POWER April 2017 - 2

Strategies for Small Hydro Upgrades
48
Upgrading older, small hydropower facilities isn't always easy to justify, but
new technology can make enhancements worthwhile. Modern modular systems
can decrease construction time and complexity, while turbine and generator
refurbishments can lead to big efficiency improvements.
Simplify Outage Planning to Increase Collaboration
A lot of work goes into planning power plant outages. Defining work scopes,
reviewing budgets, evaluating bids, and issuing purchase orders are all steps
along the way. Getting teams engaged in the process is vital to success. One
method that has worked well at some NRG Energy sites involves asking
straightforward questions that drive accountability.
The Oft-Neglected Isolated Phase Bus Deserves Your Attention
48
The isolated phase bus is a critical system that is frequently overlooked during
power plant outages. Performing a thorough inspection during minor
downtime can allow potential problems to be identified so repair and retrofit
work can be planned for and carried out during major outages.
SPECIAL REPORT: CYBERSECURITY
Cybersecurity: Keeping Current on a Moving Target
If you found a USB drive lying on the ground, would you use it? Surprisingly,
the answer for many people, including some highly trained IT professionals,
is " Yes. " If you think air-gaps and firewalls will keep your power plant safe,
think again!
NUCLEAR
U.S. Nuclear: From Hope to Despair
56
Not long ago, the future seemed bright for the U.S. nuclear power industry;
many power companies extended plant licenses and contemplated new
nuclear construction. That has all changed. Regulated markets and subsidies
may keep some plants viable, but it appears more is needed to save the industry.
Is a carbon tax the answer?
LUBRICATION
High-Performance Oil Reduces Varnish and Saves Money for Gas Turbine
Power Plant
Lube oil systems in peaking power plants can be more susceptible to varnish
deposits because of the cyclic circulation of hotter and cooler oil. Varnish
degrades performance and can cause erratic valve operation. One new lube
oil formulation proved successful in countering the problem during a fiveyear
test run at a dual-unit gas turbine plant. (Visit powermag.com and search
" High-Performance Oil " for this online-only exclusive!)
COMMENTARY
Reports of the Electric Grid's Death Have Been Greatly Exaggerated 68
By Russell P. Schussler, PE; and Jill S. Tietjen, PE; Georgia Transmission Corp.
60
GET THE LATEST POWER NEWS AND INFORMATION AT POWERMAG.COM
CONNECT WITH POWER
If you like POWER magazine, follow us online
for timely industry news and comments.
Become our fan at facebook.com/
POWERmagazine
Follow us on Twitter
@POWERmagazine
Join the LinkedIn POWER magazine
Group and the Women in Power
Generation Group
2
■ Draft Trump Budget Proposes Major Cuts in EPA, DOE Programs
■ Texas Sues Federal Agencies to Force Action on Yucca Mountain
■ Coal Industry Urges Trump to Continue Funding Fossil Energy Research
■ Nuclear Industry Hopeful Congress Will Resolve Spent Nuclear Fuel Impasse
■ New EPA Chief Scott Pruitt Sets Out to Restrain Agency
■ Fukushima Cleanup Hitting Snags as Robot Probes Fail
■ India Moves to Boost Oil, Gas Production to Bolster Future Renewables Additions
■ Minnesota Governor Allows Xcel to Bypass Utility Commission Oversight for Major
Gas-Fired Plant
■ Odds Are Against a Coal Comeback, Duke CEO Says
■ Six Years After Fukushima, Only Three Reactors Operating in Japan, More Poised
to Restart
www.powermag.com
POWER | April 2017
60
54
51
56
http://www.powermag.com http://www.POWERMAG.COM http://www.facebook.com/ http://www.powermag.com
POWER April 2017

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of POWER April 2017
