Power supply stations are currently operated in different variations. Thermal energy plants are not the most common, but they have many attractive qualities in terms of application. This type of equipment is used to generate, convert and transmit electricity to consumers. But for the effective implementation of these functions, thermal power plants must be properly serviced. This applies to the basic measures of technical prevention, and to the organization of control systems, as well as to more responsible repair operations.
General information about thermal power plants
An energy installation is a whole complex of systems, components and assemblies that work to generate electricity as a result of the conversion of heat into mechanical energy. The basis of such stations is an electric generator with a rotating shaft. The complex also includes a combustion chamber, in which the process of heat generation occurs. It is important to note that the operation of thermal power plants and heating networks often involves the generation of steam. This applies to those installations that are also equipped with hydrological communications in which there is an increase in steam pressure, as a result of which the rotation of the turbine rotor is activated. The energy generated in this way is transmitted to the shaft of the main rotor of the engine, which leads to the generation of electric current. At the same time, the generated thermal energy is not always spent on generating electricity. Depending on the place of operation and the needs of consumers, part of it can be used for the heating function.
Technical characteristics of thermal power plants
One of the key performance characteristics is the voltage the station operates with. Usually emit complexes with a potential of up to 1000 V or more. The former are used locally as a means of supplying energy to specific objects - usually industrial ones. The second type of stations that support voltages of more than 1000 V are used to service individual regions and even cities. Most often these are installations that implement conversion and distribution tasks. An equally important characteristic is the power, which varies in the range of 3-6 GW. This indicator to a large extent depends on the type of fuel that is burned in the combustion chamber. To date, the rules for operating thermal power plants allow the use of diesel, fuel oil, natural gas, as well as traditional solid fuel elements.
Organization of heating networks
Most power plants are, to one degree or another, infrastructure facilities of the heating network. If during the distribution of electric energy similar networks are formed by high-voltage lines, then in this case, the technical basis of communication are thermal pipelines that provide hot water supply. On each line, corresponding to the standard size shutoff valves with valves and means of control of the coolant. At the same time, thermal power plants can be interfaced with the same power grids. Thus, a combined network infrastructure is formed in which distribution is carried out both through the heat supply channel and through the power line.
In addition, the organization of steam pipelines, which are part of the structure of heat channels, is also practiced. In such cases, the operation of thermal power plants and heating networks involves the installation of more efficient condensate drainage systems. Also, with a certain step along the entire line of laying, steam drain starting devices are installed.
The tasks of the staff
The list of functions performed by employees operating power plants can be divided into several groups. The basic tasks include the technical content of the equipment, which involves monitoring the operating parameters in accordance with the design requirements. The next group of functions is determined by the security requirements. This applies to maintaining safety standards against fire, compliance with labor protection standards, etc. In addition, thermal power plants need regular preventive maintenance. This category of functions includes diagnostic and repair actions. The staff should audit the components of the power plant, test it for compliance with technical and operational indicators, etc. Based on the results of the work done, documentation is generated in which acts of repair work, diagnostics, as well as accidents and accidents are recorded.
Approval of power plants for operation
An energy installation is introduced into the structure of the heat network infrastructure after the implementation of access measures. Acceptance tests are performed to assess the quality of the equipment and check it for compliance with technical regulations. Depending on the operating conditions, a test design is being developed for thermal power plants. Admission rules require that this list of works, together with commissioning, be carried out by the contractor responsible for the design schemes of the specific heating network into which the facility is integrated.
Special attention should be paid to the process of technical organization of tests. At this stage, tools, protective equipment, spare components, fuel and other consumables are prepared. Also, the rules for operating thermal power plants require that the customer himself conduct a comprehensive testing of the equipment before completing the acceptance certificate. This is necessary to verify the joint work of the nodes and units of the station in conjunction with additional equipment under load.
Equipment maintenance
Maintaining installations in good technical condition is the most responsible task for staff. Specialists check the quality of functioning of individual parts of the station and its overall performance. The test is subject to both electronic filling and mechanics with a housing. The integrity of the materials from which the components of the power unit and the body are made is also evaluated. In accordance with the standards, the technical operation of thermal power plants is carried out with periodic monitoring of metals by non-destructive methods. That is, troubleshooting is done with devices that do not change the structure of the material, but allow you to identify possible foci of destruction and deformation.
Installation management automation systems
Power plant management is gradually shifting from traditional mechanical methods to automation systems. With the help of the controller, the operator can maintain the optimal performance of all functional units of the power plant, without breaking away from the control room. In this case, the operation of thermal power plants is closely interfaced with the function of sensors that record certain data about the operation of the station, sending information to the control panel. Based on this information, the system makes decisions about the correction of operating parameters.
Fuel Maintenance
An energy installation cannot be considered as an autonomous object for generating electricity. Its function is provided by consumable fuel material, which also requires compliance with maintenance measures. In particular, the fuel economy involves the organization of storage of products of future combustion. Modern rules for the technical operation of thermal power plants require that service enterprises maintain special storage facilities for such needs. Each such storage facility provides equipment for loading and unloading fuel materials, weighing, stacking and sorting them.
Conclusion
The operation of power plants without fail focuses on achieving optimal performance indicators. This is achieved by increasing the efficiency of working personnel, introducing new control systems and modernizing power units. However, thermal power plants are not always justified financially. This is especially true for stations that have undergone technological upgrades. Along with increasing management efficiency, such facilities are for the most part more costly. For this reason, many operating enterprises strive to maintain the traditional principles of control and management of power plants.