Operation of steam turbines under blade failures during the summer peak load periods

This paper presents a discussion of practical experience related to the study of a cogeneration system where one of the four steam units occurs a failure of the low-pressure blades during peak load times of the summer months in Taiwan in the year 2007. This study investigates various scenarios consisting of shutting down the damaged unit for repairs and having continued operation of the unit by removing the low-pressure blades and replacing the stationary blade ring with buffer boards. Based on the simulation results, the numerical model has reflected strong agreement with the critical decisions made to operate the damaged unit continuously in a time of the blade failure.