Anupam Narula

The rapid increase of renewable generation and its anticipated continued growth requires greater operational flexibility in modern power systems. One of the methods to increase flexibility in the generation side is to enhance existing generators such as combined-cycle natural gas power plants which, are widely used. Potential flexibility upgrades to existing thermal plants include modifications that enable faster ramp rates, increase maximum load levels, decrease minimum load levels, and provide faster and lower cost startup operations. This research analyzes the effect that specific flexibility upgrades have on the operation of existing natural gas power plants and the value associated with these enhancements. In this research, we apply a unit commitment model to analyze the impact that each specific upgrade has on their operational dynamics and profitability from both the system perspective and from the asset owner perspective.

The research publication, The Impacts of Distinct Flexibility Enhancements on the Value and Dynamics of Natural Gas Power Plant Operations, is available on IEEE Xplore as an Early Access paper, The Impacts of Distinct Flexibility Enhancements on the Value and Dynamics of Natural Gas Power Plant Operations | IEEE Journals & Magazine | IEEE Xplore

Biography:

Anupam Narula is the Services Competitiveness Leader for Heavy Duty Product Management, GE Gas Power. His recent focus has been on the value of flexible generation for both system operators and generators as renewable generation increases. Anupam received the B.S. degree in computer engineering from Carnegie Mellon University, M.S.E. degree in electrical engineering from University of Michigan-Dearborn, and M.B.A. from Duke University.

Bob Bellis

Biography:

Bob Bellis is a Principal Engineer, Customer Application Engineering, GE Gas Power. He has 25+ years of combined cycle power plant controls, digital product management, engineering management, and energy markets experience. Prior to joining GE, Bob was an officer in U.S. Navy serving at the headquarters of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion program. Bob received the B.S. and M.S. degrees in mechanical engineering from MIT, and a Master of Engineering Administration from Virginia Tech.