December 9, 2004

BAKERSFIELD, CA - On 9 December 2004, CES achieved a major milestone in its program to demonstrate zero-emission electrical power when the Kimberlina Power Plant’s Gas Generator created its “first steam” at a significant (20%) power level. This event marks both the culmination of CES’ conversion of a bio-mass power plant to support the CES zero-emission gas generator and a significant step forward in CES zero-emission power plant demonstration program. Efforts are now focused on generating the site’s first electricity.

Background Power Plant Information

In August 2003, CES acquired an idle 5.5 MW biomass plant from The AES Corporation. The power plant is located in Kern County, CA, approximately 18 miles north of Bakersfield at the Kimberlina Road exit. Due to air quality restrictions, the facility (Fig 1) had been out-of-service since 1986 but was in very good mechanical condition.

CES planned to initially use the plant as a demonstration facility for CES’ gas generator and control system. Subsequent gas generator work is expected to utilize alternative synthetic gas fuels, including those derived from coal- and biomass gasification.

In addition to internal company resources, CES obtained funding and project support for the Kimberlina Power Plant demonstration from the California Energy Commission, U.S. Department of Energy, Air Liquide America, and Mirant Corporation.

The CES gas generator, developed in part under the US Department of Energy’s Vision 21 Program, was installed at Kimberlina in June 2004 (Fig 2). Upgrades and improvements to plant subsystems (including piping, controls, electrical) were finished in October. Significant new components included a natural gas compressor, oxygen system, feed water pump, and a new condenser for the steam turbine. All major systems have now been commissioned except the new condenser (scheduled for early 2005).

A high-pressure natural gas compressor was commissioned in early September (Fig 3). It consisted of a new metering system, gas compressor skid, and pressure regulating / relief valves.

Oxygen system installation began in August, and following extended testing, was commissioned in November 2004. Fig 4 shows blow-down of the cryogenic storage tank with nitrogen to ensure its cleanliness during commissioning.

Figure 4—Oxygen Tank “blow-down”

The 11,000 gallon oxygen system receives liquid oxygen by truck, pumps the liquid to high pressure, vaporizes it, and supplies gaseous oxygen under high-pressure to the Gas Generator. Eventually, the oxygen system will be supplemented by an Air Separation Unit to make oxygen on site. The oxygen system (Fig 5) is surrounded by security fencing, cameras, and an advanced (UV/IR) fire detection system.

Figure 5—Oxygen Storage, Pumping, and Vaporization System

Similarly, a new, high-pressure feed water pump and de-mineralized water tank, with associated piping and controls, was installed in July. The unit was subsequently commissioned in August (Fig 6).

Figure 6—High-Pressure Feed Water Pump

Cold-flow tests of the gas generator’s oxygen, natural gas, and cooling water circuits were performed in September and October. These tests validated the gas generator’s control system performance and calibrated gas generator valve timing (Fig 7). Igniter circuit tests followed in early November and first ignition was achieved on November 11th. Ignition testing concluded November 23rd following five - in - a - row demonstration.

Figure 7—5 MW Gas Generator

CES began a work-up to full power, “hot-fire” tests of the gas generator on Dec 6th. A significant milestone, “first steam” at low-load (20% power) was reached three days later on Dec 9th. Gas generator testing in a “stand-alone” mode (gas generator not connected to the steam turbo-generator and all steam exhausted through a by-pass stack) will be conducted until the full range of gas generator operations have been demonstrated. Thereafter, the gas generator will be interconnected to the Elliott steam turbine (Fig 8) and CES will be ready to generate electrical power.

Figure 8—Elliott 5.5MW Steam Turbine, Reduction Gear, and Electrical Generator

A new condenser (Fig 9) and a liquid ring vacuum pump to remove carbon dioxide will be installed early in January 2005. This new condenser will enable sustained output of electrical power to the grid. During the first phase of plant demonstration, CO2 will be vented to atmosphere.

Figure 9—Alstom Condenser prior to installation

The Kimberlina Power Plant team is led by Terry Chiles, a former facility manager for General Electric with more than twenty years experience. Terry’s experience includes 17 years in the US Merchant Marine as Chief Engineer aboard various steam and diesel ships and land-based power plant experience at coal, natural gas, and biomass facilities in the United States, Brazil, and India. Test Manager Andrew Volondin is a former General Electric engineer with a Master’s degree in power plant engineering. He has worked in nuclear power plants, natural gas co-generation facilities, hydrogen plants and is expert in control systems design and implementation. Heath Evenson joined CES in July as Operations Supervisor. Heath began his career in the US Navy aboard nuclear submarines, and is a graduate of the Naval Nuclear Power School. He also has worked at a coal-fired co-generation plant in the operations department. Plant administrative functions are handled by Frances Landrum, who previously was the Plant Administrator at an Edison Mission Energy cogeneration facility with more than 60 employees. This team is responsible for the daily operation of the Kimberlina power plant, which will be the long-term test facility for future systems development.

(Last updated 12.16.04)