On April 19, the turbine casing closure for Xinhua Power’s Bole 100MW thermal storage concentrated solar power (CSP) project was successfully completed, marking the near-completion of the turbine’s main installation and its entry into the commissioning phase. This achievement lays a solid foundation for the project’s subsequent operation and power generation.
As the core equipment of a CSP plant, the turbine is responsible for converting thermal energy into mechanical energy to drive the generator. The turbine in this project consists of a high-pressure cylinder and a combined intermediate-low-pressure cylinder. The high-pressure cylinder is a prefabricated module, while the intermediate-low-pressure cylinder was assembled on-site. During installation, critical parameters such as flow clearance and shaft alignment were meticulously adjusted to meet manufacturer specifications. The project team conducted comprehensive inspections of all components and systems, performed precision grinding and assembly, and ensured that errors in rotor circumference and flange alignment were controlled within 0–0.02 mm, with the horizontal joint clearance of the cylinder maintained below 0.05 mm. These efforts ensured all technical indicators complied with standards, design requirements, and manufacturer criteria, achieving zero defects.
The casing closure involved highly complex technical procedures and stringent quality controls. Prior to the operation, the project team and turbine manufacturer rechecked key parameters such as flow clearance, steam seal clearance, shaft alignment, and journal inclination, formulating a detailed construction plan. All lifting equipment, rigging tools, and measurement instruments were thoroughly inspected to ensure stable performance and reliability. Safety and technical briefings were conducted to address critical steps and operational requirements. Over 20 hours of continuous work, the team completed component cleaning, hoisting, adjustment, re-measurement, and embedding according to the established process. The casing closure was completed safely and smoothly in a single attempt, with all installation data meeting design and manufacturer standards.
The project team is now preparing for subsequent commissioning to accelerate progress and achieve grid connection as soon as possible, injecting robust momentum into regional energy supply and economic development.
