THE DIAGRAMS BELOW SHOWS BOTH THE BLOCK AND SCHEMATIC DIAGRAMS OF A THERMAL

ELECTRIC PLANT

General Schematic layout of a Steam Power Station

DUBE DUMISANI HND POWER ENGINEERING MANAGEMENT PRACTICAL 2

ii. The Main CRITICAL Maintenance Areas Of The Steam Electric Plant Are :

(i) Electrical switchgears

(ii) Electrical motors
(iii) Generators
(iv) Transformers
(v) Electrical wiring and cables
(vi) Lighting systems
(vii) Control systems
(viii) HVAC systems
(ix) Fire protection systems

iii. The Maintenance Calendar for the plant will involve monthly, quarterly, and yearly
maintenance cycles as shown below:

Monthly Maintenance Routine:

(i) Electrical switchgear checks

(ii) Electrical motor checks
(iii) Generator checks
(iv) Transformer checks
(v) Electrical wiring and cable checks
(vi) Lighting system checks
(vii) Control system checks
(viii) HVAC system checks
(ix) Fire protection system checks

Quarterly Maintenance Checks:

(i) Electrical switchgear maintenance

(ii) Electrical motor maintenance
(iii) Generator maintenance
(iv) Transformer maintenance
(v) Electrical wiring and cable maintenance
(vi) Lighting system maintenance
(vii) Control system maintenance
(viii) HVAC system maintenance
(ix) Fire protection system maintenance

Yearly Maintenance Cycle:

(i) Electrical switchgear overhaul

(ii) Electrical motor overhaul
(iii) Generator overhaul
(iv) Transformer overhaul
(v) Electrical wiring and cable overhaul
(vi) Lighting system overhaul
(vii) Control system overhaul
(viii) HVAC system overhaul
(ix) Fire protection system overhaul

DUBE DUMISANI HND POWER ENGINEERING MANAGEMENT PRACTICAL 2

The table calendar below summaries the maintenance schedule

iv. One critical area that needs to be maintained is the ELECTRICAL SWITCHGEARS

v. The maintenance procedure to be employed when maintaining the Electrical Switchgears is as

follows:

• Inspecting the switchgear for any signs of physical damage.

• Checking the condition of the electrical wiring and connections.

• Checking the condition of the circuit breakers and other components.

• Testing the insulation resistance of the switchgear.

• Calibrating the switchgear and other related components.

• Checking the operation of the circuit breakers and other components.

• Performing a load test on the switchgear.

• Checking the operation of the ground fault indicators.

DUBE DUMISANI HND POWER ENGINEERING MANAGEMENT PRACTICAL 2

• Checking the temperature of the enclosure and internal components.

• Checking the earthing of the switchgear.

• Cleaning and lubricate all moving parts.

vi. The Potential hazards that could impair the health and wellbeing of the workers who are to
participate in the maintenance exercise include:

• Electrical Shock

• Fire

• Explosion

• High Voltage

• Electrical Arc

• Mechanical Hazards

• Chemical Hazards

• Heat Exhaustion

• Noise

• Slips, trips and falls

vii. To prevent and mitigate against the aforementioned potential hazards in part vi; the following
have to be done:

• Ensuring that the switchgear is properly de-energized before performing any maintenance work.

• Wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

• Use of insulated tools and equipment for maintenance work.

• Ensuring that all electrical components are properly earthed.

• Lockout and tag out all electrical circuits before working on them.

• Use of tools that have been designed for the specific purpose.

• Regularly checking the condition of the PPE.

• Ensuring that the work area is well ventilated.

• Providing sufficient lighting in the work area.

• Providing hearing protection and respiratory protection when necessary.

• Following the safety regulations and procedures.

DUBE DUMISANI HND POWER ENGINEERING MANAGEMENT PRACTICAL 2