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Blog - Post List

Alternative Energy Blog: Improving Control System Alarm Effectiveness for Operators

Jim Cahill

During the week of July 29 through August 3, I’ll be attending the Ovation Users’ Group Conference in Pittsburgh. This users’ group is composed of people working in the power, water and wastewater industries. If you’re in one of these industries and an Ovation distributed control system user, I look forward to seeing you there. One of the critical parts of an effective control strategy is to get the alarm design right…
- 20 Jul 2018
Alternative Energy Blog: Improving Control System Alarm Effectiveness for Operators

Jim Cahill

During the week of July 29 through August 3, I’ll be attending the Ovation Users’ Group Conference in Pittsburgh. This users’ group is composed of people working in the power, water and wastewater industries. If you’re in one of these industries and an Ovation distributed control system user, I look forward to seeing you there. One of the critical parts of an effective control strategy is to get the alarm design right…
- 20 Jul 2018
Alternative Energy Blog: Integrated Control and Machinery Health Monitoring for Power Producers

Jim Cahill

The power industry is facing many challenges today with cycling demands from a growing renewable energy mix on the grid, employee retirements, and cost cutting. Despite these challenges, consumers expect a reliable supply of electricity. At the July 29 – August 2, 2018 Ovation Users’ Group Conference in Pittsburgh, Emerson’s Jason King and an Ovation customer will present, Ovation Machinery Health Monitor Update &…
- 12 Jul 2018
Alternative Energy Blog: Integrated Control and Machinery Health Monitoring for Power Producers

Jim Cahill

The power industry is facing many challenges today with cycling demands from a growing renewable energy mix on the grid, employee retirements, and cost cutting. Despite these challenges, consumers expect a reliable supply of electricity. At the July 29 – August 2, 2018 Ovation Users’ Group Conference in Pittsburgh, Emerson’s Jason King and an Ovation customer will present, Ovation Machinery Health Monitor Update &…
- 12 Jul 2018
Alternative Energy Blog: Reduce Boiler Tube Leaks with Better Steam Temperature Control

Jim Cahill

As the contribution of renewable energy sources grow on electrical power grids, so does the cycling its intermittency creates for power producers. This cycling affects steam used to drive the generators. For power stations where the electric generators are steam-driven, this steam is created by coal, nuclear, geothermal, solar thermal, waste incineration and sometimes natural gas. Boiler tube leaks caused by frequent…
- 11 Jul 2018
Alternative Energy Blog: Reduce Boiler Tube Leaks with Better Steam Temperature Control

Jim Cahill

As the contribution of renewable energy sources grow on electrical power grids, so does the cycling its intermittency creates for power producers. This cycling affects steam used to drive the generators. For power stations where the electric generators are steam-driven, this steam is created by coal, nuclear, geothermal, solar thermal, waste incineration and sometimes natural gas. Boiler tube leaks caused by frequent…
- 11 Jul 2018
Alternative Energy Blog: Applying Center for Internet Security ICS Cybersecurity Controls

Jim Cahill

Power, water and wastewater utilities are critical infrastructure, and require ongoing industrial control system (ICS) cybersecurity risk reduction efforts. Taking a systematic and integrated approach to ICS cybersecurity can help with safe, reliable and efficient operations. Many experts from these industries will gather at the July 29-August 2, 2018 Ovation Users’ Group Conference in Pittsburgh . There they will…
- 28 Jun 2018
Alternative Energy Blog: Applying Center for Internet Security ICS Cybersecurity Controls

Jim Cahill

Power, water and wastewater utilities are critical infrastructure, and require ongoing industrial control system (ICS) cybersecurity risk reduction efforts. Taking a systematic and integrated approach to ICS cybersecurity can help with safe, reliable and efficient operations. Many experts from these industries will gather at the July 29-August 2, 2018 Ovation Users’ Group Conference in Pittsburgh . There they will…
- 28 Jun 2018
Alternative Energy Blog: Improving Level Control in Combined-Cycle and Coal-Fired Power Plants

