Power plant automation: turbine control system enables greater production, improved operator efficiency and enhanced safety
July 2008
Motion Control & Drives
Honeywell is expanding its relationship with energy products and services leader Wood Group Turbine Control Services to offer a turbine control system for the global power industry.
The Turbine Control System, in conjunction with the Experion Process Knowledge System (PKS), is an integrated solution containing technology from both Honeywell and Wood Group that automates power plants to improve operator efficiency and safety, reduce maintenance costs and streamline overall production.
Honeywell and Wood Group have worked together in North America since 2003 to deliver an automated turbine control system that meets the evolving needs of the power-generation industry. The two companies have used their domain expertise and global reach to develop this joint solution to improve business performance for power generators worldwide.
Honeywell’s turbine control technology ties together process control and automation of plant subsystems and feeds the most relevant information directly to operators to help them make critical decisions in the control room. Combining these capabilities with Wood Group’s expertise, the Honeywell Turbine Control System provides a single, unified platform to control boiler, turbine and balance-of-plant operations.
In addition to interconnecting the boiler and turbine operations for superior control, Experion enables integration with business applications, advanced control applications and safety and security systems. This integrated approach helps companies synchronise production with business objectives as well as improve plant safety. For example, the Turbine Control System supports functionalities such as automatic run-up and shutdown sequences.
“More power-generation companies are upgrading their older control systems because they are becoming increasingly harder to maintain and simply do not meet the demands of today’s marketplace,” said Gary Schwartz, managing director of Wood Group Turbine Control Services. “Power plants are discovering that tight integration between systems such as boilers and turbines is essential to improve overall system operations and, therefore, business results.”
“Having a single platform with a single interface not only maximises production, it improves the effectiveness of the operator and reduces training requirements and safety incidents,” said Amit Kansal, global business director for Power, Honeywell Process Solutions. “The Turbine Control System allows power plants to achieve this while optimising generation, and enabling better plant lifecycle management.”
Honeywell has served the power industry for more than 25 years and installed more than 1400 power generation systems. Wood Group operates in 46 countries and provides turbine control upgrades and services for gas, steam and hydro turbo-machinery, as well as integrated compressor control.
For more information contact Debbie Rae, Honeywell Southern Africa, +27 (0)11 695 8000, [email protected], www.honeywell.com
Further reading:
Bearing failure analysis transforms operations of battery manufacturer
SKF South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
Persistent bearing failure on a centralised extraction fan motor was negatively impacting operational efficiency for a leading battery manufacturer in East Africa. SKF Kenya conducted a bearing analysis and solved the problem.
Read more...
Why turbomachinery should break free from vendor lock-in
Schneider Electric South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
Today’s modern turbomachinery control systems form an important of operational efficiency, be it in heavy industries, traditional power generation or renewables such as hydroelectric facilities. Independence is the name of the game, and turbomachinery stands to gain lot from this newfound freedom.
Read more...
Bearing strategy maintains production for cement manufacturer
SKF South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
SKF South Africa and its Authorised Distributor, Bolt & Engineering Distributors Klerksdorp successfully remanufactured a double-row tapered roller bearing assembly for a vertical mill within a two-week timeframe, offering the customer a cost-effective 50% cost-saving alternative which keeps the plant operational while they await the supply of new bearings.
Read more...
Lubrication solutions for cranes
Motion Control & Drives
Fuchs Lubricants South Africa provides a comprehensive range of lubrication solutions that meet the specific needs of mobile cranes.
Read more...
SKF lubrication team assists iron ore producer in Liberia
SKF South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
The highly skilled team of specialised lubrication technicians from SKF South Africa has demonstrated its exceptional onsite expertise through the seamless installation of Lincoln Lubrication systems for a key customer, ArcelorMittal Liberia.
Read more...
Bearing failure analysis is a perfect solution for Tongaat Hulett
SKF South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
A collaborative bearing failure analysis conducted by SKF and Authorised Distributor, Bearings Services Durban at one of South Africa’s leading sugar refinery plants in KwaZulu-Natal provided tremendous value for the customer.
Read more...
World’s largest production capacity mine hoist
Motion Control & Drives
BB has been selected by global mining company BHP to deliver, install and commission three friction hoists and a further electrical system for a Blair service hoist to its Jansen Potash project in Canada.
Read more...
Innomotics showcases efficient motors and drives at Hannover Messe
Motion Control & Drives
Innomotics recently presented its innovations and solutions for a sustainable industry at Hannover Messe 2025. Highlights included a novel Active Vibration Control System, IE6 energy efficiency class motors, and new product partnerships.
Read more...
New torque sensors for fastening applications
Spero Sensors & Instrumentation
Motion Control & Drives
Sensor Technology, a global leader in innovative torque and load measurement solutions, has launched its latest advancement in torque sensing technology.
Read more...
Versatile variable speed drive for efficient motor control
iTek Drives
Motion Control & Drives
The Invertek Optidrive is a versatile variable speed drive designed for efficient motor control in various applications.
Read more...