Trusted Worldwide for Power Plant Control Systems
Emerson’s Ovation™ Automation Platform is a comprehensive power plant control system built on a robust distributed control system (DCS) architecture. We are a global power industry leader with thousands of installations spanning 60+ countries and representing over 1.4 million megawatts of generating capacity. Our leadership is built on more than six decades of dedicated control system engineering expertise across turbine, boiler, heat recovery steam generator (HRSG), and balance of plant (BOP) applications.
Boosting Availability and Load Flexibility in Gas-Fired Plants
Gas-fired units are increasingly subject to cycling, resulting in elevated start counts that accelerate wear on gas turbines and induce thermal stress across plant systems. Employing Ovation automation solutions, Emerson experts can help mitigate cycling-related impacts while improving the availability and flexibility of both simple and combined cycle units. Ovation automates 18 of the 20 largest combined cycle plants in the United States.
Case Studies for Gas-Fired Power Plants
A U.S. utility modernized two 36 MW aeroderivative black start units to improve reliability and ensure rapid grid restoration following a blackout. Emerson’s turnkey upgrade addressed equipment obsolescence with new Ovation turbine controls, integrated condition monitoring, and system-wide enhancements. The project reduced startup time by 80%, improved operational visibility, and delivered over $110,000 in annual savings.
Enhancing Coal Plant Performance Amid Changing Energy Landscape
As market dynamics shift, coal-fired power plants are increasingly required to cycle rather than operate at steady base load. This introduces greater thermal stress, resulting in more forced outages, elevated maintenance costs, and reduced profitability. Emerson’s Ovation automation solutions help mitigate cycling-related degradation while improving plant availability and operational efficiency. Our expertise is evidenced by the fact that Ovation controls 9 of the 10 largest coal plants worldwide.
Case Studies for Coal-Fired Power Plants
Emerson’s Ovation response optimization application helped Datang’s 600 MW coal-fired Unit 7 at Tuoketuo Power Plant achieve the fastest ramp rate and best AGC performance among its eight units. By applying advanced modeling and predictive control strategies, the unit had a 1.0% per minute average ramp rate improvement, boosted AGC performance by 85%, and increased average monthly compensation by 73%. The solution also reduced steam pressure overshoot by up to 40%.
Proven Control Applications for Fossil Fueled Power Plants
Emerson’s Ovation Automation Platform delivers precise, reliable control across the most critical systems in fossil power generation. Explore how our purpose-built solutions for generator excitation, gas turbine, and steam turbine control help optimize performance, improve reliability, and support flexible operation.
Enabling Software and Technologies
Ovation’s enabling technologies empower power plants to operate smarter, safer, and more efficiently. From simulation and optimization to vibration monitoring, cybersecurity, and remote operations, these integrated solutions enhance reliability, performance, and decision-making.
Frequently Asked Questions about Power Plant Control Systems
A power plant control system is the centralized automation platform that monitors, regulates, and optimizes the operation of a power generation facility. The foundation of a power plant control system is typically built upon a distributed control system (DCS) architecture. The complete plant control system may also include additional elements like: PLCs, safety systems, simulation software, and analytics tools.
The power plant control system ensures safe, efficient, and reliable performance by coordinating systems like turbines, boilers, generators, emissions controls, and balance of plant.
A distributed control system (DCS) is usually the primary component of a power plant control system. While the DCS will handle core process control functionality, a full control system may also include PLCs, safety systems, simulation tools, and advanced analytics.
Yes. Modern control systems like the Ovation automation platform are designed for phased upgrades. Plants can modernize specific components - like HMIs, controllers, or I/O - without a full system replacement, minimizing downtime and cost.
