The Challenge

Frank Tracey Power Station located in Sparks, Nevada, is a 514MW Combined Cycle Power Station. Each ACC is 15 cells in a 3 x 5 arrangement, which was supplied by SPX 2008. The station’s unique site conditions—specifically, the orientation of the ACC’s long axis perpendicular to the prevailing winds—have presented ongoing challenges. Over the years, these wind-induced dynamics have led to both mechanical issues and performance inefficiencies, highlighting the need for innovative solutions to maintain reliability and operational excellence.

The Solution

To address the mechanical and performance deficiencies caused by wind-induced challenges at the Frank Tracey Power Station, Galebreaker proposed a tailored solution. The recommendation included a combination of a cruciform wind screen system and a horizontal skirt to mitigate the impact of crosswinds and enhance the ACC’s operational stability.

However, due to the high cost associated with installing steel framing for the horizontal skirt, this feature was excluded from the final implementation. Instead, Galebreaker optimised the design to accommodate the addition of vertical perimeter screens in the future, providing a scalable approach to further enhance wind protection if needed. This strategic solution balanced cost-effectiveness with immediate performance improvement, delivering significant operational benefits while allowing flexibility for future enhancements.

The Benefits

The implementation of the L03 cruciform configuration, standing at an impressive height of 16 meters, is projected to deliver an 82% effectiveness in mitigating wind-induced losses. This translates to recovering the majority of performance losses previously experienced due to challenging wind conditions.

Feedback from the Frank Tracey Power Station team highlights the success of the project:
“The windscreen material met our expectations, and the installation went well and on schedule. We look forward to seeing the benefits of the Galebreaker windscreen system this summer, the season where high winds significantly affected the performance of the ACCs.“

By addressing the root cause of performance deficiencies, the Galebreaker solution ensures improved operational efficiency, reduced mechanical stress, and enhanced reliability for the power station during peak demand periods. This innovative approach demonstrates a significant step toward achieving long-term stability and optimised performance.

Get in touch if are suffering from wind-related performance issues to discuss how we can help.