Power and MW Augmentation Services

Athos Energy Solutions (AES) offers advanced power augmentation and MW augmentation services designed to optimize gas turbine performance and increase power output. Our solutions leverage cutting-edge technologies to enhance plant efficiency and capacity without requiring extensive capital investments.

Core Augmentation Technologies:

• Inlet air cooling systems
• Compressor washing optimization
• Advanced control system integration
• Hybrid renewable energy solutions

AES’s augmentation services are tailored to address specific plant requirements, environmental conditions, and operational constraints. Implementation is executed with minimal disruption to existing operations, ensuring rapid deployment and accelerated ROI realization.

Our proprietary algorithms and predictive models enable precise calibration of augmentation systems, maximizing power output across varying ambient conditions and load profiles.

AES’s solutions consistently deliver measurable performance improvements, typically ranging from 5% to 15% increased output, depending on site-specific factors and selected augmentation strategies.

Key Benefits of AES Power Augmentation Solutions

Enhanced Power Output and Efficiency

AES’s augmentation technologies deliver substantial improvements in gas turbine performance. Output gains of 5-15% are routinely achieved through optimized inlet conditions and enhanced compressor efficiency. Turbine heat rate reductions of up to 2% have been documented, resulting in improved plant economics.

Capital-Efficient Capacity Expansion

Augmentation solutions offer a cost-effective alternative to greenfield plant construction. Implementation costs typically range from $100-300/kW, significantly lower than new-build costs of $700-1000/kW for simple cycle plants. ROI is generally realized within 12-24 months of deployment.

Environmental Compliance Enhancement

AES’s augmentation technologies facilitate improved emissions profiles. Optimized combustion conditions can achieve NOx reductions of up to 10%. CO2 intensity decreases proportionally to efficiency gains, supporting compliance with increasingly stringent environmental regulations.

Competitive Market Positioning

Augmented plants exhibit improved dispatching economics, enhancing market competitiveness. Heat rate improvements translate directly to reduced fuel costs, while capacity increases allow for greater revenue generation during peak demand periods. Augmented assets typically see a 3-5% improvement in capacity factor.

AES Augmentation Approach

Customized Solution Development

AES employs a proprietary multi-parametric optimization model to tailor augmentation solutions. Site-specific factors are incorporated, including ambient conditions, plant configuration, and operational constraints. Solutions are iteratively refined using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations to maximize performance gains.

Cutting-Edge Technology Integration

Advanced augmentation technologies are seamlessly integrated into existing plant systems:

• Evaporative coolers with multi-stage media and intelligent water management
• Fogging systems utilizing high-pressure nozzles (2000+ psi) for ultra-fine mist generation
• Inlet chilling employing absorption or mechanical refrigeration cycles
• Online compressor washing systems with optimized detergent formulations
• Model Predictive Control (MPC) algorithms for real-time performance optimization

Non-Intrusive Implementation

Augmentation system installation is executed with minimal impact on plant operations:

• Modular design allows for rapid assembly and integration
• Pre-fabricated components reduce on-site construction time
• Hot tap connections enable tie-ins without full plant shutdown
• The phased commissioning approach allows for incremental performance validation

Implementation is typically completed within 2-4 weeks, depending on the scope of augmentation. Full capacity restoration is achieved within 24 hours of system activation, with augmented performance realized immediately thereafter.

ROI and Financial Impact of AES Augmentation

Payback Period Analysis

AES augmentation solutions demonstrate rapid return on investment:

• Typical payback period: 12-24 months
• NPV positive: Within the first year of operation 85% of implementations
• IRR range: 40-60% for standard augmentation packages

Financial Metrics:

• Average CapEx: $150-250/kW of incremental capacity
• Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) reduction: 3-7%

Long-Term Cost Savings

Augmentation yields sustained economic benefits:

• Fuel cost reduction: 1-2% per annum due to heat rate improvements
• O&M cost optimization: $0.5-1.0/MWh reduction through enhanced reliability
• Capacity payment increase: 5-15%, dependent on market structure

Revenue Enhancement

• Incremental energy sales: $500k-2M annually per 100 MW of base capacity
• Ancillary service provision: Up to $1M/year for 100 MW unit in frequency regulation markets

Financial Risk Mitigation

• Heat rate insurance: AES offers performance guarantees backed by third-party underwriting
• Carbon cost hedging: Improved efficiency reduces exposure to carbon pricing mechanisms

Long-Term Value Creation

Over a 10-year horizon, typical augmentation projects deliver:

• Cumulative cash flow increase: $20-40M per 100 MW of base capacity
• Asset value appreciation: 10-15% increase in plant market valuation
• Extended economic viability: 3-5 year increase in projected plant lifetime

AES employs Monte Carlo simulation techniques to provide robust financial projections that account for market volatility and operational uncertainties. As part of the augmentation proposal package, clients receive detailed pro forma financial statements and sensitivity analyses.

Why Choose AES for Power Augmentation

Proven Expertise and Track Record

AES leverages over two decades of power augmentation experience:

• 200+ successful implementations across diverse plant configurations
• Cumulative capacity increase of 3,500+ MW achieved through augmentation
• Industry-leading performance gains, consistently exceeding OEM specifications
• A multi-disciplinary team of turbine experts, control systems engineers, and CFD specialists

Demonstrated Augmentation Performance:

• Average output increase: 8.7%
• Average heat rate improvement: 1.5%
• Typical payback period: 18 months

Commitment to Sustainability

AES integrates sustainability principles throughout the augmentation process:

• Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) conducted for all proposed solutions
• Water-efficient designs with closed-loop systems and advanced filtration
• Hybrid augmentation options incorporating renewable energy sources
• Emissions reduction strategies aligned with IFC Performance Standards

Client-Centric Approach

AES employs a collaborative methodology tailored to client needs:

• Comprehensive site audits to identify plant-specific optimization opportunities
• Real-time performance monitoring with secure client data portals
• 24/7 remote support from AES’s Augmentation Control Center
• Performance guarantee contracts with clearly defined KPIs
• Technology transfer and operator training programs

AES maintains ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 certifications, ensuring consistent quality and environmental management across all projects. Our augmentation solutions fully comply with NERC CIP standards for critical infrastructure protection.

Key Takeaways

AES’s Power and MW Augmentation solutions offer a proven path to enhanced plant performance, increased profitability, and improved environmental compliance. Our tailored approach, leveraging cutting-edge technologies and decades of expertise, ensures optimal results with minimal operational disruption.

Contact AES today to unlock your plant’s full potential and gain a competitive edge in the evolving energy landscape.

Ready to Boost Your Power Output? Let’s Talk.