Steam Turbine Power Plant Operation, Maintenance and Control

Introduction

Power Plant Operations & Control Training Course offers a comprehensive and practical foundation for professionals involved in modern fossil-fueled power generation. As global energy demand rises and operational efficiency becomes increasingly critical, the ability to operate, monitor and optimise power plants safely and effectively has never been more important. This training course provides a clear, structured understanding of how thermal, gas and diesel power stations function, covering core engineering concepts such as heat transfer, mechanical systems, electrical machines, instrumentation and process control. Participants gain deeper insight into power plant equipment—pumps, compressors, turbines, sensors, actuators and control devices—and learn how these components interact within a power generation environment. The course explores key control variables, operating parameters, plant disturbances, troubleshooting methods and performance optimisation techniques. Through practical examples and detailed explanations, delegates build the confidence to interpret process diagrams, analyse operational issues and make informed decisions to enhance system reliability. By joining this Power Plant Operations & Control Course, professionals strengthen their technical understanding, improve their operational awareness and develop the ability to apply best-practice methods across power plant systems. The course ultimately supports safer operation, reduced downtime and improved overall plant performance.

Objectives

This Power Plant Operations & Control Course is designed to develop a strong technical foundation in the operation, analysis and optimisation of fossil-fueled power generation facilities. Participants will understand how major plant components work, how processes are controlled, and how to troubleshoot common problems.

By the end of this training course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the operational principles governing different types of power plants
• Analyse process diagrams, control loops and instrumentation layouts
• Diagnose operational disturbances and apply structured troubleshooting methods
• Evaluate power plant equipment, including turbines, generators, pumps and compressors
• Apply control strategies for maintaining plant stability and improving performance
• Interpret key plant parameters and their influence on system reliability
• Identify selection criteria for thermal, gas and diesel power generation technologies

Training Methodology

This Power Plant Operations & Control Training Course uses a blend of interactive learning methods to ensure clear understanding and effective knowledge transfer. Concepts are illustrated through real plant examples, engineering visuals and guided technical discussions, enabling participants to link theoretical knowledge with practical application.

Learning will include:

• Instructor-led presentations using diagrams, animations and engineering videos
• Case studies highlighting real-world operational challenges
• Worked examples and troubleshooting scenarios
• Group discussions encouraging experience-sharing and collaborative analysis
• Daily recap sessions to reinforce learning objectives and clarify uncertainties

Who Should Attend?

This Power Plant Operations & Control Training Course is designed for professionals working in, or transitioning into, power generation roles requiring a solid understanding of plant operations, equipment behaviour and process control fundamentals. It supports both experienced and early-career professionals looking to enhance their operational competencies.

This training course will greatly benefit:

• Power station operators, technicians and plant engineers
• Electrical and mechanical engineers across all experience levels
• Project engineers and engineering team leaders
• Maintenance crews responsible for plant reliability and performance
• Technical site personnel, new graduates and field engineers
• Professionals seeking a deeper understanding of fossil-fueled generation systems

Course Outline

Day 1:  Fundamentals of Mechanical & Electrical Engineering

• Sensors, actuators

• Pumps, compressors, turbines, fan, blowers

• Pneumatics and hydraulics

• Control valves and cylinders, electrical actuation

• Theory of heat transfer

• Electric generators, motors and drives

Day 2:  Gas Power Station

• Overview of gas power stations

• Fundamentals and thermodynamics

• Gas turbine components

• Construction, lubrication system, fuel system, and auxiliary systems

• Protection, control, and instrumentation

• Installation, operation and maintenance

Day 3:  Thermal Power Station

• Overview of thermal power stations

• Fuel combustion and steam generation process

• Boiler auxiliary plant, operation and controls

• Boilers and power generation

• Waste heat recovery

• Boiler emission control, maintenance and troubleshooting

Day 4:   Diesel Generator (DG) Power Station

• Power plant types and components, engine types

• Engine technology and classifications

• DG types, protection, insulation, earthing and construction

• DG set assemblies & components

• DG plant layout

• DG operation and maintenance

Day 5:  Process Instrumentation & Control

• Process control fundamentals

• Measurement and control of pressure, level, flow and heat

• Electronic controllers

• Process flow diagram (PFD), P&ID, transfer function

• Open & closed loop controllers

• Operational amplifiers, analogue & digital controllers