A goliath of electricity supply, the Hunter Power Project has the power to generate a staggering 750MW (that’s the better part of one million kW) of on-demand electricity. It uses a pair of ultra-efficient Open Cycle Gas Turbines (OCGT) with natural gas operation, a diesel backup system, and hydrogen capability for performance that is not only monumental, but also sustainable.
Considered essential, this power grid was declared a Critical State Significant Infrastructure Project in December 2020 by the NSW State Government. With a budget of over $600M, developer Snowy Hydro can take their pick of the best supplier on the market when it comes to their HVAC equipment.
The mechanical contractor commissioned Masterflow for a custom-designed bladder tank, engaging our engineering team to provide a custom solution that provides reliable maintenance of optimal system pressure.
- Location:Hunter Region (NSW)
- Industry:Energy
Our Process:
Upon receiving the client’s technical specification, our in-house engineers set to designing, drafting and supplying documentation for this power grid’s highly specialised plantroom.
Because of the system’s operating temperature range of 0-99°c and 1000 kPa pressure conditions, as well air/nitrogen/water being used as a medium in the system, our custom tank needed to be rated to Hazard Level B. Hazard Level B is classified as ‘medium risk’ in accordance with AS4343:2005, with anything above level C requiring certification prior to operating. Of course, we ensured that this was achieved, giving our client one less issue to worry about leading to their plantroom’s completion and ensuring the safety of the end user.
We custom-made these tanks in our Australian factory, with our engineers helping the client size the tank appropriately to their system parameters, including loop volume, expansion ranges and temperature ranges. Masterflow takes care of the customer at every stage, from drawing, to manufacturing, to delivery.
Outcomes:
After undergoing hydrostatic testing and passing with flying colours, our custom tanks achieved Safeworks approval, proving their strength, durability and resistance to leakage.
Being hydrogen-ready, this resource underpins the transition from traditional energy to renewable energy. Designed for quick access to electricity when a shortage is present, the Hunter Power Project serves our community and presently offers the ability to fill gaps in energy when existing renewable sources can not meet demand.
As a traditional backup for today and a renewable powerhouse for tomorrow, we are proud to have engineered the class 3 expansion vessels used to protect this system from stress and the pressure increases associated with heated water expansion.
