6 The use of low-speed gas turbines for nuclear power plants is a significant step forward in Russia’s power engineering industry

The development  of the domestic power engineering industry today is impossible without the use of the latest domestically developed ultra-high-capacity power units based on gas and steam turbines.

 

8 120 Years of the Turbina Special Design Bureau

This article is dedicated to the 120th anniversary of the Special Design Bureau for Steam Turbines – Turbina SKB – at the Leningrad Metal Works (Power Machines JSC).

It examines the key stages of its development: from the licensed production of Rato turbines in the early 20th century and the creation of the first domestic cogeneration units – to the postwar boom in nuclear and thermal power engineering.

 

16 Single-cylinder steam turbine of the K-160 type for сombined-cycle plant

The relevance of this article is driven by the need for import substitution and achieving technological sovereignty of the Russian Federation in the field of CCGT plants, as outlined in the Energy Strategy until 2035. The development of high‑capacity CCGT plants requires the creation of new steam turbines adapted to a wide range of climatic conditions, featuring high efficiency and compactness. The aim of this work is to present the results of developing a single‑cylinder condensing module of the K‑160 steam turbine with axial exhaust for a CCGT‑500 combined cycle unit (comprising two GTE‑170 gas turbines), and to describe new design solutions that improve weight, size and operational performance.

The study included numerical simulations of several steam admission configurations (in collaboration with Moscow Power Engineering Institute), computational and experimental investigations of the transition duct and exhaust path (jointly with Saint Petersburg Polytechnic University), as well as bench tests. As a result, the developed K‑160 steam turbine demonstrates high efficiency and maximum power output in its segment combined with compact dimensions, paving the way for the widespread adoption of high‑power single‑cylinder steam turbines for CCGT plants in Russian power generation. The results can be applied in new construction and the retrofitting of thermal power plants.

 

20 New turbine stage designs with blades 665, 880 and 960 mm in length

As part of the development of improved steam turbines for modernization of Thermal Energy, Power Machines JSC has developed new last stages with 665, 880 and 960 mm long moving blades.

The development of new last stages uses design solutions that comply with global level in turbomachinery. Nozzle blades have axial and tangential lean. The diaphragms are equipped with in-channel system for erosive dangerous moisture evacuation. Gap between diaphragm and moving blades in periphery is increased to reduce water droplet erosion of moving blades along the leading edges. Moving blades have integral shrouds and fir-tree roots 880 and 960 mm long moving blades also have integral snubber. The hardening of leading edges of moving blades involves laser hardening by Russian technology.

High efficiency and reliability of new stages have been confirmed by complex computational analysis in wide range of modes, and for stages with 880 mm long blades also by full-scale experiments. The new stages with 665 mm long moving blades are designed for use in PT-65, PT-80, PT-100, T-100 types of steam turbines; with 880 mm long moving blades – in single-cylinder steam turbine in combined-cycle plants; and with 960 mm long moving blades – in K-200, K-300, K-500, K-800 types of steam turbines.

 

26 Calculative study of the impact of regulating valve modernization on turbine operation characteristics

The first part of this paper examines how increasing the seat diameter of a steam turbine control valve and optimizing the steam flow configuration affect its performance. Using the KOMPAS-3D program, a solid-body model of the upgraded valve was created, incorporating design improvements that do not involve fundamental changes to the assembly.

Using the Ansys CFX suite, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models were built for the original and modernized versions, and a comparative analysis was performed. It is shown that the proposed modernization allows for an increase in steam flow rate through the valve while simultaneously reducing total pressure losses.

Based on these results, the second part of this study analyzes the effect of improved valve performance on the operating parameters of the turbine and its auxiliary equipment. It was established that reducing pressure losses in the valve block lowers the required inlet pressure to the control valves and, as a result, reduces steam consumption in the feedwater pump’s turbo-drive extraction.

Calculations were performed to determine the changes in turbine parameters and to assess the economic efficiency of the additional annual electricity generation. It was demonstrated that the implementation of the proposed valve design leads to an increase in the output power of the steam turbine plant, and the economic feasibility of the proposed modernization was confirmed.

 

34 The first domestically produced low-speed nuclear power plant turbine with a capacity exceeding 1.250 MW

The article describes a new half speed turbine with a capacity more than 1250 MW produced by Power Machines JSC. Up-to-date the present half speed turbine is one of the most promising in the world, and its technical characteristics largely exceed the world level and create the basis for further increasing the unit capacity of turbines.

It is shown that the reliability and efficiency of the turbine is ensured due to the large volume of research and development conducted with the participation of third-party organizations and the conducted experimental testing of the most critical components on full-scale stands.

The experimental testing required the creation and modernization of a number of unique stands, including a full-scale stand for testing several last stages of LPC on a scale of 1:2.

In addition, the company's production facilities were significantly expanded and modernized to create the turbine.

