A system for monitoring maintenance information in a hydroelectric power
generation facility comprises sensors coupled to a controller. The sensors
detect actual levels of operating parameters for a desired operating
period at an operating condition. The detected parameters include a
stressor capable of affecting a life span, or mean time between failures,
of the turbine or one of its components. The controller determines the
amount of the life span used up. A method for monitoring maintenance
information in a power generation facility includes the steps of
monitoring levels of operating parameters including a stressor for a
desired operating period at an operating condition. The stressor affects
the life span of the turbine or one of its components, and the amount of
the life span used up over the operating period is calculated. A method
for monitoring losses in a hydroelectric power generation facility
operating to satisfy environmental constraints involves storing
predetermined reference signals representative of desired turbine
efficiencies over a range of operating levels in a memory circuit. Current
levels of operating parameters are sensed while the facility is operating
to satisfy the environmental constraints. A sensed parameter signal
representative of a current turbine efficiency is generated from the
sensed levels of operating parameters. The generated parameter signal is
compared to the predetermined reference signals to determine an
environmental efficiency loss signal.