Digital Hydro Asset Performance Management from GE

Extending Time Between Overhaul (TBO), reducing Mean Time To Repair (MTTR) with APM - EDSB, Local French Utility A local French electricity distribution utility needed to accurately and remotely determine severity of heated bearings. APM's Machine & Equipment Health application connected the 5 MW Francis Turbine and its 2 Guide and 1 Thrust Bearings to GE's Remote Operating Center at France. The data acquisition and processing system processes over 2 terrabytes of data each month from 11 sensors and a local 3D HMI. The automated diagnostics, Remaining Useful Life (RUL) prognostics, and vibration monitoring and diagnostics determined shaft displacements in radial direction without any shock or rub. As a result, the bearing was declared safe, not needing any inspection or resultant machine stoppage. The result - An estimated 1% increase in availability by way of avoiding unnecessary downtime, costs otherwise incurred for inspection and loss of production.