According to GE Energy, the new plant control system will automatically control all processes in the power plant, using a network to interconnect sensors, controllers, operator terminals and actuators.

The existing Azerenerji super-critical plant will be retrofitted and upgraded by Chinese power engineering firms in an effort to help the growing economy of Azerbaijan. The project scope includes increasing the power output of eight LMZ K-300 steam turbines from 300MW to 330MW each.

Under the scope of the contract, GE Energy will supply its OC 4000 plant automation systems to control the power station, including digital hydraulic controls and emergency trip systems for the steam turbines, as well as a distributed control system for control, monitoring and protection of all of the plant’s sub-systems.

In addition, the GE OC 4000 systems will process more than 32,000 field data signals across the installation and will be delivered and commissioned beginning in the third quarter of 2008 through mid-2010.

Compared to the conventional, sub-boiler design, super-critical boilers provide higher efficiency, lower CO2 emissions and improved operational flexibility to power plant operators, according to GE Energy.

Brian Palmer, vice president for optimization and control at GE Energy, said: “We are pleased that the China National Electric Equipment Corporation (CNEEC) and Azerenerji have chosen GE’s control technology for these efficient plant designs.”

GE Energy is a supplier of power generation and energy delivery technology. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, GE Energy works in all areas of the energy industry including coal, oil, natural gas and nuclear energy; renewable resources such as water, wind, solar and biogas; and other alternative fuels.