Lean Six Sigma For Power Generation Sector

Lean Six Sigma finds a great relevance in power generation. Its relevant to any type of power generation units, be it thermal or hydro. Since power generation is a process that can typically be monitored through the various control parameters, so it becomes essential so ensure that all these control parameters remains within the specified limits otherwise it could lead to serious undesired consequences.

How Lean Six Sigma For Power Generation Sector is useful?

Using the concept of Lean Six Sigma, process optimization can easily be performed to ensure that the desired power generation is obtained at a minimal cost and minimum resource requirements. If a change in any of the input variable has happened, and we are interested to understand the impact of that input, it can easily be seen using the various tools available under Lean Six Sigma. Also if we are interested to see what has been the change that has happened between the two periods, it can easily be understood through the statistical tests available as a part of Lean Six Sigma. Also through a systematics and rigorous analysis and use of the tools of Lean Six Sigma, several failures can be averted, thereby saving the organization from huge losses.
It is a general tendency, that we track the outputs and wait to see them improving. We forget that if the outputs have to change, the inputs needs to be changed or regulated so that it has a positive impact on the output. Be it the furnace, fuel, water parameters etc. for a thermal power plant or the turbine parameters all the input variables have to carefully studied and controlled. Here Lean Six Sigma plays a pivotal role in identifying the key inputs and controlling them optimally to get the desired output.

Areas which are benefited through Lean Six Sigma For Power Generation Sector

Some of the areas where Lean Six Sigma can be effectively utilized in Power Plants are:

  1. Reduce fuel requirements for generating the same MW power generation
  2. Reduce failures of boiler tubes
  3. Improve efficiency of turbines
  4. Optimize feed water parameters
  5. Optimize boiler water parameters

If the team members of power plants are trained on the various levels of Lean Six Sigma, like Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, then these members will be in a better position to control the parameters and would be a in a better position to optimize the erection, commissioning, operations and maintenance of the power plant. This in turn would get more power to our planet with less consumption of the precious resources.