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Dear Members,
We operate a 660 MW coal-fired power plant supplying electricity to the national grid, comprising two 330 MW units with CFB (Circulating Fluidized Bed) boilers manufactured by GE, delivering subcritical steam to 330 MW Dongfang steam turbines.
Due to varying grid conditions, the plant experiences significant daily load fluctuations — at times shutting down one unit and running the other at partial load. This results in frequent start/stop cycles, prolonged operation at less than full capacity, and varying load profiles on a daily basis.
We are looking to conduct a study to assess the impact of these operating patterns on equipment life, reliability, and preventive maintenance requirements — particularly for critical components such as bearings, seals, pumps, fans, and other rotating machinery. Our OEM manuals do not provide guidance for such cycling operations. Primary focus is on these Equipment: Steam Turbine, CFB Boiler, ID, PA & SA Fans, Feed Water Pumps, HP & LP Heaters & Condensers.
If any members have relevant knowledge, experience, references, or practical approaches to share, your input would be highly appreciated. Insights from similar plants or equipment, or benchmarking data from comparable studies, would also be very useful.
Separately, if anyone is aware of service providers who can carry out such studies, please also share.
Regards,
Syed Osama
We operate a 660 MW coal-fired power plant supplying electricity to the national grid, comprising two 330 MW units with CFB (Circulating Fluidized Bed) boilers manufactured by GE, delivering subcritical steam to 330 MW Dongfang steam turbines.
Due to varying grid conditions, the plant experiences significant daily load fluctuations — at times shutting down one unit and running the other at partial load. This results in frequent start/stop cycles, prolonged operation at less than full capacity, and varying load profiles on a daily basis.
We are looking to conduct a study to assess the impact of these operating patterns on equipment life, reliability, and preventive maintenance requirements — particularly for critical components such as bearings, seals, pumps, fans, and other rotating machinery. Our OEM manuals do not provide guidance for such cycling operations. Primary focus is on these Equipment: Steam Turbine, CFB Boiler, ID, PA & SA Fans, Feed Water Pumps, HP & LP Heaters & Condensers.
If any members have relevant knowledge, experience, references, or practical approaches to share, your input would be highly appreciated. Insights from similar plants or equipment, or benchmarking data from comparable studies, would also be very useful.
Separately, if anyone is aware of service providers who can carry out such studies, please also share.
Regards,
Syed Osama
