All the power plants and combined heat and power plants of the Południowy Koncern Energetyczny SA have been prepared for winter. Generating facilities have been inspected, systems of work organisation analysed.

On the basis of experience from previous years management of plants took into account conditions to keep technological regimes.

In order to ensure the required availability of production and industrial facilities as well as to guarantee continuity of operation in the Power Plant III and the Power Plant II in Jaworzno during the autumn and winter peak, a particular attention was paid to punctual completion of modernisation tasks and the repair campaign – repairs of basic coal feeding, ash removing and water management equipment as well as of works related to protection of power and auxiliary systems and facilities. A special attention was given to the repair of heat exchangers and heating systems, compressors and compressed air systems of idle and stand-by equipment, exposed to sub-zero temperatures. Agents for cleaning and defrosting water intakes have also been replenished.

As a part of preparations in the Łagisza Power Plant for operation during the autumn and winter peak as well as to guarantee failure-free operation, the TG–1 turbine underwent a mean repair, the K–1 boiler in the block No. 1 a major repair, the block No. 6 along with the heat-generating system – the UP and IOS heat exchangers a mean repair, auxiliary equipment for blocks 2, 5, 7 running repairs. The mills also underwent mean and major repairs, control fittings at heating water outlets to heat external consumers were replaced. Auxiliary equipment of the WP 70 water heater No. 2 was inspected as it is an emergency system for heat production from the turbine heat exchangers in the blocks No. 6 and 7 as well heating ones No. 1, 2 and 3.

In the Blachownia Power Plant while preparing for winter a particular attention was paid to confirming and examining all the agreements and arrangements with suppliers of raw material. Heating systems have been properly protected as well.

The director’s order as regards preparing the Siersza Power Plant for operating in winter conditions is based on two-year experience. The most substantial problem is to maintain uninterrupted communication between particular generating facilities. In the Halemba Power Plant, before the heating season the equipment connected with heat supplies to the town was repaired. In the engine room and boiler house all the windows and doors were provided with thermal insulation.

Management of the Katowice Combined Heat and Power Plant concentrated on building up necessary reserves of heating and gas oil as well as of agents preventing paraffining. Inspection and maintenance of heating mains insulation were carried out.

In the Łaziska Power Plant they did not forget about the simplest equipment useful when it snows heavily – shovels and proper amount of sand. In the Railway Department agents for defrosting switches were collected in the required amount. Moreover, they also updated arrangements with Eltrans which is the power plant’s reliable partner in maintenance of in-plant and access roads during winter. Engine reserves in all the generating facilities were verified.

In the Bielsko-Biała Combined Heat and Power Plant Complex (ZEC Bielsko–Biała), coal reserves built up before winter exceeded standard reserves. The repair campaign is finished thus in the heating season which has already started ZEC Bielsko–Biała is prepared for covering a peak demand for heat.

Repairs in all the company plants as well as the analysis of departments readiness to operate in difficult conditions should fully protect the company against winter. Management of the power plants and combined heat and power plants have also prepared scenarios of action in case of extreme conditions. Detailed procedures relating to failures of particular facilities, fire and defence situations as well as property protection have been established.

Józef Swoboda

Vice-chairman of the PKE SA Management Board Henryk Tymowski:

Repair campaigns were finished on time, we’ve built up appropriate reserves of coal and heating oil. In all the power plants and combined heat and power plants detailed schedules of tasks for the autumn and winter peak have been prepared. The organisation of actions to ensure continuity of operation has been described, necessary technical measures taken, personnel of centres for the winter action selected. In addition lists of executives appointed to be on duty at home and of employees to make up crisis intervention and emergency teams drawn up.

The Company is also prepared for operation during blackouts. We’ve reviewed and updated emergency procedures for technological facilities in relation to getting them prepared to operation and to safely setting aside during failure of the National Power System.

In my opinion plans for protecting technological equipment against winter effects are highly professional. Their diversity is a result of considerable experience of executives working in particular power plants and combined heat and power plants for many years as well as from their uniqueness. I’m sure that thanks to the experience and a skill of anticipating risks which weather may pose as well as to professionalism and conscientiousness of staff in our plants – we’ll manage with this winter as well.