CZECH FOOTPRINTS
OSC, a.s. Company Works with Energy As a rule, the key issue in making an investment decision is the profitability of the project. In renewable electricity production, the inputs are not easily influenced – the water, the wind and the sun are controlled by Nature. What, however, can be influenced, is production efficiency. This of course requires specific “know-how”, equipment and, most importantly, years of experience. HYDROELECTRIC ENERGY
At the takeover of new production equipment, it is very important for the investor to verify the contractually declared parameters as an indicator of the correctness of the investment. A very important requirement, therefore, is the guarantee measurement, where an independent expert company evaluates, by measuring, whether the efficiency requirements and other parameters of the machine are met. It is also important to ensure comprehensive technical support during commissioning of units, which includes the setting of sensors, analysis of problems occurring when putting the machine into operation, recording the operating behaviour of the machine, and
regulation and verification of all the required parameters. In the course of its operation, the machine wears out and the operating conditions may also change. It is therefore very important to verify regularly the actual condition of the machine and to take diagnostic measurements of still other important operating parameters (pressure pulsations, vibration, cavitation, noise), in addition to the machine´s efficiency. On the basis of the results, the optimum operational diagram of the machine is determined. The results may serve to assist the operator in deciding whether the machine needs repair or overhaul. An important task is on-cam verification of Kaplan turbines, which can easily uncover potential reserves in energy 62 C z e c h R e p u b l i c – Yo u r Tr a d e Pa r t n e r
production and use these to advantage. Besides testing the status of the machines themselves, it is also recommended that their controllers are tested and adjusted. However, specialists of OSC, a.s., a Czech engineering company, do much more than just carrying out the above-mentioned activities. In the area of hydropower, the company provides expert services not only for turbines in hydroelectric power plants and pumps of all types, but also for fossil fuel and nuclear power stations. Its clients include both small and large operators and manufacturers (EDF, ČEZ, Andritz, VOITH CKD Blansko, Litostroj Power, Sigma, etc.). OSC, a.s. participates in projects in Europe, Asia, and America. In 2007, it set foot in Scandinavia, where it collaborates successfully with firms like Fortum, E.ON/Uniper, Statkraft, Norconsult, Bilfinger, SWECO, AFRY, ONE Nordic, etc. Its most interesting projects there are putting Francis turbines into operation, with 45-metre-long shafts (HPP Noppikoski and Vassinkoski) and 60 MW poly-jet valve functionality verification (HPP Trollheim). OSC specialists publicise their vast experience regularly at international professional conferences, such as Hydro and IGHEM, and participate in the creation of international standards.
ABOUT THE COMPANY
OSC, a.s. is a specialised joint-stock company founded in 1994, operating in the area of power production and control. Over the years, following successful development, it has become established on markets in and outside the Czech Republic. Hydroelectric energy services are only a part of its offer. The company provides quality engineering services and products focused on the specific needs of customers. The principal areas of its activities are: l Measurement and regulation of technological processes in power plants, and optimisation of control systems. l Development and supply of modern training simulators, especially for nuclear power plants.
