PTC INQ.

#05-02

TECHNICAL INQUIRY
PTC 6 – 1996

SUBJECT: Test Result Comparison To Guarantee Heat Rate On A Steam Turbine Performance Test

QUESTION:

A PTC 6 performance test was carried out on a 660 MW steam turbine with 4 control valves.
The guaranteed heat rate was based on valve points under T-MCR load. The tests were only run at two
test points, VWO and 3VWO. In this case, the only possible test result curve of corrected power versus
heat rate is a straight line connecting the points. The reference load, T-MCR, at which the heat rate was
guaranteed, lies between the two test points.
In this case, can the straight line connecting the two corrected test heat rate points be used for
performance comparison at T-MCR?
An alternative would be to draw a curve parallel to the design-load-versus-heat-rate curve
through the two test points to obtain from it the performance value at T-MCR.
Since the two comparison methods are different and deliver different results, which is the correct
comparison method?

ANSWER

Both proposed solutions mentioned in the question are technically incorrect (drawing a straight
line between two points and drawing a parallel to the guaranteed curve through the test points).

Refer to the attached curve.

It is assumed that the guaranteed performance was defined on either curve *2) (typical case), or
*1) or *3) (for guarantees with control valves in throttling position). The comparison implicit in the
question is the difference between the performance at *6) and that specified at *5) or *4). If intermediate
load points are guaranteed with a control valve in a throttling position, then curves *1) and/or *3) must
also be guaranteed.

The function connecting the test points at VWO and at VP3 is neither linear nor necessarily
parallel to any of the possible guaranteed performance curves (*1, *2, or *3*). Please refer to para. 5.2
of PTC 6 and to PTC 6A (e.g. Figs. 3.1, 6.1, 6A.1, 7.2, 8.15, 9.1 etc.) for guidance on the correct
comparison procedure and for examples indicating this.

Two sets of points do not provide sufficient information for a conclusive answer to your inquiry.

On the subject of any commercial issues between the parties to a test, refer to para. 1.4.3: “Any
departure from Code requirements must be agreed upon in writing and must conform to the intent of the
Code. In the absence of written agreement, the Code requirements shall be mandatory”.

If a test has not been carried out as per the Code and/or if not enough information was gained
from testing, PTC 6 cannot be used to “correct” for the deficit. The parties must reach an agreement
outside the framework of the Code.
1
 *2) valve point locus curve
(minimum throttling)

*3) limiting curve of

maximum throttling

*1) valve loop curve

VP2
Hear rate or steam rate

VP3

*4)
*5)

*6) test curve from a series VWO

of valve points

test results at valve points *6)

Power output T-MCR

Fig. TI PTC 6 #05-02