Optimization of Maintenance Management in Hydroelectric Plants Implementing Oil Steam, Brake Dust, and Slip Ring Dust Collector Extraction Systems

Álvarez W.; Sanchez J.; Yuan X.; Xueliang X. · 2025 25th Conference of the Electric Power Supply Industry, CEPSI 2025 (2025) · DOI: 10.1109/cepsi66359.2025.11403216

Resumen

This study evaluates the impact of implementing auxiliary extraction systems - oil vapor, brake dust, and slip ring carbon dust collectors - on the maintenance management of Francis turbine-generators at the Chaglla Hydroelectric Power Plant in Peru. Excessive contamination from oil vapors, brake dust, and carbon deposits on slip rings historically led to frequent maintenance stops, reduced availability (92.5% pre-implementation), and high operational costs. Through a quasi-experimental methodology, we analyzed data from 2019 to 2024, comparing performance before and after the 2022 installation of these systems. Results demonstrate significant improvements: availability increased to 95%, reliability rose from 82% to 96%, maintenance costs decreased by 52%, and preventive maintenance frequency was halved. The systems' integration with SCADA-enabled predictive protocols further optimized resource allocation. These findings highlight the effectiveness of targeted extraction technologies in enhancing hydropower plant sustainability, aligning with global trends toward cost-efficient and reliable renewable energy generation.