A study is being undertaken at six US Army Corps of Engineers hydroelectric plants along the Missouri river to determine the feasibility for increased efficiency and automation.
Performed by Black & Veatch, the automation evaluation feasibility study will evaluate each plant from an operational perspective , and will include a cost/benefit analysis of the options evaluated and an overall recommended option for operation of all plants.
The options to be considered for each plant range from the status quo to remote operation of all plants from a single remote control centre. Black & Veatch’s goal is to explore options for efficiency while ensuring that plant safety, reliability and availability requirements are still met.
Black & Veatch will also evaluate the feasibility of providing local fire and security plant information to the remote SCADA system and/or to a contracted fire and security company.
The project is due to be completed by November 2004.