Evaluation of Operational Performance Factors and Improvement Strategies of a Nigeria Typical Power Generation System

This paper presents the analysis of key operational performance indicators and some effective improvement strategies, carried out on four gas turbine generators of a power plant company, in Nigeria for a period of four years (۲۰۱۹-۲۰۲۲). The investigation used the NERC/IEEE Standard ۷۶۲ generator performance indices amongst other calculated key performance indices in the evaluation of the collected data. The research methodology was done through collection of data using questionnaires, operational records and plant data sheets recorded by operators in the power station and data analysis using Excel and Python software, afterward, constructive optimization techniques were recommended for each operational factor. From the result obtained, the operational performance shows an average energy generation of approximately ۳۸۹.۷۱ GWh. The equipment availability factor averaged ۵۴.۰۸%, indicating moderate reliability. The energy availability factor was notably lower, averaging ۱۱.۹۹%, suggesting significant room for improvement. The capacity factor averaged ۹.۳۹%, while the plant use factor was relatively high at ۸۰.۵۹%, demonstrating efficient usage when operational. The load factor was low, with an average of ۰.۱۰, pointing to potential underutilization of capacity. The shortfall in performance levels of the plant is attributed to less plant availability due to overdue overhauling of some units resulting in frequent breakdowns/failures, obsolete technology, ageing plant equipment, instability of the national grid system, among others. The recommended strategic techniques are designed to address the specific challenges associated with each factor, thereby enhancing the overall operational performance of the power plant and other power generation companies for maximum productivity.

Keywords:

Energy Availability , Gas Turbine Performance , Operational Indicators , Optimization techniques , Power Plant Reliability