The Archimede concentrating solar power (CSP) plant is a first-of-a-kind plant that was developed by Enel with the goal of demonstrating, on an industrial scale, parabolic trough collectors operating with molten salt working fluid and direct thermal energy storage integrated into a combined-cycle plant using high-temperature steam.
The Archimede plant has provided Enel with several learning opportunities regarding plant operation and maintenance (O&M) that were, in most cases, the first of their kind for the molten salt CSP technology. The overall objectives of the O&M task at the Archimede plant, begun in 2012, were as follows:
- Definition of simplified and standardized maintenance procedures
- Reduction of plant downtime through effective maintenance scheduling and fast trouble management
- Reduction of consumables such as electricity and demineralized water
On the basis of these challenges, innovations, and lessons learned, a list of practices related to O&M was developed in cooperation with the plant operator to improve the reliability and performance of the Archimede power plant.
This report focuses on the experiences undertaken by Enel personnel during the Archimede O&M task and describes main practices and procedures related to plant maintenance. This 2016 update includes a summary table of O&M costs to perform both scheduled and unscheduled maintenance activities.