Midland Cogeneration Venture
Project Specs:
- Location: Midland, MI
- Project Complete: August 2, 020
- Type of Plant: Combined Heat and Power
- Fuel Type: Natural Gas
- Megawatts: 35 MW
- Main Electrical Driver: 15 MW CTG, 15 MW HRSG: 5 MW STG
- Design Type: Engineer of Record
Midland Cogeneration Venture’s (MCV) power plant performance metrics indicated an unexpected but slight loss in power plant thermal efficiency. MCV contracted with Commonwealth Associates for consulting engineering and field investigative services to identify thermal system losses and then theoretically quantify these losses in an attempt to explain the new efficiency losses experienced under normal operations.
Applying a trained eye was necessary for project success. The expansive search required an intuitive If / Then approach to discovering, evaluating, and then recommending determined areas within the plant that may require further investigation or betterment.
Commonwealth consultants performed technical due diligence in support of the theoretical and onsite investigation.
Working with MCV staff, Commonwealth conducted a three-day field investigation to determine likely contributors to the plant loss in system efficiency. Commonwealth recorded thermal measurements of systems and equipment in search of steam losses through system control valves, steam traps, and degraded equipment insulation. The consultants also performed data-driven analysis, seeking divergences from common historical trends and identifying operational anomalies that may be candidates for further evaluation.
At the project’s end, Commonwealth provided a summary evaluation and reported our findings to MCV for actionable next steps and plant improvement opportunities. The team’s extensive knowledge and experience in power plant system design were key in providing MCV with a valued consulting engineering service and a successful project result.
