On Line Power Plant Performance Monitoring

Abstract

Maintaining efficient and reliable plant operation is a prime objective in the generation of power. These are important considerations for utilities and particularly for Independent Power Producers as they become a more significant factor in the energy supply. On Line Performance Monitoring is an effective method to improve operating efficiency, detect and correct off nominal operation and expediently analyze cause and effect component performance relationships. The heart of a Performance Monitor is a modular collection of calculations used to determine performance indices in the power plant. Calculated performance indices are used in numerous applications: 1. To measure actual component performance compared to guaranteed or expected performance 2. To identify controllable operating problems and provide operator guidance in achieving the best operation of the plant 3. To evaluate component performance and deterioration for use in a maintenance program 4. To develop cost data and incremental cost characteristics for the economic operation or dispatch of the unit with other system energy sources 5. To document plant performance compared to base line data for the demonstration of efficient operation and improved availability. This paper will discuss the many advantages associated with a Performance Monitor system, their application, the benefits which may be realized and the potential of this concept with advanced diagnostic capability.