Improving generator availability by use of strategic spares

In order to improve the availability of its large high-merit generating units, the UK electricity-supply industry has developed a strategy of holding major strategic spare components. These are deployed in the event of failures or when required to expedite overhauls or modifications. Displaced major components are then repaired, refurbished or modified while the unit remains in service. Analysis techniques which can be used to evaluate the likely capabilities of one, two or more spare components for a particular plant family were also developed and the basis of these is described. the author describes the application of the strategies to generator components