Wireless condition monitoring - reliability enhancement of remote equipment by web-based innovation at DTPS

摘要

This paper shares a success story regarding the innovation of a wireless condition monitoring technique. The Dahanu Thermal Power Station (DTPS) has utilised web-based wireless technology to overcome traditional barriers and to facilitate applications that in the past were impractical, such as temporary installations for troubleshooting and remote monitoring. Wireless technology eliminates the need for hardwiring for communications and drastically reduces sensor cable lengths for remotely located equipment. Other major benefits include reduced installation costs, mobility/portability, untethered operation, convenience and reliability. This will help to prevent downtime, to reduce maintenance and secondary damage, to prevent catastrophic failure and potential damage and to increase machine reliability, ultimately helping to turn the maintenance cost centre into a profit centre. Early diagnosis will result in timely action and save the plant from huge losses in terms of generation/production, unplanned breakdowns and associated maintenance and spares costs.