Gas-turbine plant for peak-load generation and synchronous compensation. A review of the installations for the CEGB

The paper discusses the large peak-load gas-turbine plant installed by the CEGB to meet expected generating-plant deficiency in the winter of 1964–65. A total of 12 machines, with an aggregate output of 724 MW, installed in six new gas-turbine stations, formed the programme. Similar plant was also ordered by the South of Scotland Electricity Board. The machines utilise aircraft jet engines as gas generators and are equipped with clutches to facilitate synchronous-compensator operation. Previous experience with this type of equipment being limited, a brief description of the plant is given, together with some of the more important design problems. The gas-turbine stations are intended to be unmanned; automatic runup and synchronising facilities are provided, together with control from a point remote from the station. Noise problems associated with jet engines are well known, and suitable acoustic measures were adopted. The use made by the CEGB of the plant is reflected in the operating experience which has accumulated, the more important aspects of which are described in the paper.