March 10, 2023

Understanding VARs (without using math)

(This article was originally published on 6/25/2018 as “VARs Explained in 300 Words, Without Equations or Vector Analysis.” Some edits have been made.) In my experience […]
October 31, 2022

MWh Generation Cost Factors

Several factors affect the cost of generating one Mega-Watt hour (MWh) of electricity in a power plant; each is discussed in the following paragraphs.  A power […]
July 25, 2022

The Argument for a Qualification Standard for your Power Plant

A well-developed and managed qualification standard (qualification program) is essential to ensuring safe and efficient operations of any power plant. The need for an investment in […]
April 11, 2022

Generator Operations

Generator Conditions Many large AC generators operate in the bulk electric system (BES), each feeding power to the system.  Each generator must satisfy three conditions in […]
January 20, 2022

Overview of Boiler Pressure (Turbine Throttle Pressure) Control

Boiler steam pressure is controlled to maintain the desired throttle pressure at the high pressure (HP) turbine inlet.  The boiler outlet pressure is slightly higher than […]
January 10, 2022

Fossil Consulting Services President Herman Stone Begins Retirement

Co-Founder Herman Stone Begins Retirement Today, Fossil Consulting Services (FCS) announces the retirement of company founder and president Herman Stone. Stone founded FCS in 1995 with […]
November 16, 2021

Heat Rate Cost – Part 2: Impact of Increased Renewables

This blog is Part 2 of a three-part series.  Part 1 covered the impact of fuel cost on heat rate.  This blog covers the impact of […]
March 19, 2021

Energy Storage on the Electric Grid

Electric grid designers and operators increasingly look at energy storage as an essential tool in improving and maintaining grid reliability and flexibility. Energy can be stored […]