2023 May Previews
COVER FOCUS: Predictive Maintenance
How Ultrasonic Testing Improves Power Plant Reliability
Ultrasonic testing is very important to the power industry. This article explores the purpose of ultrasonic inspection practices and how they have changed throughout the decades. It will also offer insight into industry regulations and mandates as well as qualification requirements.
Predicting Failure with Thorough Inspections of Turbine Bypass Valves
When engineers are asked to list the most difficult control valve applications, high-pressure turbine bypass valves are invariably mentioned. The infrequent operation, extreme pressure drops, temperature cycles, and need for very tight shut off push these valves to the limit. This article provides suggested methods of inspection to anticipate and possibly mitigate issues beforehand, and it offers potential upgrade alternatives should a valve need to be replaced.
FEATURES
Spotlight on Entergy
Entergy’s roots go back to Arkansas Power and Light, which began generating power in 1914, using sawdust from the Arkansas Land and Lumber Company as fuel. At the time, it provided electricity to 22 miles of transmission lines throughout Malvern and Arkadelphia. Today, the company is headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, has about 12,000 employees, and serves roughly 3 million customers through its operating companies across parts of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas.
Data-Driven Insights Informing Utility Operations
Power generation companies are focused on modernizing their processes, looking to solve the challenges of aging infrastructure, increased energy consumption, shifting demand for power, and more. Improved system reliability and safety, along with lower operating costs, are among the solutions provided by the increased use of data.
Fusion Power Update: A Fast-Evolving Sector Filled with Promise
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced in December that it had achieved “fusion ignition.” The milestone is a major scientific breakthrough, decades in the making. This article takes a look at the technology and game-changing projects taking place around the world.
Floating PV System Provides Smart Energy and Savings for Wastewater Plant
Floating solar power plants improve energy production by keeping the solar system cooler, which prolongs the lifetime of the PV system and improves performance. Utilizing a pond’s surface for a solar plant also reduces algae growth, bank erosion (through reducing water movement), and evaporation, while generating virtually free energy. Benefits also include reduced greenhouse gas emissions, which can help owners meet specific carbon reduction goals.
Inventory Management Systems—Why Automation Can Save Time and Reduce Costs for Power Companies
Traditional vendor managed inventory (VMI) programs track part ordering, fulfillment, and replenishment for power companies. But a genuinely automated, end-to-end system is much more significant in scope and benefits than just “managing parts.” Modern inventory management offers a strategy that elevates supply chain assurance, increases facility efficiency, and positively impacts financial performance.
Hydrogen and the Energy Transition
Energy demands are becoming increasingly varied, complex, and decentralized. In this environment, hydrogen could be a game changer, as the fuel of the future or as part of decentralized energy concepts. However, it will only succeed in a portfolio with other renewable technologies. A successful energy transition will highly depend on knowing the potential and the limits of hydrogen, and developing diverse and flexible energy portfolios.