Structured methods for the design of power plant control and alarm systems

Abstract

This review has illustrated both the practical problems which can be encountered with the alarm system on a fully automated fossil-fired power plant and the substantial benefits which can realised with the proper and timely application of structured design methods. The use of a structured approach for both control system design and software build offers enormous benefits provided the dangers of producing an over-alarmed design are recognised and avoided early in the project. Design of the alarm system should take place as an integrated part of and at the same time as the detailed design for the auto controls and interlocks. The availability of good design tools is important since, by speeding up the mechanics of the process, the designer is left with more time to consider the impact on both the end user and commissioning. There is a clear need for online database tools to provide clear and concise analysis and reports of fault events in addition to the 'event log dumps' which are currently in use on many plants.