Power Generation and Energy Systems :: Get the Power from the Existing Facilities

Project: An electric utility needed to schedule a "refueling" for a nuclear power unit for the following summer months when power requirements are at their peak. The utility needed to find the most reliable and effective way to cover the power needs during that time period. One of the projects included improving the reliability of 36 aging aircraft derivative gas turbines used during peak periods.

Issues: Reliability - Utility would attempt to start 12 units and hope to have 4 to 6 start successfully. Execution of start-up sequence was unreliable.

Solution: Extensive Failure Mode Effects Analyses (FMEA's) and Error Mode Effects Analyses (EMEA's) were completed. Failure and Error preventions were introduced to the start-up process. The solutions were modeled via computer simulation and processes and procedures were changed.

Results: Reliability increased to > 90%. Utility was able to serve its entire regional load throughout the day including peak hours, therefore retaining revenues in excess of $75 Million.