Once Through Steam Generators (OTSGs) are used in the Alberta Oilsands because they are tolerant of poor-quality water.
They are also used to generate superheated steam for power generation.
OTSGs are built to withstand rapid starts and fast load changes. However, the control system may not be able to keep the steam temperature on setpoint. The dead time for the steam temperature response requires sluggish controller tuning.
KDC developed an inferential control strategy that eliminates the dead time for measuring superheated steam temperature. We validated the performance of a feedback controller with our CFD model.
Our control strategy should allow your power plant to manage large load changes and keep the outlet steam temperature within acceptable limits.
Contact us if you would like to test this control strategy in your power plant.
References
- Kevin Dorma, “Superheated OTSG Water Side Dynamics” 2025 Alberta Chief Power Engineers Education Conference, Edmonton, Alberta, October 29, 2025.
- Kevin Dorma, “OTSG Training Course,” presented at COSIA meeting, Calgary, Alberta, March 16, 2016.
- Kevin Dorma, “Using a Computational Fluid Dynamics Model to Unlock the Potential for More Reliable Once-Through Steam Generator Steam Quality Control,” World Heavy Oil Congress, Edmonton, AB (2015).
- Kevin Dorma, “Understanding the Steam Side Dynamics of Once Through Steam Generators,” Oil Sands and Heavy Oil Technology Conference, Calgary, AB (2009).