IMPORTANCE OF RESIDUAL LIFE ASESSMENT STUDIES CRACK MANAGEMENT IN SUSTAINABLE ENERGY DEVELOPMENT FOR GREEN POWER

摘要

At individual level, power availability has become synonymous with quality of life. An increasing human quest to further improve quality of life is resulting in enhancing demand for electrical power. However, at macro level, how do we generate, transmit and utilize this power, is also of paramount importance. In developed as well as developing countries increase in power generating capacities is becoming essential. The recent estimates are that in India alone the additional power generating capacity of 52000 MW is required during 10th plan. By 2012, we need about 100,000 MW of additional capacity. It is now for utilities to see how this capacity addition is to take place. In addition to other measures like reduction in T&D losses, utilities can prolong life of existing power stations and use them more efficiently without compromising on safety standards. This brings in need for renovation & modernization of existing plants. We must go out there and see the health of the equipment, assess the residual life of various components, and take necessary measures for life extension of the unit as a whole. The life extension of an existing unit amounts to capacity addition with much less burden on resources, both monitory as well as environmental. A new machine implies, more of everything, steel, manufacturing of castings, forgings, machining, transportation, cement & lot more. All this has severe impact on environment. An environment friendly policy without impacting human need for quality life at micro level, requires better utilization of existing resources, life extension and by implication management of cracks in components becomes very important. This paper deals with this theme.