Necessity - In order to operate micro-hydro power plants in good condition for a long period, waterway facilities, electric equipment, transmission and distribution lines should be maintained adequately. Operators must try to observe even small troubles and prevent accidents of facilities. For this purpose, daily checks and periodic inspections are essential and recording and keeping of those data are also important. Though items and frequency of checks and inspections should be decided considering conditions of facilities and ways of use, general maintenance of micro-hydro power plants is as follows: Daily checks : In order to check if there is anything strange at waterway facilities, electric equipment, transmission and distribution lines, operators conduct daily checks along the course that has been fixed in advance. Operators must record results of checks and take measures if necessary.
Procedure of routine maintenance of micro hydro power plant –
Turbine functional checks and inspection.
Turbine bearing lubrication and inspection.
Gearbox inspection.
Gearbox oil condition analysis and oil changes.
Gearbox bearing inspection and lubrication.
Drive belt inspection and replacement.
Drive coupling inspection.
Generator inspection.
Generator bearing inspection and lubrication.
Hydraulic system inspection.
Hydraulic system oil condition analysis and oil changes.
Check all sensors operate correctly.
Check controller functions correctly.
Inspection of intake area, impounding structures, pipeline, sluice(s).