Thermal Performance Monitoring at Pickering NGS Using THERMAC

Abstract

A strategy has been implemented at Pickering Nuclear Generating Station (PNGS) to monitor the thermal performance of the turbine cycle. A key element of this strategy has been the implementation of the generic power plant performance monitoring tool THERMAC. With the help of THERMAC analyses, station personnel can diagnose and locate thermal losses, optimize maintenance frequency, and, ultimately, increase total station electrical output. This paper provides an introduction to the THERMAC software. The structure and layout of the program, as seen by the user, will be discussed. The paper will focus on the custom implementation of THERMAC at Pickering NGS. An example of a THERMAC analysis that demonstrates the power and usefulness of the software will be presented. Other aspects of the thermal performance monitoring strategy, such as heat rate testing and instrumentation improvements, will also be discussed.