The Impact of Conventional Power Block Startup Procedures on the Fatigue Behavior of Drum Materials

Abstract

Varying demands for electricity within the energy sector require the modification of operating modes to ensure both an uninterrupted electricity supply and the upholding of safety standards. This paper presents a method for the prediction of drum fatigue life, via the local analysis of stress–strain fields and low-cycle fatigue tests of the drum material. The analysis compares the fatigue properties of an unused material and a material that has undergone many years of operation. In addition, this paper suggests drum operating conditions based on the results of load testing under industrial conditions. The drum model was developed on the basis of technical documentation. The analysis includes the calculations of time-dependent temperature distributions, stresses, and strains for various drum startup modes. The drum material fatigue properties are determined under low-cycle conditions. Using the modeling results and fatigue properties, predictions of drum life for different startup modes are presented. The paper summarizes the impact of a range of startup procedures and the drum material fatigue properties on the fatigue life of a working drum, under various mechanical and thermal loads. In addition, this paper proposes a methodological approach to fatigue life assessment, as a combination of multiple research methods.