This book presents the newest approaches to design and operation of new steam turbines, along with modern techniques for refurbishment of aging units, for fossil fuel power plants. Recent engineering breakthroughs have led to potential increases in power plant efficiency, deriving both from qualitative improvements in turbine steam path design, and from transitions to a greater use of elevated steam conditions. New approaches also have emerged relative to transient operating conditions, as well as improved information support for operational personnel. Intended to serve as an authoritative guide for power plant engineers, operators, owners and designers on all of these crucial developments, this book fully describes and evaluates the most important new design and operational improvement opportunities for the full spectrum of today's steam turbines - from the newest and most advanced to the more common existing systems.CONTENTS1 - Steam Turbines in the Modern World2 - Rise of Steam Turbine Output & Efficiency with Steam Parameters3 - Configuration of Modern Power Steam Turbines4 - Design of Steam Path, Blading, Gland Seals, and Valves5 - Last Stage Blades & Exhaust Hoods of LP Cylinders6 - Thermal Expansion, Bearings & Lubrication7 - Operating Conditions & Start-up Systems8 - Experimental Researches of Turbine Transients9 - Start-up Technologies & Applications10 - Start-up Instructions for Steam Turbines11 - Scheduled & Unscheduled Load Changes12 - Cycling Operation & Its Influence on Turbine Performances13 - Automated Data Acquisition & Control14 - Diagnostic Monitoring of Turbine Heat Rate & Flow Capacity Performances15 - Diagnostic Monitoring of Turbine Temperature & Thermal Stress States16 - Post-Operative Analysis of Turbine Operation17 - Assessment & Extension of Steam Turbine Lifetime18 - Steam Turbine UpgradeAppendices, Index