POWER PLANT MAINTENANCE

Inspection and servicing procedures covered in this chapter are rather general. In most cases, they can be applied to any electrical power generator that you install. You realize, of course, that there are other special installation details which pertain only to the particular generator you happen to be working on. Because of the many different types of generators, certain instructions are applicable only to specific types of generators. Therefore, you should consult the manufacturer's instruction manuals for these details.

Power plant maintenance can be divided into two general categories: operator maintenance and preventive maintenance.

Operator Maintenance

Operator maintenance includes the hourly, daily, and weekly maintenance requirements recommended in the manufacturer's literature. Some operator maintenance and routine checks include the following:

Bring oil level to the high mark on the dip stick.

Free movement of ventilation louvers.

Drain water and sediment from strainers and filters.

Maintain level of coolant.

Check radiator and coolant hoses for leaks.

Check battery electrolyte level.

Check all switches for proper operation.

Drain water from fuel tank.

Fill fuel tank as required with appropriate diesel fuel.

Check fuel tank for leaks.

Log all operator maintenance in the operations log book when it is completed.

Preventive Maintenance

Preventive maintenance includes the monthly, quarterly, semiannual, and annual maintenance checks recommended in the manufacturer's literature. The maintenance supervisor is responsible for establishing a maintenance schedule to ensure the preventive maintenance is performed. A maintenance log book should be established for each generator plant and all maintenance checks recorded. The operations log book should be reviewed periodically to ensure that all preventive maintenance recommended by engine operating hours is scheduled. For example, the schedule of engine lube oil and filter replacement is normally based on hours of operation.

POWER DISTRIBUTION

A power distribution system includes all of the generating plants, transmission lines, substations, feeders, primary mains, distribution transformers, and secondary mains necessary to supply power from the generating plant to the load. Figure 5-8 shows the basic components of a distribution system and the relationship of one component to another.

A power distribution system may be either an overhead distribution line or an underground cable system. In most Navy installations, the overhead system is used, but in the vicinity of airports or landing strips, it may be necessary to install an underground system. This chapter will discuss mainly the overhead distribution system.

An overhead distribution system can usually be installed and maintained more cheaply than an underground system. Also, for equivalent conductor size, an overhead system has higher current capacity and offers greater flexibility with regard to changes in circuits and taps than an underground system. Overhead distribution should normally be used unless climatic or unusual conditions dictate otherwise.