3471 EI Research report: Evolution of condition monitoring requirements for combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) power plants

Overview:

Combined cycle has turbine (CCGT) power plants were originally designed for baseload operation however this has changed (particularly in the UK), e.g. as a result of climate change policies encouraging installation of wind and solar generation, therefore requiring plants to operate more flexibly and consequently, limited the rate of construction of new fossil fossil-fired power plant.  Furthermore, many of the CCGT plants in operation now are well into their design lives and, not accounting for life extension, are operating in an aged state.

Condition monitoring techniques enable detection of damage to components prior to failure, so avoiding costly repairs and plant downtime.  This report provides insight into the evolving requirements for condition monitoring of CCGT power stations, in response to changes in the way plants are operated (i.e. increased wear and tear from increased numbers of starts), aging of plant, and new technologies making new methods of condition monitoring economically viable. This document details a wide interpretation of condition monitoring, from continuous online monitoring systems, through to inspections of steam systems to comply with pressure systems regulations, sampling, testing and incident reporting.

The intended audience is the asset owner/operator looking to explore condition monitoring for their existing plants, outlining recommendations on how often condition monitoring should be carried out, emphasising the importance of staying up to date on condition monitoring techniques and the necessity for accurate recording of results.