Turbine control systems
A complete automation control solution for industrial gas turbines, station controls and safety systems
We are at the forefront of machinery control and monitoring technology and provides complete SCADA, PLC, DCS and fault tolerant systems. Our turbine control systems provide the basic engine sequencing and closed loop governor control of gas turbines, including
- HMI systems
- plant control systems, such as station control and anti-surge control systems for turbo-compressor plant
- synchronisation and load control for power generation equipment.
Older turbine control systems will decay and become obsolete. As the operator may not have the option to install new control cabinets, they will need a new turbine control system to fit within their footprint.
We develop retrofit solutions for turbine installations
We enhance the control and monitoring available and support the ongoing supportability for pathways with readily available software and hardware. We provide clients with the advantage of the enhanced capabilities of the latest controller hardware, SCADA systems and DCS integration, while maintaining their current mechanical systems, field instrumentation and overall layout.
Our complete integration service for turbine control projects combines new and current turbines with bespoke features, complete with gas generator and driven-load controls. Whether your application is power generation, pumping or compression, we will install a single procurement interface and deliver the whole solution.
Our automation controls
We have developed an array of control algorithms and software modules running on state-of-the-art Rockwell ControlLogix and Siemens S7 PLC controllers. The software modules have been field-tested running in mechanical load, gas compression and power generation applications.
These control systems provide interchangeable hardware and portable software, greater standardisation and supplier independence, as well as upgradeable technology with global support from established companies. The integration of the controls into other hardware platforms is available where the controllers meet the performance requirements.
Control platforms use conventional input/output (I/O) but may be interfaced with distributed I/O technologies such as Profibus, ControlNet and Genius Bus, providing a cost-effective alternative to traditional multicore field cabling.
Controllers can easily integrate with electronic overspeed controllers, fuel valve controllers (whether analogue or digital), engine instrumentation, speed pickups, LVDT and RVDT transducers, generator or compressor control systems and all other relevant systems.
The basic gas turbine engine control schema within the controller platform consists of
- governor control: a closed loop control of engine speed and engine parameter limiters
- exhaust gas temperature (EGT): the monitoring of the EGT temperatures, as well as the calculation of average, deviation, spread and temperature alarming, etc.
- engine sequencer control: this provides the sequenced start-up and stop control of the engine, as well as alarm handling and the interface to HMI and SCADA systems.
Each software control module is designed to operate in its independent optimised program execution block to provide robust, high-speed control. Interfaces to the modules are simplified through defined parameter lists and command structures.
Additional modules can be installed within the GT controller platform to provide driven load control facilities, including
- compressor anti-surge control
- compressor station control
- electrical load control
- electrical load balancing and load shedding
- plant sequencing.
We supply all necessary auxiliary control and protective systems needed for the GT control system, including fuel valves and skids, independent overspeed protection, emergency shutdown systems, fire and gas systems, vibration monitoring and replacement field instrumentation.
Control systems are normally provided with independent SIL-capable safety systems to meet the latest standards of machinery protection. We provide integrated fire and gas monitoring and protection systems for the unit package or the site.
Legacy equipment can present a challenge regarding maintaining a complete understanding of the system throughout long service lives, personnel changes, field modifications, etc.
We perform a full on-site survey, delivering a detailed report on your equipment. Using this knowledge, you can determine obsolescence risks and initiate proactive strategies to prevent downtime or modernise and enhance efficiency. We are experienced in using a variety of engine control systems and offer support on HSDE Digicon ACE systems.
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Supporting you with sustainable, secure and cost-effective solutions.
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