Towards optimization of combined cycle power plants' start-ups and shut-down

New running conditions of power plants - provoked by volatility of market price and integration of variable renewable energy sources (RES) into energy production process - refer to frequent start-ups (run-ups) and shut-downs, which are costly and detrimental. The procedure of run-up is more adverse than the shut-down. The optimization of start-up is an essential feature to provide operational benefits and economic success of cogeneration units in a liberalized market. In this publication the run-ups of Riga CHP-2 plant are evaluated by analyzing operational data from condition monitoring system (CMS). The obtained results reflect that the improvement of cogeneration units' start-ups is necessary. The weakest points of it are marked and potential options of upgrades are noted. Also the study about shut-downs is provided in this research work.