Jim Cahill

Levels of intermittent, renewable sources of energy for the electrical grids around the globe continue to grow. Power plants designed for more consistent, base load operation are under greater stress. In this recorded Power magazine webcast, Optimizing Level Control for Maximum Reliability and Efficiency in Combined Cycle and Coal Plants , Emerson’s Matthew Brummer joins moderator and Power magazine executive editor…
- 1 Jun 2018
Alternative Energy Blog: Improving Level Control in Combined-Cycle and Coal-Fired Power Plants

Jim Cahill

Levels of intermittent, renewable sources of energy for the electrical grids around the globe continue to grow. Power plants designed for more consistent, base load operation are under greater stress. In this recorded Power magazine webcast, Optimizing Level Control for Maximum Reliability and Efficiency in Combined Cycle and Coal Plants , Emerson’s Matthew Brummer joins moderator and Power magazine executive editor…
- 1 Jun 2018
Alternative Energy Blog: Real-Time Microgrid Control and Optimization at The University of Texas

Jim Cahill

At my alma mater, The University of Texas , here in Austin, Texas, is the Carl J. Eckhardt Combined Heating and Power (CHP) Complex . It is often described : …as the largest and most integrated microgrid in the U.S…. [It] is capable of generating 135 MW (megawatt) power (63 MW peak) and 1.2 million lb/hr (pounds per hour) of steam (300,000 peak). I mention all this because the microgrid controller is powered…
- 6 Apr 2018
Alternative Energy Blog: Real-Time Microgrid Control and Optimization at The University of Texas

Jim Cahill

At my alma mater, The University of Texas , here in Austin, Texas, is the Carl J. Eckhardt Combined Heating and Power (CHP) Complex . It is often described : …as the largest and most integrated microgrid in the U.S…. [It] is capable of generating 135 MW (megawatt) power (63 MW peak) and 1.2 million lb/hr (pounds per hour) of steam (300,000 peak). I mention all this because the microgrid controller is powered…
- 6 Apr 2018
Alternative Energy Blog: Lessons from Fast Track Gas Turbine Generators Control System Retrofit Project

Jim Cahill

Earlier this week, we shared how integrated control systems connected with turbine generators and other associated process areas, can improve overall efficiency and reliability for electrical power producers. Continuing on this theme, a Combined Cycle Journal article, Checklist for success: NV Energy commissions seven turbine DCSs in seven weeks , highlighted a fast track gas turbine retrofit project covering two sites…
- 21 Mar 2018
Alternative Energy Blog: Lessons from Fast Track Gas Turbine Generators Control System Retrofit Project

Jim Cahill

Earlier this week, we shared how integrated control systems connected with turbine generators and other associated process areas, can improve overall efficiency and reliability for electrical power producers. Continuing on this theme, a Combined Cycle Journal article, Checklist for success: NV Energy commissions seven turbine DCSs in seven weeks , highlighted a fast track gas turbine retrofit project covering two sites…
- 21 Mar 2018
Alternative Energy Blog: Lessons from Fast Track Gas Turbine Generators Control System Retrofit Project

Jim Cahill

Earlier this week, we shared how integrated control systems connected with turbine generators and other associated process areas, can improve overall efficiency and reliability for electrical power producers. Continuing on this theme, a Combined Cycle Journal article, Checklist for success: NV Energy commissions seven turbine DCSs in seven weeks , highlighted a fast track gas turbine retrofit project covering two sites…
- 21 Mar 2018
Alternative Energy Blog: Driving Turbine Generator Efficiency Improvements

Jim Cahill

A combination of more plentiful natural gas from shale formations, more global liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities to transport it globally, and global political pressure to reduce carbon emissions has been shifting the mix of fuel sources for electrical power generation. Here in the U.S., natural gas has surpassed coal as the leading source of fuel, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration . Natural…
- 19 Mar 2018
Alternative Energy Blog: Driving Turbine Generator Efficiency Improvements

