KKS Power Plant Identification System Kraftwerk-Kennzeichensystem
) is a globally standardized coding system used to uniquely identify and classify systems, equipment, and structures within power plants. Developed by vgbe energy e.V.
(formerly VGB PowerTech), it ensures clear communication and efficient asset management across all engineering disciplines—mechanical, civil, electrical, and control—from the planning stage through to operation and maintenance. Core Identification Types
The KKS system uses three distinct types of identification to cover all plant requirements: Process-Related Identification
: Identifies equipment and systems based on their functional role in the power plant process (e.g., pumps, valves, sensors). Mounting Location Identification
: Pinpoints where electrical and instrumentation (I&C) equipment is installed within units like cabinets or panels. Topographic/Physical Location Identification
: Identifies the specific physical location of buildings, floors, and rooms within the facility. Hierarchical Structure The system is alphanumeric and structured into four hierarchy levels
(0 to 3), providing increasing levels of detail as you read from left to right: Technical Documentation with KKS and DCC | Fabasoft Approve kks power plant identification system pdf
This report outlines the Kraftwerk-Kennzeichen-System (KKS), the global standard for identifying and classifying power plant systems, equipment, and components. Originally developed by the VGB (now vgbe energy), it provides a language-independent, alphanumeric coding structure essential for planning, construction, operation, and maintenance. 1. Executive Summary
The KKS system ensures that every physical asset in a power plant has a unique "tag number". This uniformity allows different engineering disciplines—mechanical, civil, and electrical—to communicate clearly and manage hundreds of thousands of documents effectively. 2. Core Identification Types
KKS utilizes three distinct types of codes to address different technical needs:
Process-Related Identification: The most common type, used to identify equipment based on its function within the plant process (e.g., a specific pump in the feedwater system).
Point of Installation Identification: Specifically used for electrical and I&C (Instrumentation and Control) equipment to identify where a device is mounted within a cabinet or panel.
Topographic (Location) Identification: Used to identify physical structures, buildings, floors, and rooms (e.g., Turbine Building Room 101). 3. Hierarchy and Coding Structure
A standard KKS process-related code consists of up to four breakdown levels (15–17 characters total), becoming more specific from left to right: Labelling Systems - vgbe energy 1st character (Unit): e
The KKS Power Plant Identification System (Kraftwerk-Kennzeichensystem) is a globally standardized alphanumeric coding scheme used to identify systems, equipment, and components in power plants. Developed in the 1970s by VGB PowerTech, it ensures consistent technical documentation, maintenance, and operation across all engineering disciplines—from mechanical to electrical and civil. Core Identification Types
The system uses three distinct types of codes to represent different perspectives of the plant:
Process Engineering Identification: Focuses on the function and purpose of equipment within the plant process (e.g., pumps, valves).
Installation Location Identification: Used primarily for electrical and control systems to identify mounting positions within units like cabinets and panels.
Physical Location Identification: Identifies the topographical locations of buildings, floors, and rooms. Hierarchical Structure
A typical KKS identifier consists of 15 to 17 characters divided into four hierarchy levels (0–3), becoming more detailed from left to right: Technical Documentation with KKS and DCC | Fabasoft Approve
Many technical universities and vocational training centers post course materials that explain KKS with examples. Search Google with site:edu "KKS power plant" pdf or filetype:pdf "Kraftwerk-Kennzeichen-System". Equipment nameplates and tags
P&IDs
Understanding a KKS code is essential before diving into the PDF manuals. A full KKS code consists of four blocks, known as Breakdown Levels.
A = Reference system (often the entire plant or unit 1)P = 0? No – P actually identifies a major function. Wait, proper KKS uses digits. Let's correct:In true KKS (VGB standard), the format is often: G NN A BB 999 – but the simplified industry standard is:
F (Function) – Level 1: System type (1 letter + 2 digits)
L = Cooling water systemP = Boiler / furnaceLevel 2: Equipment Unit (1 letter + 2 digits) – Identifies major components like pumps, heat exchangers.
Level 3: Component (1 letter + 3 digits) – Identifies the specific piece: valve, instrument, motor.
A real-world example: LBA10AA001
L = Cooling water systemBA = Cooling water pump group10 = Specific pump unit #10AA = Component class (pump)001 = Individual pump #1To make matters practical: The appendix of any kks power plant identification system pdf will include a full table of prefix letters and their meanings (e.g., A = General auxiliaries, B = Fuel handling, C = Ash handling, D = Flue gas, E = Condensate, F = Feedwater, G = Cooling water, H = Fire protection, etc.).
The KKS is an alphanumeric system based on a hierarchical structure. It utilizes a breakdown of letters and numbers divided into three distinct coding types. The core philosophy of KKS is the separation of function, location, and signal.
This final level, often optional, identifies a specific connection point on a component—like a terminal on a relay or a nozzle on a pump. It uses two characters: a letter and a number.