Life Cycle Maintenance Cost Improvement using Innovative Technology Implementation for Generator Robotic Inspections
(Room Garuda 10B, 1st Floor)
20 Sep 18
11:30 AM
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1:00 PM
Tracks:
TRACK C - Optimizing Plant Operation
Due to the dramatic impact of renewable energy sources implemented in Asia, Gas Turbine Combined Cycle power plants are experiencing radical operational changes, resulting in a varying degree of fired hours, involving heavy and fast cycling and operation at extremely low loads. These operational modes strongly impact the durability and reliability of the power plant by overstressing the main shaftline equipment components (Gas & Steam Turbines, Heat Recovery Steam Generator and Generators) . The impact is excessive wear, shorter life limits and forced outages , causing unplanned and costly maintenance . This problem must be addressed as. competitive energy markets demand and reward power producers & utilities who can operate reliably over these challenging operationally regimes. In this context an advanced and innovative robot (crawler) has been developed and commercially introduced to perform a host of inspections and tests normally conducted during a long duration major generator overhaul and instead performed in-situ, while the rotor is installed. Comprehensive examinations such as Visual inspection, Electromagnetic Core Imperfection Detection or ELCID testing coupled with stator wedge testing can now be accurately and quickly conducted , saving the equipment operator significant unprofitable downtime. Additionally, predictive diagnostic evaluation during these inspections can further help determine when the generator might fail, allowing future maintenance outages to be scheduled at the convenience of the plant operator and according the demands of the power market. This paper will provide a description of the robot, the advanced technologies implemented as well as examples of its capabilities in terms of advanced diagnostics, the introduction of a new innovative technique for an effective visual inspection of the insulation of the bars into the stator slots.