Power Industry: VigilantPlant in Action

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In 2002, Eraring Energy began a revamp process to replace the original 1970s design hard-wired electronic control equipment and computer equipment at its Eraring Power Station, one of Australia's largest.

“For flexibility, experience and commitment, we selected Yokogawa”

Michael Mortiss, Project Manager of Eraring Energy

Maximized availability for a further 20 years

"Our decision to carry out the revamping project was based on the need to maintain a competitive advantage in the Australian deregulated electricity market. Maximizing plant availability for at least another 20 years, timely returns to service of each unit, and efficiency gains were also significant project drivers."

Integrated control and monitoring system

"While there are several very capable control systems vendors, Yokogawa provided the most completely integrated solution of plant control system, training simulator, plant asset management system, and plant information and management systems."

“The ability to operate flexibly gives us a competitive advantage”

Jeff Hogan, Instrument and Control Team Manager of Eraring Energy

Optimal use of existing system equipment

"Yokogawa took advantage of the flexibility of its equipment to suit the existing installation. Where possible, the new equipment slotted into existing cabinets, reusing existing field cables, terminations, cabinets, and connectors. New equipment was wired and tested in the factory. This avoided disturbing most existing cabling and greatly sped up installation and commissioning times."

Efficient operation ensuring high reliability

"The new control equipment makes fault finding a breeze, while the new graphic displays show us all the details we need. The asset management system allows us to directly monitor and manage all smart field devices from our workshop."

New control room (CAD drawing)

"The renovated units are now more flexible and responsive than before, giving the station additional advantages in a highly competitive electricity market. The refitted control room is state-of-the art and provides a quiet and stress free operating environment for our staff."

“Expectations exceeded, our plant was back in operation ahead of schedule”

Michael Mortiss, Project Manager of Eraring Energy

Outage time minimized by using plant simulator

"Yokogawa has exceeded our expectations, bringing each revamped unit back into reliable service ahead of schedule. Utilizing a full replica simulator, our engineering team and Yokogawa fully tested the new logic and control configurations before they were loaded on the actual plant. This significantly reduced the time needed for site commissioning, and avoided plant trips during commissioning. Being thoroughly trained on the new screen-based control system training simulator, our operators were well prepared for the new control scheme in time for plant commissioning. This assisted in ensuring an uneventful, smooth return to service."

Power plant simulator

"Supported by the high-level operational and maintenance diagnostics, together with strong local support from Yokogawa, we are sure that Eraring Power Station will secure high plant availability for a further 20 years."