Emerson Wins Contract to Provide Four High-Fidelity Simulators for Luminant's New Operator Training Academy
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Simulators to contribute to enhanced operator performance, more efficient workforce deployment and increased plant efficiency
PITTSBURGH, PA (December 12, 2007) - Emerson Process Management announced today that it has received a contract from Luminant of Dallas, Texas, formerly TXU Power, for four high-fidelity simulators. The simulators will be used to equip the power generator's new Luminant Training Academy, which is located in Tyler, Texas, and officially opened in July 2007.
When used as a training tool, simulators teach operators to fully understand the unique operating characteristics of each plant. Through simulation, operators develop a thorough understanding of how their actions impact plant operations and overall plant efficiency. In cases where system changes or equipment upgrades are planned, operators are able to fully validate changes before they are implemented. The complete understanding of complex plant operations is now more important than ever as utilities are challenged to find ways to do more with less while at the same time preparing for the expected retirement of older, more experienced operators over the next few years.
Luminant will utilize Emerson's simulators to train operators at four power generating units. One unit (Sandow Unit 4) is already in service, while three (Oak Grove units 1 and 2, and Sandow Steam Electric Station Unit 5) are new units currently under construction. A second phase that would add simulators for other existing plants is currently under consideration.
Emerson high-fidelity simulators use mathematical models to emulate plant processes. Because they are configured using control logic identical to that of each plant, the high-fidelity simulators offer a realistic training and engineering analysis environment. Due to the fast-track nature of the project, Emerson is working with Baltimore-based GSE Systems, a leading provider of simulation and training, to build the high-fidelity models for each unit. This "team" approach will result in a best-in-breed, customized simulator solution that is delivered within Luminant's required timeframe. Emerson's Power & Water Solutions industry center will engineer and install the simulators, which will be delivered on a schedule of one per month, beginning in March 2008.
"With its new training academy, Luminant is proving that it is at the forefront of the power industry in terms of operator training," said Bob Yeager, president of Emerson's Power & Water Solutions division. "We're pleased to be working with such a forward-thinking organization."
A unique aspect of the project is that these four Luminant power generating units utilize distributed control systems supplied by two different vendors - Emerson and Invensys Process Systems. The capability for Emerson simulators to seamlessly work with any DCS platform was a key factor in the selection of Emerson for this project. This capability will enable operators at Luminant to be cross-trained on all control system platforms, for more efficient workforce deployment.
"The establishment of this Luminant Training Academy underscores our ongoing commitment to operator training with the goal of operating our units as reliably and efficiently as possible," said Steve Horn, Vice President of Technology and Operational Readiness. "The combination of technology and service offered by Emerson was very impressive. They understood our operational goals and were able to provide a solution that will translate into enhanced operator performance and increased plant efficiency."
"One of the factors that really sets Emerson's simulation solutions apart from the competition is that they are backed by decades of power industry expertise," said Yeager. "In fact, Emerson control systems are installed in plants representing more than 300,000 MW of the U.S. generating capacity. These statistics demonstrate that we are succeeding at our number-one objective: to help customers control critical power generation processes, increase plant efficiencies and megawatt production, and realize long-term O&M savings," Yeager concluded.
About Emerson Process Management
Emerson Process Management (www.emersonprocess.com), an Emerson business, is a leader in helping businesses automate their production, processing and distribution in the power, water and wastewater treatment, chemical, oil and gas, refining, pulp and paper, food and beverage, life sciences, and other industries.
Emerson's Power & Water Solutions division (www.emersonprocess-powerwater.com) is a global supplier of advanced distributed process control and information systems. The Pittsburgh-based company is a recognized leader in developing plant-wide process control solutions for the power generation, water treatment and wastewater treatment industries. Power & Water Solutions plays a key role in the Emerson mission of combining superior products and technology with industry-specific engineering, consulting, project management and maintenance services.
Emerson brands include PlantWeb®, Ovation®; SmartProcess®; Fisher®; Micro Motion®; Rosemount®; Mobrey®, Daniel®, Bristol®, DeltaV(TM); and AMS(TM) Suite.
About Emerson
Emerson (NYSE: EMR), based in St. Louis, is a global leader in bringing technology and engineering together to provide innovative solutions to customers through its network power, process management, industrial automation, climate technologies, and appliance and tools businesses. Sales in fiscal 2007 were $22.6 billion. For more information, visit www.Emerson.com.
