TEPCO & GENERAL ELECTRIC:
IOT FOR POWER PLANTS
General Electric (GE) has worked with Japanese electric power company TEPCO, among others in the APAC region, to deploy IoT solutions in power plants.
TEPCO has utilized GE’s Asset Performance Management (APM) solution in the Futtsu power plant, which is able to generate 5,040 megawatts of electricity for millions of Japanese homes and businesses. APM utilizes sensors to equipment such as gas turbines and generators in order to collect data from the plant. This information is then analyzed and turns into actionable insights for industrial operators, as well as real-time data on plant efficiency.
“As we look at the future energy needs of our customers, we must invest in the latest digital solutions that can help us increase the productivity, efficiency, and reliability of our existing power plants.”
Toshihiro Sano, President, TEPCO
Normally, maintenance is conducted through schedules to determine whether or not parts need to be replaced. Ultimately, TEPCO hopes a smarter perspective will result in improved gas usage and efficiency as well as an understanding of what equipment needs to be changed, and when – which should lower plant inspection rates and operational costs.
GE says that its technologies have the potential to improve the average conversion efficiency from 33% to 49%, as well as reduce unplanned downtime by 5%, operational and equipment maintenance costs by up to 25%, as well as a 3% reduction in CO2 emissions.
In addition, the company says that fuel efficiency can be bolstered by up to 3% and output can be increased by 2%.
16%
increase in average conversion efficiency
5%
reduction in unplanned downtime
