Adaptation of steam turbine to operation with biomass fired boiler

This paper presents experience connected with steam turbine retrofits and particularly specific issues related to retrofit combined with adaptation of existing steam turbine to operation with biomass-fired boiler. A new biomass-fired boiler which is dimensioned to suit the footprint of a hard coal-fired boiler has usually lower capacity comparing to the existing solution. The retrofit shall take into consideration an appropriate decrease of HP turbine swallowing capacity. At the same time Purchaser expects a solution which would allow in future to increase live steam flow into the turbine, should it be necessary to switch back to firing hard coal. Using a throttle-bypass control with live steam constant pressure is the essence of 13K215 turbine retrofit, Unit 8 in Polaniec Power Plant.