Thermal power plant condenser fault diagnosis using coordinated condition monitoring approach

Abstract

The purpose of this study is the fault diagnosis of the cooling water pump of the condenser system used in thermal power plant using coordinated condition monitoring approach. The approach is based on integrating condition monitoring techniques, viz., vibration analysis, noise analysis, and ultrasound analysis. The failure data and repair data of condenser system are collected and analyzed for reliability analysis. The reliability-based preventive maintenance time intervals are determined at different levels, such as at 90 %, 75 %, and 50 %. In addition, K-S goodness of fit test is carried out, and the best-fit distribution reliability parameters have been obtained. Such determined reliability-based time interval is counted to plan, not only maintaining/repairing work but also for replacement of the component/equipment. A case study showing reliability improvement of the condenser is reported in the present study. Through this study, the fault of the cooling water pump of the condenser system is diagnosed using coordinated condition monitoring approach. It was found that the bearing of the cooling water pump was damaged. The pump bearing was replaced during the maintenance work. The performance of the cooling water pump was analyzed and found in a normal state. It is concluded that coordinated condition monitoring approach improves the accuracy of fault detection and diagnosis.