Power On Demand — Fast and Efficient
_30.jpg "GE Digital (GE) (General Electric) Logo")
Company Size
1,000+
Region
- America
Country
- United States
Product
- OpFlex Fast Start software
Tech Stack
- Software Modification
Implementation Scale
- Enterprise-wide Deployment
Impact Metrics
- Cost Savings
- Environmental Impact Reduction
Technology Category
- Application Infrastructure & Middleware - API Integration & Management
Applicable Industries
- Utilities
Applicable Functions
- Maintenance
Use Cases
- Energy Management System
Services
- Software Design & Engineering Services
About The Customer
Platte River Power Authority is a not-for-profit wholesale electricity generation and transmission provider based in Colorado. The company's Rawhide Energy Station has a capacity of 668 MW and consists of a primary coal-fired unit with four GE 7EA gas turbines as peaking and backup units. The company also uses additional power sources such as coal, hydro, and wind. Platte River Power Authority is committed to maintaining strict emissions controls while also hedging against short-term market pricing fluctuations.
The Challenge
Platte River Power Authority, a not-for-profit wholesale electricity generation and transmission provider in Colorado, faced a challenge. The company's 668 MW Rawhide Energy Station consists of a primary coal-fired unit with four GE 7EA gas turbines as peaking and backup units. Additional power sources include coal, hydro, and wind. Platte River required a backup for its primary unit as well as a backup for any other operating sources. Additionally, they wanted a hedge against short-term market pricing fluctuations, while maintaining strict emissions controls.
The Solution
To meet Platte River's goals, GE installed its OpFlex Fast Start software solution on two of the four GE 7EA, 65 MW gas units. This software-only modification allows for rapid starting and loading of the gas turbines, with a guarantee of 90% base load within 10 minutes, while reducing fuel burn and start-up emissions. The solution was designed to provide a quick and efficient backup for Rawhide’s primary unit and for system emergencies, while also addressing the company's need for a hedge against short-term market pricing fluctuations.
Operational Impact
Quantitative Benefit
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