Analyzing Power Plant Operating Data 1

[hd167]

As I know power plant operating data (thermodynamic & vibration data) are stored over a longer period of time (some months or longer). I am referring to a power plant with no on-line performance monitoring system (only the normal DCS and vibration monitoring system). Asking many plant operators about what happens with these historical data they could not tell me. Apparently these data are no more used.

First question: Is it not possible to analyse these data off-line with a special performance monitoring software to find out how the performance of the plant changed over a period of time. This could be an instrument for scheduling the next maintenance activities (for ex. major overhauls).

Second question: Is it not possible to analyse the historical vibration data with a special software to find out abnormal values which could have been the cause for undetected faults. I have made the experience that often turbine or gearbox bearing faults are not detected by the online vibration monitoring system.

Please let me know your experience and the type of software you use.

 

[steamdude]

HD167

it has been a few weeks since you posted and no replies. This is probably due to the fact that you need to supply more information regards your problem.

What kind of DCS do you have? What is the history and trend capabilities?

What kind of vibration monitoring equipment do you have?

Etc. etc. More info and we may be able to help.

Cheers

 

[hd167]

steamdude,

You are right, my questions are of a very general nature.
I will be more specific after a have gathered more information from power plant operators.

Thank you for your readiness to help.

 

[WattsNew]

You can refer to

http://www.etap.com/psms

for analyzing electrical operating data. I am not sure if vibration data is handled by them also?

 

[MJCronin]

hd167,

With regard to vibration analysis and trending, two companies, Bently Nevada and Woodward Industrial Controls, have a great depth of experience with power plant, pump and compressor vibration

See:

http://www.bently.com

http://www.woodward.com/ic/steamtur/product1.cfm

Usually the criteria for vibration monitoring, trending and historical record keeping is determined at the time of unit purchase.

Because power plant equipment (especially steam turbines)keeps changing hands, the historical plant records for the equipment are frequently lost.....

MJC

"There comes a time in the affairs of man when he must take the bull by the tail and face the situation." W.C. Fields

 

[gtsim]

My experience with such historical data is that it is notoriously unreliable. It’s best to calibrate your instrumentation and start again so that the current data is valid. There are lots of products that you can use. We do this too. If interested please visit

http://www.gpal.co.uk,

thanks.

 

[metengr]

hd167;
There are various companies that have software to allow monitoring and gathering of real time plant operating data and storage of this operating data for up to 1 year on special servers.

We also have software programs that can run efficiency calculations based on real time operating data (from the software as stated above) for boiler, turbine and BOP equipment that allow our control room operators to see what is happening real time, and to allow them to make better operating decisions.

 

[olicg]

HD167,

Although i would agree with others that you have to give details of your system in the first place.

We use OSI softs PI server as data historian and performance monitoring of our fossil fuel fired power plant. Its a very handy tool. Helps us in troubleshooting (historical data) / RCFA, as you said calculating efficiencies of individual components like air heater, condenser, combustion, emissions, etc.

To me it is always good to make use of the high tech software available in the market to help you in planning the outages, overhauls.
Thanks,
Olicg