Thus, the experience and developments of the domestic design and scientific schools, the creation of unique experimental and production bases allowed to create a competitive steam turbine, and the world-class level of development has also been confirmed by patents for inventions.

 

42 Numerical determinationof the hydraulic resistance of the valve in the turbine backflow protection system

The pressure loss coefficient of a KOS-type check valve, used in a steam turbine backflow protection system, has been determined numerically. The geometric model of the valve’s flow path and the computational domain were created in the Siemens NX CAD system. Numerical simulation of water vapor flow was performed using the ANSYS Fluent software package. Two approaches to turbulence modeling were considered. The first is based on the solution of the Froude-averaged Navier-Stokes equations (RANS). The second approach is the Large Eddy Simulation method (LES WALE), which provides direct resolution of large-scale vortex structures and a more physically sound description of the unsteady turbulent flow structure. It was found that all the models considered qualitatively predict a similar flow structure, but differ significantly in their description of the extent and intensity of the separation zone in the outlet pipe. The influence of the computational domain configuration on the simulation results was investigated. The necessity of complying with the requirements for the experimental setup configuration specified in regulatory and technical documentation was assessed when determining the hydraulic characteristics of a check valve using computational fluid dynamics methods.

 

48 The effect of dissipative lamellar noise dampers on the technical and economic performance of GTU

At present, the power-generation architecture in the Russian Federation is being built up through the commissioning of new combined-cycle gas turbine (CCGT) generating capacities. The choice of highly efficient technologies is explained by a number of advantages of CCGT plants over conventional steam-power equipment (high economic efficiency, environmental friendliness, operational flexibility). However, the operation of such equipment is accompanied by intensive noise. Among the equipment and units at thermal power plants, gas turbine units (GTUs) make the largest contribution to noise pollution. Reducing noise from CCGT power units is an important task because it has a negative impact on the environment, personnel, and adjacent areas (residential zones), and must meet strict sanitary standards. The suction noise from a GTU compressor is the most hazardous to human hearing. For the purpose of acoustic analysis, this study obtained noise characteristics of compressor intakes from CCGT power units with different types of GTUs and examined their impact on the surrounding area when operating without noise silencers.

The most effective solution for reducing compressor intake noise is the use of dissipative panel (plate) silencers, which absorb acoustic energy through a porous sound-absorbing material.

 

56 Storage and separation equipment manufactured by INGK

In 2015, INGK expanded into a new line of business – the design and manufacture of separation and storage equipment.

Currently, the company manufactures various types of such equipment for use in processing plants in the oil, gas, and other industries, with pressures up to 35 MPa and volumes up to 100 m3.

 

60 Dependence of gas-dynamic stability compressor and turbine stages based on operating and geometric parameters

The paper reports a numerical study of the effect of operating and geometric parameters on the formation of recirculation zones in the flow paths of an axial compressor stage and a gas turbine stage of a gas turbine unit. The study considered the twelfth compressor stage and the second turbine stage of a SGT-500 gas turbine unit manufactured by Siemens.

CFD simulations used the k–e turbulence model, with analysis of velocity and pressure fields in blade passages and stage stability limits. The compressor stage is shown to be sensitive to inlet pressure, blade count, and leading-edge wear: a 3.5% pressure drop and a 16% decrease in rotational speed lead to surge with efficiency falling to zero. Under similar conditions, the turbine stage remains operable with a gradual change in efficiency.

Qualitative and quantitative differences in gas-dynamic instability were identified. The obtained relationships can be used to substantiate stability margins, select rational blading, and develop procedures for diagnosing recirculation during GTU operation.

 

66 Intellectual property items in the products of Power Machines JSC: their creation and legal protection.

The article considers the intellectual property items created in the divisions of Power Machines JSC, which are subject to patenting or registration. The created intellectual property items have an official status, which is fixed in the creative job description of an employee of the company. The examples of standard formulations required for inclusion in employment contracts with employees of creative departments are given. The process of identifying official potentially protectable intellectual property items in the framework of patent research is analyzed. The types of patent research in accordance with the company's internal standard and the advantages of conducting patent research over other types of research are given. The tasks solved by patent research, the classification of identified intellectual property items as a result of patent research, and the registration of intellectual property items legal protection are analyzed. Certain advantages of participating in conducted patent research for employees of creative departments are listed.

A new product of JSC Power Machines is presented – the first domestic half-speed turbine set, the world-class development of which is confirmed by patents. The guarantee of patent clearance of new products developed in the company ensures unhindered commercial sale of competitive products when entering sales markets.

 

72 Platform-based development of combined cycle power plants based on modular and digital approaches

The development ofdomestic large- and medium-capacity combined cycle power plants (CCPs) amidtechnological constraints and the need to replace equipment that is obsolete andphysically worn out is a pressing issue today. It is shown that the previous modernization practice, implemented as part of the Capacity Supply Agreements Program (CSA), relied primarily on foreign solutions and custom design tailored to the parameters of each facility, which reduced mass production, increased the labor intensity of design and technological preparation and increased the cost of equipment lifecycle support.

