Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
•
Photovoltaic (PV) Systems
: PV panel performance is highly depen-
dent on its ability to remain clean. The cleaning frequency for a PV
system will depend upon the following:
— Urban locations or locations in dry, dusty climates will increase
the frequency of cleaning. Coastal areas will experience salt
spray that also must be removed frequently.
— Rain acts as a natural cleaning agent, so locations in rainy cli-
mates tend to have reduced maintenance cleaning require-
ments.
Photovoltaic systems have numerous electrical components
that require specific maintenance, including batteries, inverters, and
controls.
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Wind Power Systems
: Wind turbine maintenance is specialized and
is typically beyond the capabilities of most facility maintenance
staffs. Therefore, most of these systems are maintained under out-
side contract. As the turbine contains more moving parts, hence it
requires considerable maintenance. During the early years, mainte-
nance cost is typically between 1.5% and 3% of the turbine cost, but
this cost increases as the turbine get older.
The electrical components of the system, including, batteries,
inverters, and controls, also require routine maintenance.
•
Combined Heat and Power Systems (CHP):
CHP plant maintenance
is very complex and is typically beyond the capabilities of all but the
largest and most sophisticated maintenance staffs. Therefore, most
of these systems are maintained under outside contract.
Such on-site service and maintenance can be provided by the
original equipment manufacturer or supplier or by a specialist third-
party organization. Maintenance contracts require that a monthly
fee be paid by the plant owner; that is, in effect, a continuous full
protection plan for engine and generator and provide for fast (typi-
cally eight-hour) response times by service personnel in repairing
failed components.
Service and maintenance agreements typically cover only CHP
equipment rather than the whole plant. Most on-site power gen-
eration plant owners contract out service and maintenance simply
because most don't have the in-house expertise necessary to carry
out routine maintenance tasks on reciprocating engine gensets, heat
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