Hybrid simulation modeling framework for evaluation of Thermal Power Plants seismic resilience in terms of power generation

Abstract

This study puts forward a comprehensive hybrid simulation modeling framework for assessing the resilience of Thermal Power Plants (TPPs) in terms of Nominal Power Generation Capacity (NPGC) following various earthquake Intensity Measures (IMs). The proposed framework utilizes a combination of agent-based and system dynamics simulation approaches to simulate disaggregated and aggregated aspects of thermal power plant systems with higher compatibility to investigate various earthquake physical damage scenarios and the system restoration process. A case study involving a large Gas Turbine Combined Cycle Power Plant (GTCC-PP) is examined to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed model and framework. The results of the analysis provide an estimate of the Power Plant (PP) ‘s mean NPGC vs. time and across a wide range of Peak Ground Accelerations (PGAs), with current condition (in operational status) and after employing anchoring equipment and increasing the number of repair crews as two main resilience enhancement strategies. Finally, the impact of the investigated strategies on improving seismic resilience and the seismic resilience trends in the PP under the conditions mentioned above are compared. The proposed framework provides a tool for the TPPs administrators and decision-making to plan for emergency response and evaluate the seismic resilience of TPPs and understand how to develop it efficiently.