Large Turbo-Generators : Malfunctions and Symptoms

This is a reference book for operators of large turbogenerators at power plants and power plant engineers. It shows how operators and engineers can diagnose a problem in a machine by examining its symptoms. The key motivation for the book is to provide power plant operators with easy-to-follow algorithms they can use to reduce forced-outage time, possibly saving millions of dollars in alternative production. The book also covers how to react to certain alarms and trips when returning units online.

This book presents a comprehensive, ordered relationship between malfunctions and symptoms occurring in large turbogenerators. With this book, the operator and/or engineer in a generating station could identify underlying causes of a developing component degradation or a failure quicker, which could potentially save both time and money and reduce the trial-and-error troubleshooting process.

Large turbogenerators are the most important source of electricity. They can be found in thousands of power stations in every country. Forced outages, failures and degradation of these very expensive machines have an enormous aggregate cost to society. As such, any tool that can ameliorate loss of production by shaving time from troubleshooting activities, and avoiding unnecessary costs by detecting and promptly responding to component degradation, represents a step forward.