Tyr Energy is an investor and developer of North American independent power projects (IPPs). As such, Tyr Energy – a subsidiary of ITOCHU Corporation – currently owns and operates more than 15 IPPs all over North America. ITOCHU also have independent power facilities in Europe and Asia. In early 2013, the company acquired the state-of-the-art Plains End I & II power plant located close to Denver, Colorado, USA. The plant ensures grid stability and supports the regional renewable portfolio by providing peak load, standby and emergency operating modes for a large part of the Colorado area, extending out to surrounding states. The Plains End power plant provides a total combined output of 231 MW – from 20 Wärtsilä 18V34SG engines (Plains End I) and 14 Wärtsilä 20V34SG engines (Plains End II) –making it the world’s largest natural gas-fired peaking power plant with reciprocating engines.
The Plains End power plant is located at an altitude of 6150 feet (1845 m) above sea level with an average air temperature of 97°F (36°C). On top dealing with these ambient requirements, a second key factor in the purchase decision was that the new plant could cope with the sudden load swings which frequently occur due to the high proportion of intermittent winddriven generating capacity in the Colorado area.
Upgrading Plains End II to Wärtsilä’s 0.9% pre-chamber provided extra room for improved efficiency and stable emissions. In Wärtsilä 34SG engines, for example, pre-chambers are now an effective tool for optimising combustion dynamics, which can be seen in improved engine performance and a better balance between the heat rate and NOx emissions. Wärtsilä’s pre-chambers play a key role in providing efficient and reliable combustion. In Wärtsilä 34SG engines, for example, they are now an effective tool for optimising combustion dynamics, which can be seen in improved engine performance and a better balance between the heat rate and NOx emissions.
The new prechamber represents the latest design based upon advanced, three-dimensional, computerised fluid dynamics.
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