Abstract
Electricity is a crucial commodity for humankind. Population growth, industrial development, and urbanization are key factors steering the electricity demand globally. The power supply internationally is dominated by coal-fired power plants, although there is a gradual introduction of alternative energy systems, such as renewable energies, these are not meeting nor overcoming the need. Besides, renewable energy systems are more expensive compared to coal-fired systems. The coal-fired energy plants are required to run at full capacity to meet the electricity demand, resulting in the coal-fired infrastructure deteriorating, due to plant load variation and age. These concerns, therefore, necessitate optimum planning, strategies, and cost-effective resolutions to asset maintenance. There is a need for South Africa to follow this norm. This study investigates the life extension of systems for coal-fired power plants. This research aims to get a clear understanding of the contributing factors which influence a coal-fired boiler’s performance. Also, by examining the holistic reliability engineering and cost-effective maintenance philosophies for a coal-fired boiler. In finding answers for the mentioned themes, the study starts with the literature review to set a foundation, and the knowledge is used later to test the research findings. The three variables are used for this examination i.e., the boiler’s performance from two power plants, the contributing factors that influence the coal-fired boiler performance, and the reliability level of existing boilers from both organizations. The researcher uses secondary data from Company B and Company K. The research findings indicate a decline in boiler's performance over time. Moreover, the quantitative results from the Pareto chart analysis of both power stations demonstrate similar contributing factors that affect coal-fired boilers’ performance i.e., coal quality, soot blowing, tube leak, poor combustion failure, and forced drive fan failure. Lastly, the mean time between failure results of boilers reveals that both power plants have lower reliability levels.
M.Phil. (Engineering Management)