At the heart of any large power plant are its generators. Ensuring that these massive applications run safely and reliably requires a monitoring system that operators trust. Brüel & Kjær Vibro (B&K Vibro) has confirmed the successful commercial operation of two steam turbine generator units at a coal-fired thermal power station in China. The units are 1,000 MW ultra-supercritical steam turbine generators.
The steam turbine generator units are equipped with a vibration and condition monitoring system from B&K Vibro, providing continuous asset healthcare and protection for the steam turbine generator, steam-driven feedwater pumps and critical auxiliary equipment. The system ensures safe, stable, and reliable operation of key rotating machinery.
HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE, WORKING TOGETHER
The monitoring solution is based on B&K Vibro’s technologically advanced VC-8000 monitoring system and integrates reliable vibration sensors with the Setpoint CMS condition monitoring software. The system enables real-time monitoring, trend evaluation and condition-based maintenance, supporting long-term operational reliability and efficiency.
A power station service engineer says, “The successful first-time completion of the 168-hour full-load trial confirms the stability and reliability of the VC-8000 vibration and condition monitoring system under full operating conditions. The system fully meets the protection and condition monitoring requirements of 1000 MW class steam turbine generator units and provides a solid foundation for long-term, reliable operation of critical rotating machinery.”
FROM TRIAL TO PRACTICE
During commissioning, the monitoring system received positive evaluations from various industry experts. The successful trial further demonstrated that the VC-8000 system meets the operational requirements of large-capacity ultra-supercritical steam turbine generator units in China.
The commercial operation of the steam turbine generator unit represents an important milestone for this thermal power plant and underscores B&K Vibro’s role in supporting high-efficiency, large-scale power generation projects.
CONCLUSION
Overall, the operators of thermal power plant were pleased with the VC-8000 system’s and the Setpoint CMS condition monitoring software’s performance. The steam turbine generator units equipped with B&K Vibro’s vibration and condition monitoring system continue to perform reliably and safely.
Chang Xin is chief representative for B&K Vibro China. Brüel & Kjær Vibro (B&K Vibro) is the leading worldwide independent supplier of condition monitoring solutions for rotating machinery. The comprehensive product range comprises vibration sensors (acceleration, velocity and displacement), vibration monitors, handhelds and rack-based plant-wide integrated monitoring solutions. These products plus a suite of comprehensive services fulfil the most demanding applications for safety, condition and performance monitoring of rotating machinery. Based on more than eighty years of experience and a world-wide sales and support network, B&K Vibro’s monitoring solutions have successfully reduced downtime and maintenance costs and increased machine reliability for our customers worldwide. For more information, visit www.bkvibro.com.