El Centro Generating Station T3000 Controls Upgrade

El Centro Generating Station T3000 Controls Upgrade

In 2019, The Imperial Irrigation District (110) had Siemens perform a software and hardware audit on the T3000 system that provides a distributed control system (DCS) for the operation of the Unit 3-1, Unit 3-2, Unit 3-0 turbines. The audit findings concluded that 110 would need to upgrade main server hardware, server software, windows operating software, and data exchange 1/0 modules to insure required security and operating software updates would continue to be supported. The 11D Generation department engaged Siemens Energy in Q3 of 2024 to provide a proposal to upgrade the DCS for the El Centro Generating Station (EGGS) Unit 3. The work scope requested the replacement of software and hardware that will no longer be supported by Siemens as identified in the 2019 T3000 system audit. The work to be performed includes upgrading to the latest version of the Omnivise T3000 control system, replacing all obsolete hardware in the CRY cabinet, replace automation servers, replace thin clients, routers/firewalls, and implementing software and security enhancements to meet current applicable NERC compliance requirements. The work also includes integration of enhanced alarm functionality (CRY 1/0 Alarms) and ASEL Block 2/3 logic improvements to enhance alarm management and analog signal processing. Siemens Energy will provide engineering, procurement. factory testing, installation, commissioning, and training support as part of a turn-key delivery, along with the implementation of a 5-year Customer Support Agreement (CSA) to ensure ongoing maintenance and system reliability. This DCS version upgrade is part of 11D's .broader initiative to modernize its generation control systems, mitigate cyber security risks, and ensure continued operational reliability for Unit 3. Failure to upgrade the DCS may result in unexpected system outages, loss of operational control, and prolonged unit downtime, all of which could compromise the plant's ability to reliably generate and dispatch power. In the event of system failure, the loss of Unit 3's capacity could lead to financial losses, operational disruptions, and increased emissions risk during manual operation or emergency shutdown. Upgrading the DCS system will: 1. Restore hardware and software lifecycle support. 2. Enhance cyber security posture and reliability. 3. Improve alarm and signal processing for safer, more effective operation. 4. Ensure compatibility with modern communication protocols and third-party systems. 5. Provide dedicated technical support and spare parts management through a 5-year CSA. This investment will reduce the risk of unplanned outages, improve operator situational awareness, and ensure continued safe and efficient operations of Unit 3. Unit 3 is currently the primary resource for 11D internal generation. Unit 3 provides energy to serve load for an average of 7,750 hours per year.

El Centro

Imperial

Citywide

Imperial