Power Station Response Testing

Te Aponga Uira’s Avatiu Power Station was first commissioned in the 1970s. The ratings of the engines installed back then have significantly dropped and it is now an opportune time for the aged infrastructure to be replaced. Recent reviews and studies yi’s conducted by various experts in the field have also suggested replacements and improvements in the TAU infrastructure. The TAU Board and Management have this year outlined these intentions in its Statement of Corporate Intent (SCI) and capital infrastructure plan over the next 10 years, as well as aligning the SCI to the Government’s Policy Statement of improving the nation’s infrastructure to support economic development.
The Avatiu Power Station has just completed a major overhaul of one of its biggest engines, the No 7 Engine. This Saturday, in line with overhaul procedures, TAU needs to conduct certain tests, before the finalisation and online commissioning of this engine. This test was last conducted back in 2007 following its previous major overhaul, and basically tests the response system of the engines during load drops. Load drops can occur during unplanned outages. Unplanned outages can result from cable faults, foreign intervention to the TAU grid, or even engine failures, to name a few.
However, given the issues highlighted above, this is also an opportune time to conduct testing on the response system of the entire Avatiu Power Station during a similar scenario. It is a test of the TAU Spinning Reserve Policy, where the biggest engine’s load drops. A test on the spinning reserve is also a test on TAU’s operations and of course the costs associated with funding of the same. This particular test will be a first for the Avatiu Power House. Although the biggest implication may be an island wide blackout, it is a crucial test that must be conducted. It is especially essential if TAU is to look at improving and replacing its aged infrastructure.
For the test to be conducted successfully however, TAU requires the cooperation and understanding of yourself, our valued customer. We first of all will require sufficient load on the system, which means, we require the general public and businesses to go about their day as they would normally do. We need to create sufficient load in our system to ensure an environment that makes the most of the testing opportunity. Most importantly, we seek the utmost understanding of the general public and businesses in the unlikely event that an island wide blackout should happen.
It is our intention to ensure that minimal disruptions occur. However, we emphasise that it is a system response test, and as such we cannot guarantee a predetermined outcome. We will of course endeavour to use all the resources available to us to ensure minimal interruptions are encountered.
The tests will be conducted on Saturday 3rd July 2010 commencing at 1pm. Our preliminary estimate is that if all goes well, everything should be completed in 30 minutes.

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