Hydro plant control systems: The state of the art

Journal Article · Thu Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1992 · Hydro Review; (United States)

OSTI ID:5570656

Bogert, J M; Hughes, R J ^[1]

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1. ABB Phoenix Controls, Bothell, WA (United States)

Hydroelectric plant control systems are traditionally designed and built using computer hardware and software specifically developed for power plant control applications. Often, though, because of the specificity of the hardware and software, the ability to add additional features and functions from any manufacturer later-as new technology develops and as plant requirements change-is severely limited. Spare parts and system enhancements are available for as long as the vendor chooses to support the particular version of the hardware. It is possible, however, to build a computer-based control system that is not constrained by any particular hardware, that operates using commercially available software, and that can be upgraded consistent with the state of the art of the computer industry. The system components are drawn from widely available hardware and software products that anyone can buy, use, maintain, and extend. This type of system is known as an [open quotes]open architecture.[close quotes] The control system for the 36-MW Waddell Pump/Generating Plant north of Phoenix, Arizona, is an example of an [open quotes]open[close quotes] system. The hydro plant is being developed by the Bureau of Reclamation as part of the Central Arizona Project to provide water storage, irrigation, and electrical generation for Arizona. Reclamation's controls design team for Waddell chose to use state-of-the-art, microprocessor-based technology as a means to maximize generation, to increase reliability, and to reduce maintenance costs. As advanced are made in controls technology, Reclamation will be able to improve its system.

• OSTI ID: 5570656
• Journal Information: Hydro Review; (United States), Journal Name: Hydro Review; (United States) Vol. 11:6; ISSN HYREE8; ISSN 0884-0385
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

13 HYDRO ENERGY
130300* -- Hydro Energy-- Plant Design & Operation
COMPUTER GRAPHICS
COMPUTER NETWORKS
COMPUTERIZED CONTROL SYSTEMS
COMPUTERS
CONTROL SYSTEMS
DATA ACQUISITION SYSTEMS
DESIGN
DIGITAL COMPUTERS
HYDROELECTRIC POWER PLANTS
IBM COMPUTERS
MICROCOMPUTERS
ON-LINE CONTROL SYSTEMS
ON-LINE SYSTEMS
PERSONAL COMPUTERS
POWER PLANTS