the globe, with offices in the United States and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. For more information, visit www.stellar-energy.net, find the company on LinkedIn or follow Stellar Energy on Twitter @Stellar_Energy.
About Black Hills Corp.
Black Hills Corp. - a diversified energy company with a tradition of exemplary service and a vision to be the energy partner of choice - is based in Rapid City, S.D., with corporate offices in Denver and Omaha, Neb. The company serves 763,300 natural gas and electric utility customers in Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming. The company's non-regulated businesses generate wholesale electricity, produce natural gas, oil and coal, and market energy. Black Hills employees partner to produce results that improve life with energy. More information is available at www.blackhillscorp.com.