ML13086A171

LTR-13-0254 - E-mail. Tom Gurdziel Concerns Using the San Onofre Generators as Synchronous Condensers

ML13086A171
Person / Time
Site:	Nine Mile Point, San Onofre
Issue date:	03/22/2013
From:	Tom Gurdziel - No Known Affiliation
To:	Macfarlane A NRC/Chairman
References
LTR-13-0254
Download: ML13086A171 (2)

Text

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY CORRESPONDENCE CONTROL TICKET Date Printed:Mar 25, 2013 12:35 PAPER NUMBER: LTR- 13-0254 LOGGING DATE: 03/25/2013 ACTION OFFICE:

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AUTHOR: Tom Gurdziel 0tJ AFFILIATION:

ADDRESSEE: CHRM Allison Macfarlane (Chairman Resource)

SUBJECT:

Concerns using the San Onofre Generators as Synchronous Condensers ACTION: Appropriate DISTRIBUTION: RF, SECY has Ack.

LETTER DATE: 03/22/2013 ACKNOWLEDGED Yes SPECIAL HANDLING:

NOTES:

FILE LOCATION: ADAMS DATE DUE: DATE SIGNED:

Joosten, Sandy From: Tom Gurdziel [tgurdziel@twcny.rr.com]

Sent: Friday, March 22, 2013 10:12 PM To: CHAIRMAN Resource Cc: Uldis Vanags; Bridget Frymire; newal; thenry; ipenn@tampabay.com

Subject:

Using the San Onofre Generators as Synchronous Condensers Hello, '

I believe that those big main electric generators at power stations can be used as synchronous condensers. This allows adjustment of "vars" on the electric grid. In fact, I recall being told that Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation set up one of its 6 fossil steam plants in the city of Oswego, NY exactly in this way after Nine Mile Point Unit 2 was put into service.

My understanding is that the generator turns at the normal speed, (1800 rpm or 3600 rpm), is (first) disconnected from the turbine, and changing excitation changes vars. That's the extent of my knowledge, except that auxiliaries such as stator cooling, hydrogen pressure and cooling, and lubricating oil flow/pressure are also needed.

I guess the question is this: if the California Independent System Operator looks forward to seeing non-generating Huntington Beach units converted into synchronous condensers to provide the grid with voltage support, why aren't they looking to San Onofre as well?

Thank you, Tom Gurdziel 1