GE Frame 6 automation retrofit at Lahti Energy: Better availability and at least 100 times more information
Aug 25, 2015
Higher reliability and a deeper view into the process – that’s definitely what Lahti Energy got when Valmet delivered a demanding automation retrofit to the company’s GE Frame 6 gas turbine. Unlike before, a massive amount of information is now available to all involved in the process, enabling continuous follow-up and proactive measures.
We can follow the process much more accurately and see the trends. The process is much more open for us. The old controller provided only a tiny fraction of the information that we now have access to. The amount of information is now a hundredfold. We no longer have to keep our fingers crossed for everything to go well since we know all the time what is happening in the process. We can react sooner – and before anything goes wrong that could break the turbine."
Mikko Anttila
Summary
Location
Lahti, Finland
Customer challenge
The original gas turbine controller had reached the end of its life cycle. It featured outdated electricity, and components were no longer available for it. Maintenance staff familiar with the system was retiring.
The new gas turbine controller and its redundancy concept are designed to achieve the highest possible system reliability and availability to ensure reliable and safe operation. The control applications are implemented as part of Valmet DNA DCS standard redundant ACN high-speed Process Controllers. The turbine controller utilizes the standard Valmet DNA DCS M120 I/Os, specifically designed for power industry applications to meet their requirements.
Results
The operators are able to carry out all functions and diagnostics through one system, which significantly improves plant availability. Troubleshooting is now easy – even when it comes to possible upcoming disturbances. All information from the turbine can be viewed on graphic displays in the Kymijärvi main control room with efficient user tools.
Keywords
Energy, Europe, Automation, Rebuilds, upgrades and conversion
