Development of an Improved Maintenance Cost Model for a Gas-Power Plant

Abstract

Production equipment consists of mechanical components and parts that slide or are in contact when in service; hence, friction at the interface cannot be neglected. Equipment such as gas-power plants are designed and manufactured to run for several hours, and more heat is generated due to static and sliding friction. Besides, the gas-power plant investigated also experiences a high corrosion rate due to environmental factors affecting and constraining its workability. Continuous engagement of such equipment in service can cause breakdowns. If sustainable production is ideal, an adequate maintenance strategy must be adopted. Therefore, this study developed an improved reliability-centered maintenance cost model to predict the maintenance cost to address the electric power distribution problem in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The critical subsystems/components considered were the compressor, turbine, combustor, exhaust, and air inlet filter. Results show that for 100% increased maintainability, maintenance cost was reduced to 36,842.87 naira, which represents a 99.9% reduction of the power plant's total maintenance cost by adopting the proposed maintenance cost. Predictive maintenance is adequate for all subsystems of the plant.