Jim Cahill

A combination of more plentiful natural gas from shale formations, more global liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities to transport it globally, and global political pressure to reduce carbon emissions has been shifting the mix of fuel sources for electrical power generation. Here in the U.S., natural gas has surpassed coal as the leading source of fuel, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration . Natural…
- 19 Mar 2018
Alternative Energy Blog: Electrical Power Disruptions, Innovations and Changing Business Models

Jim Cahill

The sources of electrical power for the grid continues to shift toward decentralization as renewable energy sources are connected. At CERAWeek 2018, Emerson’s Bob Yeager joined a panel hosted by IHS Markit’s Philippe Frangules , Electric power: Disruption, innovation & new business models. The panel was joined by leaders from Duke Energy, 38 North Solutions and Innogy SE. The panel’s focus was: As distributed sources…
- 8 Mar 2018
Alternative Energy Blog: Strategies for Power Generators in a Low-Carbon World

Jim Cahill

With the global push to reduce carbon emissions, electrical power producers are challenged find non-hydrocarbon fuel sources and maintain reliable grid operations. At CERAWeek 2018, Emerson’s Power & Water Solutions business president, Bob Yeager , joined a panel moderated by IHS Markit’s Catherine Robinson . The panel also included leaders from E.ON, Norsk Hydro and Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions (CRES). Here…
- 8 Mar 2018
Alternative Energy Blog: Cybersecurity Guidance at ConnectedPlant Conference

Jim Cahill

This week, the ConnectedPlant conference is being held in Charlotte, North Carolina. The conference is focused for professionals in the chemicals and power industries who are leading digital transformations in their organizations. The focus includes: …actionable information and strategies to maximize the use of data, analytics, and related technology to drive efficiency improvements, preventative and predictive maintenance…
- 26 Feb 2018
Alternative Energy Blog: Increasing Combined Cycle Gas Turbine Efficiency and Reliability

Jim Cahill

The electrical power generation mix continues to shift to increasing natural gas usage due to growing supplies from shale gas production. In a Power article, How to Increase Power Plant Asset Reliability Using Modern Digital Technology , Emerson’s Juan Panama describes how combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) plants are using digital technologies to increase levels of reliability and efficiency. He opens describing a…
- 9 Feb 2018
Alternative Energy Blog: #POWERGEN 2017 Preview: Helping Power Generators Address the Skills Gap

Jim Cahill

Author: Douglas Morris A January 2017 report from the U.S. Energy Department states: Workforce retirements are a pressing challenge. Industry hiring managers often report that lack of candidate training, experience, or technical skills are major reasons why replacement personnel can be challenging to find—especially in electric power generation. The wave of retirements has been talked about for years and…
- 21 Nov 2017
Alternative Energy Blog: #POWERGEN 2017 Preview: Flexible Operations

Jim Cahill

Author: Douglas Morris The new plants that are coming online today are already designed for fast start and flexible operations. With the changing generation mix, being able to move a unit is essential as fleets dispatch more renewables. But what about older plants that were designed to operate as baseload generation? Sometimes units must be mechanically retrofitted to be able to better participate in the market…
- 16 Nov 2017
Alternative Energy Blog: #POWERGEN 2017 Preview: Microgrids and Controls

Jim Cahill

Author: Douglas Morris Microgrids are collections of generating sources that are coupled to operate as one either connected to or disconnected from (islanded) the main power grid (sometimes called the macrogrid). Being able to independently provide one’s power is becoming popular with standalone entities like colleges or universities, military bases, and remote locations. Hawaii is embracing microgrids and has recently…
- 9 Nov 2017
Alternative Energy Blog: Automating Combined-Cycle Power Generation Startups

Jim Cahill

In combined cycle power plants : …the heat of the gas turbine’s exhaust is used to generate steam by passing it through a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) with a live steam temperature between 420 and 580 °C. The condenser of the Rankine cycle is usually cooled by water from a lake, river, sea or cooling towers . Over the past decades, combined cycle power plants were built to handle base electrical loads…
- 8 Nov 2017