A Portable Expert System for Gas Turbine Maintenance

Abstract

Combustion turbines for electric power generation and industrial applications have steadily increased in size, efficiency and prominence. The newest class of gas turbine-generators coming into service will deliver 150 megawatts, with turbine inlet temperatures of 2300° F. To sustain high levels of performance and reliability of this equipment, diagnostics and maintenance planning have also become increasingly important. Within the electric power industry, for example, as the overall fleet of gas turbines has aged, their annual service factor has increased to carry more of the peak load burden as reserve margins shrink. However, peaking duty requires frequent cycling with large thermal stresses that tend to shorten the life of hot section components. To assist the industry in meeting these needs, EPRI has developed The SA●VANT™ System. This unique multi-faceted portable unit will apply a broad range of expert systems in the workplace for power plant maintenance, including turbomachinery of all types, but especially for gas turbines.