A programmable logic controller (PLC) in the control cabinet of the standard power plant regulates and controls the whole plant. It also acts as an interface to the higher-lever visualisation and reporting system. Both the plant interfaces and the signal communication between the plant operator and Greenvironment are precisely defined and co-ordinated.
The following tasks are performed by the PLC:
Controlling the plant in automatic and manual mode
Ensuring safe operation
Data recording, processing and distribution
Interface for remote maintenance of individual plant components
Active intervention on control parameters
The system container features a separate gas-tight control chamber which accommodates a control cabinet for the consumed power and automation systems, and another control cabinet for feeding the generated electricity into the local provider's grid.
All electrical components are centrally connected and controlled here. The consumed electricity is separated from the generated electricity if the price charged for consumed electricity is below the reimbursed price for cogenerated electricity. Using SCADA (system for control and data acquisition) software, all the important information from the PLC is displayed on site in real time, is saved and can be evaluated.
For archiving the data and for remote servicing, the plant is connected in a VPN network via internet to a central database in Berlin. This means that the cogeneration plant can be monitored and controlled either locally or at the process control centre in Berlin.
The SCADA system performs the following tasks:
Visualisation, alarms, access control
Evaluation of log data, reporting of trends
Data for plant optimisation analysis
Calculation of biogas remuneration and thermal yields with the customer
Inspection and forecast of reimbursement from the grid operator
Generation of regular plant reports
Comparisons between plants
Based on this SCADA system, an operating and maintenance software is used which specially caters for the requirements of service and document management, as well as warehouse administration.
One great advantage of remotely monitored cogeneration plants is that with a permanent connection to the main control centre, faults can be detected at an early stage and alarms triggered immediately. If any malfunction occurs, the service engineer is immediately notified by e-mail; this shortens the reaction time and prevents expensive downtime. The service engineer can use the Greenvironment SCADA system to dial directly into the plant and quickly identify and rectify faults that have occurred. However, if a service call-out is required, this can be optimised by describing the fault to the local service engineer, along with any necessary spares.
June 7- 11, 2010 4th Capstone European C65 ASP Training, Schmalkalden
From 07.06. - 11.6.2010 Capstone will held the fourth Authorized Service Provider Training (ASP) in Schmalkalden, Germany.
Also this year the European ASP Capstone Training is organized by Greenvironment. Service technicians from all over Europe can register by the following e-mail address training@capstoneturbine.com.
After passing the exam on the last day of training, participants will receive their Capstone ASP certificate. Thus they are among the specially-trained technicians of the innovative and sustainable microturbine technology.
