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Early detection of defects in gas-steam combined cycle power plants


In a natural gas power plant, the electricity-producing generators are powered by gas and steam turbines. Advance detection of malfunctions on power plant equipment avoids costly interruptions in the production of electricity. The Group’s R&D team has selected and installed a highly precise system for the remote early detection of defects, to monitor the proper operation of gas power plants.

 

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Preventing malfunctions, a crucial economic stake


Until recently, the proper operation of the equipment of a thermal power plant was monitored through fixed-threshold alarm systems, but this type of monitoring lacked precision. Often, the turbines and thus energy production had to be stopped for repair operations. Non-scheduled stoppage of the electricity production process can be extremely costly, particularly if it happens during consumption peaks.

 

 

SmartSignal, an innovative system for the early detection of defects on all equipment


The GDF SUEZ R&D team selected and installed the SmartSignal system in its Production Diagnosis Center. It makes it possible to detect the slightest anomaly in the behaviour of power plant equipment, long before any impact on production performance.

The system uses the existing sensors, the measurements of which are transmitted to the power plant Diagnosis Center. SmartSignal collects 500 to 1,000 measurements from power plant equipment (pressure, temperature, vibrations, positions of the valves, etc.). The figures are automatically compared with a statistical model based on a normal-operation data log. As soon as a significant statistical difference is detected, SmartSignal issues an alert, well before any impact on electricity production occurs. This enables Diagnosis Center experts to fully investigate the nature of the discrepancy and inform the power plant personnel. This type of analysis is much more precise than standard alert levels.

This new system has already enabled Laborelec to detect two problems at the power plant of Eems (Netherlands), and take the required preventive measures.


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