Operation of any power system is a complicated matter, and when it comes to a utility the things become more complex. Thanks to modern technologies, especially IT, IIoT and allied technologies have made the path much easier. Henceforth, most of the upcoming power plants will be literally remotely controllable.
Tremendous development of sensor technology and communications protocol through networking media have made it possible to connect all the major equipment of a power plant – and the entire plant’s picture can now be communicated through a global network of billions of computers and other electronic devices (Internet).
An ongoing project in Finland
Valmet is a leading global developer and supplier of process technologies, automation and services for the pulp, paper and energy industries. With their automation systems and flow control solutions the company serve a wide base of process industries.
Now, Valmet is working to replace an existing third-party automation system with a Valmet DNA Automation System at OyAlholmens Kraft Ab’s power plant unit AK1 in Pietarsaari, Finland. The delivery will be handed over to the customer in November 2023.The order was included in Valmet’s orders received of the fourth quarter 2022.
Detailing on the project, Johannes Östman, Automation Engineer, OyAlholmens Kraft Ab, said, “Our other power plant unit AK2, which is one of the world’s largest biomass-fired Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plants, has been run reliably with the Valmet DNA since its startup in 2001. Now we want to have the same system for our AK1 unit, too. After the retrofit, we will have only one automation system throughout the entire plant.”
Justifying the utility of the project, Tom Bäckman, Sales Manager, Automation Systems business line, Valmet, said, “Having only one automation system makes support and future updates easier for the customer. Valmet has extensive experience and knowhow in replacing other suppliers’ automation systems.”
Alholmens Kraft and Valmet have been working together for decades. Their one of the latest projects is a Valmet DNA turbine automation retrofit on AK2 in 2022.
An upgradation project in Cameroon
Wärtsilä is a global leader in innovative technologies and lifecycle solutions for the marine and energy markets. The company emphasise innovation in sustainable technology and services to help their customers continuously improve their environmental and economic performance.
Soon, Wärtsilä will carry out an upgrading project of the electrical and automation systems to ensure optimal reliability of the Kribi power plant in the Republic of Cameroon. The 216 MW plant has been in operation for nearly ten years, operating with 13 Wärtsilä 50DF dual-fuel engines running primarily on natural gas. At the time of commissioning, it was the largest gas engine power plant in Sub-Saharan Africa. Wärtsilä will also support the customer’s operational and maintenance performance with a 10-year long-term service agreement.
The order with Wärtsilä was placed by Kribi Power Development Company (KPDC), a subsidiary of Globeleq, an Independent Power Producer (IPP) and the owner and operator of power generating facilities across Africa.
Highlighting their objective behind taking up the upgrading plan, Gionata Visconti, Chief Operating Officer, Globeleq, said, “The Kribi power plant has a vital role within the African energy sector. It is still today supplying two-thirds of the thermal energy in Cameroon. Cameroon’s energy system relies heavily on hydropower but has uncertain resources of water. The Kribi plant, therefore, plays a key role in ensuring a supply of safe, cheap, and reliable energy. For this reason, we are keen to upgrade the power plant’s automation systems to the latest design to ensure optimal reliability, and to strengthen our cooperation with Wärtsilä, leveraging their competences on a continuous basis within the framework of the long-term service agreement.”
Explaining their capability, Markus Ljungkvist, Vice President, Services, Wärtsilä Energy, said, “Wärtsilä has a strong regional presence, which enables us to provide valuable technical support that optimises engine performance and maximises the production capabilities of this power plant – which has such a significant role in Cameroon’s power supply. We are also in a position to ensure the availability of critical spare parts, and this is an essential element within the long-term service agreement between our companies. All in all, this is a very important project, both for the customer and for Wärtsilä.”
The project is scheduled to commence this year (2023) only. To ensure the continuity of the plant’s output, the work will be carried out on one engine at a time. The long-term service agreement includes remote operational support, maintenance planning, technical advisory and remote troubleshooting services, as well as spare parts.
Long-term service agreements are an integral part of Wärtsilä’s lifecycle services offering. Those are based on utilisation of the latest digital technologies and supported by the company’s extensive know-how and understanding of power generation installations.
Wärtsilä has altogether supplied 550 MW of generating capacity to the Republic of Cameroon, and 7.5 GW to the whole of Africa, of which more than 25% are covered by Wärtsilä service agreements.
Building and testing a prototype for SMR
ATS Corporation is an industry-leading automation solutions provider to many of the world’s most successful companies. ATS uses its extensive knowledge base and global capabilities in custom automation, repeat automation, automation products and value-added services including pre-automation and after-sales services, to address the sophisticated manufacturing automation systems and service needs of multinational customers in markets such as life sciences, food & beverage, transportation, consumer products, and energy.
As per the latest information through the Nuclear Industry Association, lately, through their nuclear division, ATS Corporation’s (ATS) Industrial Automation business has secured a contract from NuScale Power Corporation to build and test a prototype for the Module Assembly Equipment-Bolting (MAE-B) system, a critical part of the NuScale VOYGR Small Modular Reactor (SMR) power plant.
The MAE-B system includes prototyping the automation technology to be used on the Reactor Flange and Containment Flange tools. Extensive testing will be performed on the system to provide confidence that the technology will operate as intended for the NuScale Power Module (NPM).
Commenting on the contract, NarinderBains, VP of Sales, ATS Industrial Automation Nuclear Division, said, “We are excited to provide advanced automation that will be needed for NuScale’s first SMR plant. SMR technology has the potential to provide flexible, scalable, and carbon-free energy to the grid. Together with NuScale, ATS Industrial Automation is working to advance a new generation of nuclear technology as part of a green energy future.”
The prototype, which will serve as a proof-of-concept system, will be assembled and tested at an ATS facility in Wixom, Michigan.
By P. K. Chatterjee (PK)