A transition is proposed from the implementation of disparate projects to the development of a limited number of reproducible standard solutions–platforms. The concepts of a TPP profile and a platform are introduced and distinguished. The selection of the combined cycle and the large- and medium-capacity classes is justified. A modular principle for platform formation is outlined, in which the TPP profile is configured froma library of functionally complete module-units with standardized parameters at the interfaces.

 

82 Heat and Electro exhibition – equipment for power  generation & heat supply.

The anniversary exhibition Heat and Power was held, as usual, at the «Timiryazev Center» exhibition complex.

Over the past five years, the event has become an important platform for showcasing cutting-edge developments in the energy sector and companies’ expertise. The exhibition brought together equipment manufacturers from Russia, Belarus, Iran, Indonesia, China, Turkey, and other countries.

 

86 The 4th conference on resource conservation and Improving the reliability of GTU and compressor equipment.

This year, the conference was held at the Moscow Power Engineering Institute. The main topics of discussion were improving the efficiency of air preparation at the gas turbine engine compressor inlet and of GT engine lubricants, reducing operating costs, and enhancing the reliability of hydraulic systems and compressor equipment.

 

88 Hydrogen energy in metallurgy: potential of RDF fuel gasification at the CHP EBS facilities of Severstal PJSC

This article examines the prospects for modernizing the existing industrial combined heat and power plant at the electric blast furnace station (Cherepovets Metallurgical Plant, Severstal PJSC) with the aim of converting it to a trigeneration mode to produce hydrogen as an alternative energy source to natural gas and fuel oil. The objective of the study is to assess the technical feasibility and energy potential of hydrogen production through the gasification of RDF fuel using the existing infrastructure. During the study, an algorithm for selecting the optimal industrial sitebased on the methodology for assessing the potential of existing thermal power plants was applied and adapted for the placement of the hydrogen production complex.

It was established that the territory of the EVS CHP plant fully meets the specified logistical, infrastructural, and technological criteria of this methodology (including the critically important availability of steam reserves meeting the required parameters).

The proposed process flow ensures the simultaneous generation of heat, electricity, and hydrogen required for the decarbonization of the metallurgical industry. Efficiency is assessed by the fuel heat utilization coefficient (FHUC). Simulation results confirm that integrating a synthesis gas cooling unit into the plant’s thermal circuit increases the FHUC and yields a positive energy benefit regardless of the synthesis gas’s initial parameters.

 

96 Penzadizelmash JSC has begun production of a new generation of turbochargers.

The Penzadizelmash plant (part of TMH-Energy Solutions) has successfully completed testing and received a Type Approval Certificate from the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping (RMRS) for its new TK45 series of turbochargers. This significant achievement confirms that the company’s products meet the highest standards of quality and reliability for use on marine vessels.

 

97 The first startup of a gas piston unit was completed at the Chernogorskaya CHP Plant

During the test run, the unit was brought to idle, and its operation was tested under various operating conditions with control measurements of key parameters. The test results revealed no operational deviations. In the near future, test runs of the remaining gas piston units will be conducted at the Chernogorsk Thermal Power Plant, followed by synchronization with the grid. Once the series of test runs is completed and comprehensive testing is carried out, the plant’s main equipment will be ready for operation.

 

98 MGTT company expands equipment service in Russia and Belarus

MGTT specialists continuously service over three dozen high-power gas turbines (2000E and 4000F series) located in Russia and the Republic of Belarus. Their number has grown from 31 in 2023 to 34 in 2025.

 

102 Russia Must Have Its Own Gas Turbine Units with a Capacity Exceeding 500 MW

Gurgen Gurgenovich Olkhovsky has passed away—an outstanding Soviet and Russian scientist who made a significant contribution to the development of thermal power engineering, a corresponding member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and a man whose life was inextricably linked to Russian science and industry. His research enriched the theory of steady-state gas turbine and combined cycle power plants, laid the foundation for further improvements in the industry, and ensured the reliable and economical operation of power generation equipment throughout the country.

 

108  From 1883 to 1906

1883

K. E. Tsiolkovsky’s Description of an Interplanetary Spacecraft

In 1883 (February 20–April 13), Konstantin Eduardovich Tsiolkovsky prepared the manuscript “Free Space”—the first scientific work on spaceflight—in which he described an interplanetary spacecraft equipped with a jet engine. The teacher from Borovsk defined “free space” as a region of weak gravity where flight without support is possible, and justified jet propulsion: “A spacecraft for travel into free space… will serve to propel a person… through absolute vacuum without a path.”

 

112 Nuclear Power Plant