Abstract
This paper discusses some of the major organizational and technical problems encountered in commissioning modern power plant. The way in which these problems were approached at the 2000-MW Fawley Power Station are discussed.
The author advances the view that the advent of complex and high capital cost plant necessitates the development of commissioning expertise as a specialized branch of engineering on an equivalent basis to the related skills of design, construction, and operation.
The adoption of this further specialization requires careful integration with the other project functions and one way of achieving this is outlined.
Most plant items are first subjected to their designed operating conditions when a unit is initially operated at its rated load. Failures of components at this time can impose heavy revenue losses on the operator, and it is therefore advisable to subject components to their designed operating conditions before a unit is put on load. This procedure enables repairs or modifications to be carried out before components are required for service.
Commissioning of computer control equipment can be integrated with other commissioning activities, but a logical sequence must be employed. Techniques used at Fawley are outlined.
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