During a recent tour of EPRI’s world-renowned research labs in Charlotte – as part of our Winter 2025 Generation and LCRI Council Meeting- we had the unique opportunity to dive deep into cutting-edge projects aimed at transforming the future of energy generation. Here are some of the key highlights from the tour: 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝘂𝗿𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗕𝗼𝗹𝘁𝘀 Wind turbine operators face increasing challenges with premature failures in structural bolted joints, which impact turbine safety and operational efficiency. EPRI’s latest research investigates the causes of these failures, with a focus on blade-pitch bearing interfaces and blade studs. By conducting lab and field testing, we’re working on developing guidelines to improve bolt reliability and performance, ensuring long-term safety and reducing operational costs. 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗥𝗼𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗸 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘆𝘀𝗶𝘀 As large industrial gas turbines play a pivotal role in achieving net-zero emissions, understanding how to extend their operational life is crucial. EPRI’s research on the aging 7FA rotors, particularly focusing on material properties, is helping to mitigate risks associated with life extension. This effort will contribute to improving the reliability and performance of gas turbines for years to come. 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹𝘆𝘀𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿-𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘂𝘀 Water is a critical feedstock for electrolysis, a key process for the future of hydrogen production. EPRI’s Chemistry and Corrosion Laboratory is conducting exciting research into how changes in water quality and load-following operations impact electrolysis equipment’s longevity. The new equipment showcased during the tour highlighted key advancements that will support sustainable, long-term electrolysis. 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗲𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘆𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝗶𝗺𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗘𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 EPRI’s innovative simulation environments are changing the game by accelerating the testing and scaling of plant controls and automation strategies. By demonstrating real-world use cases, like advanced steam temperature control in combined-cycle units, we’re reducing implementation risks and speeding up deployment for optimized plant operations. 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗔𝗜 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 Finally, we explored the potential of Generative AI in the energy space. Through practical demonstrations, we saw how GenAI applications can optimize various energy supply use cases—illustrating the technology’s promise for improving efficiency and driving innovation. A huge thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to making this event a success! EPRI continues to lead the way in groundbreaking research and innovation, helping shape an efficient energy future. https://lnkd.in/e7pjHg3R
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