On-line monitoring of hydropower plants in Pakistan

Abstract

In this study, we present a comparison of traditional and modern techniques for monitoring hydropower plants. Traditionally, in Pakistan, the maintenance of hydropower plants is based on periodic-based corrective techniques, which involves shutdowns of plants over specified periods. The method not only restricts the operator to wait for the periodic shutdown for routine maintenance, but also proves to be more costly in case of major defects occurring in the plant. We propose on-line monitoring of the equipment, which involves continuous observation of the system parameters without system or equipment being stopped. The outcome is the early detection of any abnormality/fault and limiting of the severity of any potential damage to the system. © 2007 Asian Network for Scientific Information.