There is today a great deal of knowledge about the degradation of critical equipment in the power system. It is now important to use this knowledge to develop lifetime models that can be included in maintenance planning. A model for condition development will make it possible to introduce probabilistic methods and principles as a new element in existing models.
Objectives
The project addressed business value creation related to maintenance and rehabilitation in power generation, with the aim of delivering results in the form of:
- Methods, indicators, criteria and management tools for best practice maintenance and rehabilitation, as well as examples of results-oriented application.
- Condition criteria and lifetime curves for critical components in power plants, and a tool for estimating failure probability and remaining life based on expert assessments and condition data.
- Scenarios for maintenance and rehabilitation towards 2030.
- Calculation tools for start/stop costs.
- PhD studies and continuing education courses at master's level.
The results will enable power companies to increase the maintenance function's contribution to profitability while achieving targets for availability, personal safety and the environment. Suppliers of services and equipment will be able to strengthen their competitiveness nationally and internationally through increased expertise and new/improved products.
Project organisation:
The project was mainly carried out at SINTEF. In addition, NTNU was responsible for PhD education, while power companies and suppliers contributed significant in-kind effort in various working groups. A broadly composed user group of the project partners followed up the project.
The Norwegian power companies that have participated are Agder Energi Produksjon, Akershus Kraft, BKK Produksjon, E-CO Vannkraft, EB Kraftproduksjon, Eidsiva Vannkraft, Hafslund, HelgelandsKraft, Norsk Hydro, Lyse Produksjon, Nord-Trøndelag Elektrisitetsverk, Otra Kraft, Sira-Kvina kraftselskap, Skagerak Kraft, SN Power, Statkraft Energi, Sunnhordland kraftlag, Tafjord Kraft, Trondheim Energi Kraft, TrønderEnergi Kraft and Østfold Energi Produksjon.
From the Swedish side, E.ON, Fortum and Vattenkraft participated directly in the project, while Skellefteå Kraft, Jämtkraft, Sollefteåforsens AB, Karlstads Energi and Öresundskraft were represented through ELFORSK.
From industry, Alstom Hydro and Rainpower participated.
International collaboration:
Collaboration was established with KTH in Stockholm, and participation from Swedish power companies was coordinated through ELFORSK. SN Power's international operations will provide opportunities to try out the project's ideas and models in an international market.
The project was funded by power companies and industry through EBL Kompetanse and ELFORSK, in addition to the Research Council of Norway.