Maximizing the Lifespan of Hydraulic Power Plants with Application of the Integrated Preventive Maintenance Program

ABSTRACT: Hydropower plant became one of the main resources for electricity production. This research mentions the Iraq hydropower plant as a case study, there is lack in Iraq electricity production. One of the important drawbacks of these plants in Iraq is poor maintenance. In this study the program for maintenance has been suggested. It is a preventive maintenance program that depends on seven steps (inspection and testing, lubrication, planning and scheduling, documentation, training, stimulation and control of spare part). These steps cover all types of hydropower plant maintenance problems. To evaluate the preventive maintenance work a new technique by using Microsoft Office Access 2007 & Visual Basic 2008 based program is prepared. The proposed technical program depends on four major criteria: time, weight activity, percentage completion and duration of activity. The objectives of this study are to keep the level of electricity production at the desirable level, reduce the down time of hydropower plant for the maintenance, reduce the cost of maintenance and finally to prepare a successful planning for the future maintenance program. Keywords: Integrated preventive maintenance, Hydraulic Power Plants or hydroelectric, Maintenance program, Periodic evaluation, Maintenance cost, Maintenance. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………