EDGs | ASSET MANAGEMENT
Although ‘the earlier the better’, a monitoring system can be implemented at any time of the project and plant lifetime. The monitoring can provide immediate support to evaluate the condition of components with many running hours
is mandatory to find the correct source of the problem to define the proper corrective measures.
● Schedule of maintenance. Usually diesel generators are maintained in a very conservative way, given their high safety relevance. A component may still fail earlier and lead to complete unavailability of the unit. A monitoring system can give an early indication of issues arising, which helps to schedule the required action in due time, including preparation works. Varying values or a permanent increase in the monthly test runs would give the operator a clear indication they should perform an immediate check or analysis of the component. During normal plant operation, the time for maintenance is strictly limited. Maintenance works must be completed in a certain time, or the plant has to shut down. It is important to have a clear and reliable maintenance programme for continued efficient and reliable operation. Optimisation potential for critical components can be defined in advance and short-term spare parts availability can also be planned.
● Prevention of wear. The most significant advantage of a monitoring system is its ability to help prevent wear during operation. For an emergency power system, this is even more important. High vibrations that are not detected can lead to critical fatigue failures of key components. Performance and condition trends can be identified and localised easily and at an earlier stage.
● Implementation and extension. Adding an additional monitoring system is always feasible, during each project phase and stage of the plant’s life
In contrast to safety-relevant measurements and detections like overspeed, which are always part of the basic configuration, the monitoring system is non- safety relevant. This means that documentation and qualification efforts are comparably small. Nevertheless, the mounting stability of the parts is analysed to avoid subsequent damage on safety-relevant parts. The monitoring can be handled as an “add-on” to the already available and functional system. Therefore, the existing qualification is not affected. Once a monitoring system is implemented, and if the required space inside the cabinet is still available or can be provided, it can be extended with additional sensors that use the same monitoring for their graphs and trends.
Conclusion A monitoring system has several advantages for every emergency diesel generator. Technical and financial effects include minimising the risks, improving maintenance scheduling, and preventing wear during operations. The system can be customised to fit each plant or
facility’s needs. It generates graphical data, trends, and developments over several runs of the gensets to help operators analyse data and make informed decisions. Although ‘the earlier the better’, a monitoring system can be implemented at any time of the project and plant lifetime. The monitoring can provide immediate support to evaluate the condition of components with many running hours. As a result, a monitoring system helps to ensure a reliable, safe and economic lifetime of emergency diesel generators. ■
Left: Example of a retrofit monitoring solution – outside view
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