Abstract
Eskom is the largest power generating utility in South Africa. It mainly utilises coal fired
power stations to generate electricity, which are reaching or have reached their mid-life
span. Electricity demand has risen substantially over the years and Eskom is currently
struggling to meet the demand. It has also deferred their planned maintenance in order
to meet the electricity demand. This has resulted in several break-downs on various
systems within the power station on a daily basis. These break downs have a direct
effect on the availability and reliability of the power station and in certain instances “load
shedding” is applied due to lack of electricity generation. The concept of “load shedding”
will be discussed later in the minor dissertation.
The lack of maintenance of the power stations has resulted in the need for reactive
maintenance. In the current economic climate, the maintenance costs of the power
stations are relatively big contributors to the financial well-being of Eskom.
This minor dissertation focuses on the theoretical background of reliability engineering
and how it is practically applied towards a system in the Power Station. It covers the
approach towards managing the maintenance of a specific system in the Power Station.
This minor dissertation provides the reader with concepts related to maintenance
management and utilises a case study to illustrate these concepts practically.
It also discusses the development of a maintenance strategy with respect to a system in
the Power Station. The objective of maintenance management will be discussed and
the logical framework that will be used to achieve these maintenance objectives will be
investigated.
The various options that could be used to move the entire system in the Power Station
to preventative maintenance will be discussed in this minor dissertation. The benefits of
preventative maintenance will also be discussed.
Condition monitoring will be discussed as well as the role of continuous improvement of
the maintenance system.
M.Ing. (Engineering Management)