The
objective of this project was to build an on-line diagnostic system
for the Turbo generators of the nuclear power plant. In addition it
was planned to predict the life of LP blades for various postulated
reference flaws under ambient conditions. It was also proposed to
instrument the TG sets in one of the nuclear power plants, and to
get the vibration signals and process parameters. These parameters
were to be recorded using a data acquisition system and then used
for development of an on-line expert system to monitor health of the
TG sets. In addition, crack propagation analysis was to be carried
out. This involved finding out the fracture toughness of the
material of the turbine blades and prediction of the stresses at the
blade root using appropriate finite element modeling.
A
comprehensive professional software has been developed to detect and
diagnose faults in the turbogenerator in an on-line mode. The
diagnostic system software works on the time domain data supplied to
it by data acquisition system and using expert system finds out
probable fault(s), if any, based on the Sohre’s knowledge base. This
on-line diagnostic system also shows trends of important vibration
and process parameters of the turbogenerator for the purpose of
better monitoring and maintenance. The system also manages the
acquired data by way of automatic and systematic back-up operation.
This backed up data can also be reviewed in various formats at a
later date using the software. The system also has detailed help and
demonstration module for the operator information.
The
software was developed using the test data acquired by BARC at KAPS,
which was later sent to IIT Delhi. After the development was
complete the software was tested in IIT Delhi by transfer of files
using the existing network facilities created. Subsequently the
project team demonstrated the software to BARC, NPC and KAPS
officials at BARC. The software successfully interacted with FDAS in
processing and analysing the data in online mode.
After
thoroughly testing the software at BARC Laboratory, the team visited
KAPS and installed the software. Plant officials were shown the
capabilities of the software and its working methodology and the use
was explained to them. Plant officials showed keen interest and
interacted with the team members. The software system was installed
at the Kakrapar Atomic Power Plant on one of the TG sets in January
2000. After deliberating with the plant officials the software was
updated incorporating certain changes suggested by them. The
comprehensive version of the system was reinstalled in March 2000
and was under close observations of team of software developers of
IIT Delhi for a week. Ever since it has been functioning as desired
and collecting and analysing data in online mode.
