Emerson automates India’s first supercritical power plant

Emerson Process Management, a global business of Emerson, has automated India’s first state-owned 800-MW supercritical power-generating unit. The new power plant uses supercritical boiler/turbine technology that operates at a higher temperature than traditional coal-fired units, increasing the efficiency of electricity generation while reducing carbon and other emissions.

The supercritical thermal power-generating unit is owned by APPDCL, a special purpose entity of APGENCO, the Andhra Pradesh state government power generation utility. This is the first state-owned supercritical power plant being built in India. Located in Krishnapatnam, the Sri Damodaram Sanjeevaiah Thermal Power Plant is a US$2 billion investment by APGENCO that is proposed to provide new, low-emissions generation capacity to help the region’s rapid economic growth.

Tata Projects Ltd, the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor for critical sections of the plant selected Emerson as the main automation contractor. The first unit at Sri Damodaram Sanjeevaiah is set to start commercial operations; Emerson is currently automating the second unit at the site, which is anticipated to be finished this spring.

Mr. A.S. Bhattacharya, Project Director, Tata Projects Limited, stated, “As prime EPC contractor it was a challenging task to work with many stakeholders. Strong support from key partners like Emerson Process Management played an important role in the successful completion of this highly complex project.”According to APPDCL, the supercritical units are performing exceedingly well and this new power station will provide a reliable source of electricity for Andhra Pradesh. Emerson’s experience and expertise in managing large, complex supercritical projects provides the confidence that the full benefits of these new units will be gained.

“Over the coming years, India will see several more plants powered by supercritical technology, which are more cost efficient and help protect the environment,” commented Dr. Amit Paithankar, managing director of Emerson Process Management India. “Emerson’s technologies play a key role in this project, which is a very important asset for economic growth in Andhra Pradesh and the country.”

At the new unit, Emerson’s Ovation™ distributed control system observes and manages plant equipment and processes including the boiler, water treatment system and other critical balance-of-plant processes. Rosemount® measurement and analytical technologies were also installed to monitor parts of the plant for optimal performance.

Adapted from press release by Harleigh Hobbs

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcoal.com/power/21042015/supercritical-thermal-power-generating-unit-2195/