Gas Turbine Handbook : Principles and Practices

Case Study #3 261
Chapter 16
Case Study #3
Case study #3 discusses the addition of a thermal energy storage
plant to enhance output of this combined-cycle-cogeneration
plant by cooling the gas turbine inlet air to 43 degrees F.
GILROY ENERGY: DESIGNED, OPERATED AND
MAINTAINED FOR CUSTOMER SATISFACTION
David B. Pearson, Plant Manager/Cogeneration Operations Manager,
Bechtel Power Corp., Gilroy Energy Cogeneration Facility, Gilroy, Calif.
Gilroy Energy Co. (GEC), a 120-megawatt, combined cycle cogeneration
plant in Gilroy, Calif., is designed, operated and maintained
to provide maximum reliability and availability for its customers and
owner, while operating within the prevailing regulatory controls and
environmental considerations of the area.
The plant is a qualified facility (QF) in accordance with the Public
Utilities Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA) of 1978. It provides electric
power to Pacific Gas & Electric Co. under a modified Standard
Offer 4 Power Purchase Agreement. The agreement allows PG&E
curtailment privileges of 4,590 hours annually. It cycles off-line on a
daily basis.
Thermal energy from the plant is supplied to Gilroy Foods, Inc.,
a large food processing facility that services the “salad bowl” region
of Central California.
The plant began commercial operation in March, 1988. It was
designed and constructed by Bechtel Power Corp., which also operates
and maintains the facility under a long-term O&M agreement.
The O&M agreement is managed by U.S. Operating Services Co.
(USOSC), a Bechtel affiliate.
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