Thermal stress computation for steam-electric generator dispatch

Calculation of thermal stress in loading and unloading steam-electric generators can permit dispatch at higher ramp rates without increasing turbine rotor fatigue. The calculations are made from a thermal model of the rotor that does not require temperature sensors. The equations are validated against the fatigue index curves provided by turbine manufacturers. Examples are presented to show the advantage of using this model for dispatch and for the retrospective analysis of power output records