Improving technological and maintenance processes

Diagnostic centre for predictive maintenance

The main purpose of the development/introduction of the diagnostic centre is optimisation of maintenance activities on all facilities of the company. On the basis of the already operational system for the capture, evaluation, analysis, presentation and storing of process data (ZVAPS), the plan is to upgrade the system into a diagnostic centre intended for the support of predictive maintenance. Essentially, the diagnostic centre is envisaged for all the company’s hydro power plants, with the possibility of expansion to other hydro power plants of the HSE Group. The centre also represents potential for the expansion of maintenance services outside the HSE Group.

The diagnostic centre is envisaged as a centre for detection of potential malfunctions of the electrical, mechanical and construction equipment, before they even occur. The operation of the centre is envisaged within the maintenance system, where the field of predictive maintenance is covered by engineers of various fields who, based on analyses, make recommendations for further activities (immediate, revision, overhaul activities). On the basis of on-line measured data, previous analyses and the use of algorithms, it is also assessed whether equipment should be replaced (renewed).        

Optimisation of technology in the field of cavitation resistant coating on turbine equipment

Optimisation of technology in the field of cavitation resistant coating on turbine equipmentOptimisation of technology in the field of cavitation resistant coating on turbine equipment

The purpose and objective of research is the optimisation of works during revision activities on the turbine equipment and prolonging the intervals in which maintenance works are implemented. The scope of repair of cavitation-related damage on the turbine equipment affects the loss of production and optimisation of the maintenance process (duration). In support of reducing maintenance costs, it is sensible to implement research activities and testing of anti-cavitation materials on the turbine equipment with the objective of prolonging the intervals in which repair works are implemented. Optimisation of the implementation technology with the parallel use of new materials means usability in the entire HSE Group as well as outside it. 

Improving hydraulic characteristics of turbine guide vanes

It is possible to reduce a certain amount of the loss of hydro power potential by introducing improvements on the existing assemblies of equipment of hydro power plants. For this purpose, optimisation of guide vanes at the inflow points of hydro power plants is a possibility for improving the annual production and power of hydro power plants.  It is therefore sensible to optimise the turbine guide vanes on the Formin Hydro Power Plant (as part of the renewal). A reduction of hydraulic losses produced by the guide vanes and an increase in the self-protection effect is envisaged. Moreover, the optimisation of turbine guide vanes improves the solving of the issue of cracks on the guide vanes due to the extremely dynamic operation and transition to the resonance field of the structure. Optimisation of the improved characteristics of turbine guide vanes is useful within the entire HSE Group as well as outside it.