An integrated method for comprehensive sensor network development in complex power plant systems

The rapid advancement of powerful monitoring devices and computers permits one to design a comprehensive sensor network as the foundation of an efficient plant condition monitoring and diagnosis system. For the development of such a comprehensive sensor network in complex power plant systems, the work presented here describes the rationale and implementation of an integrated method incorporating a structural system hierarchy and a functional system hierarchy, a fault–symptom matrix, sensor selection criteria, use of a sensor installation feasibility study, and advanced instrumentation steps. In selecting instrumentation to use we include the state of the art technologies concerning data processing and data integration as a means of extending the plantʹs feasible diagnostic coverage. The application of the design technique described here to the specific example component of the turbine generator demonstrates how each step of the presented method contributes to completion of the sensor network development in a systematic way.