On remote locations, it is difficult to easily spot wear and tear. An optimization routine of twice a year will save a large sum of money in the long run. 

What optimization can do for power generation

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There are many sources of energy and therefore many ways to process them, all in which the drive technology differs. For that reason the optimization strategy differs, too.

‘Traditional’ stations either have coal mill drives with a pulverizing drive and a conveying system attached, and/or a boiler system of sorts that drives a turbine. Both of them need cooling capacity and depending on proximity to a body of water, a traditional cooling tower or air-cooled condenser is used. Regardless of the source material, a high level of reliability is needed. For that reason some redundancy is built into the system, but most of it is use during the summer and winter peak season. This seasonality lends itself perfectly for an annual Optimization routine during off-season for assets that are difficult to access throughout the year, such as cooling towers and pulverizers. Depending on the level of redundancy, some form of early-detection sensor technology on strategic assets may be advisable. Note seasonality applies to utilities only, not so much to co-generating stations.  

Stations or assets that generate energy using renewable resources typically do not use much drive technology and are designed not to be subjected to much wear as these are often installed in remote areas. Exceptions are wind farms, tidal energy facilities and water turbines.  These are installed remotely as well (and many of them together), but use kinetic energy conversion and so by design will need mechanical drive technology. The remote aspect of these units makes them vulnerable for progressive wear, as there hardly ever is anyone around to pick up on early signs of wear and tear. Monitoring technology for these remote assets is still it its infancy, and so an Optimization routine is recommend up to twice a year - especially if ‘fleet trends’ develop.

Being independent and therefore knowledgeable on all brands and types, only one number needs to be on speed dial. Due to our uniformity in reporting technique and familiarity with your industry, with GBS you can expect the same – quality  - result every time. Note GBS Asset Optimization engineers are trained and certified for up-tower work and can assist in expert end-of-warranty inspections, as well.

Check back in later for best practices for customers in power generation.