Nebraska Public Power District selects Invensys for feedwater control systems at Cooper Nuclear Station
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Triconex triple modular redundant (TMR) architecture to provide highest reliability; SimSci-Esscor checkout simulation and Wonderware InTouch HMI included in implementation
FOXBORO, MASSACHUSETTS, USA - September 26, 2005 - Invensys Process Systems today announced that Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) has chosen Triconex technology (www.triconex.com) for feedwater turbine controls at the Cooper Nuclear Station in Brownville, Nebraska. Simulation for the control system checkout will be accomplished using SimSci-Esscor software (www.simsci-esscor.com). NPPD will also employ a new operator interface based on Wonderware (www.wonderware.com) InTouch human machine interface (HMI) software.
The Invensys upgrades are being implemented to replace controls associated with plant trips, and for expansion of an existing control system. The 778-megawatt Cooper Station is studying the possibility of an upgrade and has initiated the process of renewing its operating license, similar to a number of nuclear power stations in the U.S. built in the 1970s.
The implementation will include Tricon triple-modular redundant (TMR) control systems for each of the plant's two turbine-driven main feedwater pumps. This technology will also be used for expanded feedwater control functions in the Reactor Vessel Level Control System, awarded to Invensys last year. TMR technology provides the highest levels of industry-required reliability by employing three, isolated, parallel control systems and extensive diagnostics integrated into one system. Using two-out-of-three voting, the system provides high-integrity, error-free, uninterrupted process operation.
To support the comprehensive control system checkout prior to commissioning, TRISIM Plus software from SimSci-Esscor will be employed to exactly model the Triconex control architecture. TRISIM Plus provides comprehensive virtual simulation, facilitating efficient control system design, training, commissioning and start-up. This virtual control system communicates with the actual control workstations, precisely duplicating the operational experience in an off-line, low risk manner.
The new feedwater controls operator interface will be based on InTouch HMI software from Wonderware. InTouch software provides more operator-friendly process visualization, operation, and easier access to performance and operational data.
The Cooper Station implementation extends Invensys presence at Nebraska Public Power District. Earlier this year, Invensys won a contract for Triconex TMR critical generator controls at the NPPD Sheldon Station, near Hallam, Nebraska.
About Nebraska Public Power District
Nebraska Public Power District (www.nppd.com) is Nebraska's largest electric utility, with a chartered territory including all or parts of 91 of Nebraska's 93 counties. Over 5,000 miles of transmission lines make up the NPPD electrical grid system, which delivers power to more than 800,000 Nebraskans. Formed in 1970, NPPD is a public corporation and political subdivision of the state of Nebraska. The utility is governed by an 11-member Board of Directors, popularly elected from NPPD's chartered territory. NPPD's mission is to safely generate and deliver low-cost reliable energy and provide outstanding customer service.
Invensys Process Systems in the nuclear power industry
Invensys Process Systems, a business unit of Invensys plc, provides products, services and solutions for the automation and optimization of industrial process plants. In addition to its rapidly expanding Global Solutions group, Invensys Process Systems includes industry-leading brands such as Foxboro, Triconex, SimSci-Esscor, Wonderware, and Avantis, whose products are installed in more than 100,000 plants across the world. These range from small hybrid and batch plants to the world's largest refineries, gas plants, petrochemicals plants, power plants, and pulp and paper mills.
For the nuclear power generation industry, Invensys combines systems, engineering, and support capabilities to provide a cost-effective, full-scope solution for plant life extensions. With nearly five decades of nuclear industry experience worldwide, an advanced process control system from Foxboro, 1E certified safety systems from Triconex, and sophisticated simulation tools from SimSci-Esscor, Invensys brings together the expertise and resources to provide the industry's only fully integrated instrumentation and digital control upgrade solution.
The Invensys Group (www.invensys.com) is made up of five businesses: Process Systems, APV, Eurotherm, Rail Systems and Controls. The Group is headquartered in London and is listed on the London Stock Exchange, with over 30,000 employees working in 60 countries.
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Invensys, Triconex, Wonderware, InTouch, SimSci-Esscor, TRISIM Plus and Foxboro are trademarks of Invensys plc, its subsidiaries, or affiliates. All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners.
CONTACTS: Paul Miller, 508/549-6240 (paul.miller@ips.invensys.com)
Bob Palmer, 508/549-3525 (robert.palmer@ips.invensys.com)
