On March 1, 2012, the Faculty of Engineering visited Nam Pong power plant and met with the administrators and engineers to discuss joint research work under the cooperation between the Electricity Generation Authority of Thailand (EGAT) and Khon Kaen University (KKU). Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sunantha Kingpaiboon, Associate Dean in Research and International Relations, Asst. Prof. Dr. Chanoknan Sookkamnerd, the coordinator and lecturers from the Faculty of Engineering represented the Faculty at the meeting, while Mr. Wittaya Wittayakhom, the Director of Nam Pong Power Plant and a team of the plant’s engineers represented EGAT.

The research theme as agreed would be on:  

     1.  Evaluation of social and environmental impact from Nam Pong Power Plant 

     2.  Measures for flood prevention at the Nam Pong Power Plant’s Intake Pump 

     3.  Study on deterioration of the turbine insulation in order to mitigate problems from turbine rotor/casing differential Eexpansion

     4.  Evaluation of pump and air compressor efficiency 

     5.  Reduction of cooling water blowdown 

     6.  Study on HRSG tube erosion mechanism

     7.  Preparation for the deterioration of UPS equipment

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sununtha Kingpaiboon reported that the two parties aimed their collaboration at developing academic excellence in engineering, technology, and energy management. Joint research programs would be beneficial to both institutions and the country.