SSE Expands Deployment of GE Software Solutions across Fleet
Predictive diagnostics to be used in combined-cycle, coal, wind, and gas storage-along with new research project on boiler tube leaks
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA July 7, 2011 GE Intelligent Platforms today announced that SSE (Scottish and Southern Energy) is widely expanding its use of Proficy® SmartSignal predictive-diagnostic software and services. This is in recognition of initial value achieved by implementing the SmartSignal solutions in its coal and combined-cycle plants and SSE's desire to provide this same level of protection for all of its critical equipment across all diversified assets.
SSE supplies energy to 10 million customers throughout the UK, is independently recognized as the best energy supplier for customer service in the UK, and is the UK's leading generator of electricity from renewable sources. In the spring of 2010, SSE chose Proficy SmartSignal solutions to protect its entire large thermal fleet. This agreement covered all coal and combined-cycle gas turbine (CCGT) plants in the UK, consisting of 6.5 GW of generating capacity. The contract included fleet-wide licenses of GE's flagship Proficy SmartSignal Epi-center solution, along with Proficy SmartSignal xConnector software, which provides a comprehensive gateway between Epi-center and the OSIsoft PI System(TM). This purchase also included implementation of the first two units: a CCGT unit at Medway and a coal-fired unit at Fiddler's Ferry.
With the new agreement, SSE will expand its use of Proficy SmartSignal software beyond its thermal fleet to wind farms and gas storage. SSE will begin trials at its Toddleburn wind site, including all 12 Siemens turbines, along with the Aldborough Gas Storage site, including three Siemens gas compressors. If successful, these tests will lead to further expansion across the wind fleet and incremental gas storage assets.
Also, SSE will expand implementation across combined-cycle units by adding the Keadby and Peterhead plants. Covered equipment will include all combustion turbines and generators, steam turbines and generators, HRSGs, feed pumps, condensers, and condensate pumps.
According to Erik Udstuen, GE Intelligent Platforms Vice President, Software and Services, SSE and GE also will be partnering in an unusual and innovative R&D project to develop a software product to provide early warning and location of boiler tube leaks.
"Tube leaks in coal-fired boilers are leading causes of forced outages and lost production. GE will expand upon its initial work in this area, along with SSE boiler-expert and operator feedback. A resulting product would revolutionize the industry, helping operators to minimize the damage caused by leaks, reduce the time to repair, and make repairs during off-peak production," Udstuen said.
Neil Connolly, Engineering Centre Manager of SSE, further explained the partnership, "Through our initial purchase, GE has proven its industry leadership and engineering expertise, and we're really excited about working with them-and having the best monitoring and maintenance equipment across our gas storage and wind farms."
For more information: ge-ip.com and www.smartsignal.com.
About SSE
SSE is one of the UK's leading energy companies. Its core purpose is to provide the energy people need in a reliable and sustainable way. It is involved in the generation, transmission, distribution and supply of electricity; energy trading; the development of major renewable energy projects; the extraction, storage, distribution and supply of gas; electrical and utility contracting; data centres and telecoms.
About GE Intelligent Platforms
GE Intelligent Platforms is an experienced high-performance technology company and a global provider of software, hardware, services, and expertise in automation and embedded computing. We offer a unique foundation of agile and reliable technology providing customers a sustainable competitive advantage in the industries they serve, including energy, water, oil & gas, consumer packaged goods, government & defense, and telecommunications. GE Intelligent Platforms is headquartered in Charlottesville, VA. For more information, visit ge-ip.com.
Media contacts:
Elli Holman
GE Intelligent Platforms, Public Relations Manager
Phone: +1 508 698 7456
Mobile: +1 508 298 8306
Email: elli.holman@ge.com
