Support Services: Training

GP's decade of experience developing and installing on-line monitoring systems has taught us the importance of training to ensure EtaPRO system "transfer of ownership" as well as acceptance and use of the EtaPRO system by operating personnel. Three types of training are included with an EtaPRO system:

• EtaPRO User Training—This course is a hands-on program provided for all plant personnel who will use the EtaPRO system. This includes plant managers, supervisors, engineers and control room operators. It covers the use of all EtaPRO system features and capabilities.
• System Administrator Training—This hands-on, in-depth training session is conducted at GP's Amherst, NY, office. During this training, technical staff and the EtaPRO system Administrator will become familiar with the EtaPRO architecture and commercial software tools from a user-configuration standpoint. At the end of the training, the trainees will be familiar with all aspects of the software and will be able to perform modifications to the EtaPRO system without the assistance of GP personnel.
• VirtualPlant™ Configuration Training—This training session includes an overview of the specific plant cycle. Hands-on training will guide the trainees through the configuration process. The trainees will compare their thermodynamic models with actual plant operating data to verify the accuracy and robustness of the model.

Performance Knowledge™ Series

GP can provide additional training programs (www.gpworldwide.com/fossil_fuel_courses) designed to maximize the beneficial impact of your EtaPRO system. GP has instructed over 5,000 power plant personnel in the concepts related to plant performance. Programs for all plant types are available for operations, engineering and management personnel. This training experience provides assurance that the plant staff will accept and use EtaPRO to increase plant efficiency, reliability and capacity.

• Advanced Operator Training—This course is designed to provide all levels of the operations staff with an understanding and appreciation of the concepts behind fossil power plant thermal performance improvement.
• Advanced Performance Analysis and Troubleshooting for Power Plants—This course is a case study-based program in which trainees learns how to diagnose the causes of equipment performance deficiencies.
• Fundamentals of Power Plant Performance for Utility Engineers—This course is designed to teach trainees how to test and monitor power plant equipment and improve unit heat rate.
• Improving Combined Cycle Power Plant Performance—This course is designed to provide operators and engineers with an understanding of combined cycle power plant design for performance and the effect of operating parameters on plant efficiency and capacity.