Kaeser Compressors supplied four rotary screw compressors to one of the
world’s most efficient simple-cycle gas turbines at the Kwinana Power Station
in Western Australia.
The new Kaeser DSG-2 series dry-running rotary screw compressors are
supplying absolutely clean compressed air free of oil, water and dirt
contaminants to the power station.
Located 40 kilometres south of Perth, Synergy’s Kwinana Power Station
(KPS) is connected by 66,000 volt, 132,000 volt and 330,000 volt
transmission lines to the South West Interconnected System (SWIS), the primary
electricity grid in Western Australia (WA). KPS is capable of burning coal,
natural gas and oil as fuel.
UGL was commissioned in 2012 by Synergy to build two high efficiency gas
turbines (HEGTs) on the Kwinana site to replace two decommissioned 120 MW
steam powered generators. Requiring absolutely clean compressed air to aid the
operation of the new HEGTs, UGL called upon Kaeser Compressors Australia to
supply the compressors.
UGL chose four Kaeser DSG-2 series dry-running rotary screw compressors.
Jeff Coyle, Engineering Manager at Kaeser Compressors Australia explained that
UGL had very explicit clean air requirements for the turbines, which were met
by the DSG-2 series dry-running screw compressors from Kaeser.
Kaeser’s proven DSG-2 series dry-running rotary screw compressors produce
high quality, oil-free and ultra-efficient compressed air at all times. The
tried and tested dry-running, two-stage rotary screw airend in the compressor provides
optimum performance and dependability, ensuring maximum efficiency throughout
its entire service life.
Two Kaeser compressed air stations were subsequently installed next to
each HEGT. Each station consists of two Kaeser DSG 220-2 dry-running rotary
screw compressors, two desiccant dryers, a 13000L capacity air receiver, a
Sigma Air Manager and carbon filters.
Matthew Weston, Site Manager at Synergy’s Kwinana Power Station comments
that the compressors help keep the turbines’ bearings in position during
operation and cool-down. Low pressure clean air is also used for insulation
purposes during isolated phase bus operations.
Despite the arid climate in WA, these compressors are able to run
smoothly at ambient temperatures of 45°C or higher. One compressor in each
station is run continuously with the other providing full standby cover. The
machines are rotated regularly to maximise lifecycle and efficiency of the
station. According to Coyle, the compressors will meet or exceed the life of
the HEGTs.
Powerful, durable and efficient, the Kaeser DSG-2 series dry-running
screw compressors feature water- or air-cooling as required with drive
powers up to 355 kW and free air deliveries from 13.5 up to 50 m³/min (fixed
speed) or 6.8 to 51.8 m³/min (frequency controlled).