CMSC 2024

 This paper investigates the utilization of photogrammetry for the measurement of two distinct power generation components, situated in New Zealand and the Philippines. Both measurements employed the V-STARS Nikon-based system. 
The application of this technology involved a collaborative effort between a photogrammetric specialist and a turbine plant engineering expert. The outcomes of both studies identified design and construction weaknesses, instigating substantial changes in plant engineering and maintenance strategies, leading to significant improvements in plant availability and reliability. 
The New Zealand project is noteworthy for its comprehensive measurement coverage, encompassing not only the main turbine structure but also the condenser, hotwell pumps, and other crucial structural components of the power generation unit. Spanning approximately 25 x 25 x 25m across four different levels, unified coordinate measurements were repeated under various operational conditions to quantify the changes the entire unit underwent.

In the Philippine project, measuring a seawater pump for the coal fired power plant auxiliaries and condenser cooling presented a unique challenge. The motor assembly is positioned above the main pump, while the main pump and ancillary components are located below sea level. Again, a unified coordinate system for all the key components was required. This project faced the added challenge of key targets being under leaking pumps, necessitating various investigations on the accuracy impact of wet targets.

Remarkably, both projects achieved high precision, maintaining accuracies consistently within the range of 30 to 50 microns across the entire measurement volume. Photogrammetric techniques not only facilitated precise measurements but also enabled the development of comprehensive action plans. These plans, rooted in meticulous data analysis, reflected observed behaviours. The New Zealand case, with its repeated measurements, offered valuable insights into dynamic changes over time, while the Philippines project underscored the adaptability of photogrammetry in challenging conditions. The cumulative findings contribute significantly to advancing the understanding of the effects of process driven changes in force and geometry and enable proactive strategies for maintenance and optimization in power generation.


 Pieter Krige 
Turbine Specialist 
373 Waingaro str 
RD1, Ngaruawahia 
Waikato, New Zealand 
Pieter@pkengineeringnz.com 

 Giuseppe Ganci 
Photogrammetrist Gancell Pty. Ltd. 
27 Browning Street Moonee Ponds, Victoria 3039, Australia gganci@gancell.com