(No) operation without damage
Despite the steadily growing share of renewable energy sources in electricity generation, conventional power plants continue to play a crucial role. They balance out the weather- and seasonally fluctuating contributions of wind and solar energy and thus stabilize the electricity supply. This requires load-flexible operation of the power plants with frequent starts and load changes. Start-ups and load changes lead to temperature changes and fluctuating mechanical loads, which stress the components in a different way compared to the original design. This can result in accelerated material damage with premature and unexpected damage to components or systems. Older systems in particular must be evaluated with regard to the remaining service life under these circumstances.
For damage analysts, manufacturers, operators and insurers, weak points, systematic faults and possible risks of recurring or unexpected damage to energy or chemical systems are therefore essential.
