Central Utilities Turbine Controls Replacement
San Jose State University | San Jose, CA
Project Overview
Harris Group successfully modernized critical control systems for San Jose State University's cogeneration plant, ensuring continuous power and heating/cooling for campus operations. Our phased approach included:
- Replacement of original GE Series 6 PLC with updated GE RX3i for Turbine Generator Balance of Plant
- Upgrade of Heat Recovery Steam Generator (HRSG) controls from ABB Network 90 to GE RX3i PLC with Proficy Process System
The Challenge
The aging turbine control system for the University’s central utilities plant was comprised of a GE PLC 6 that had reached the end of its supportable life cycle and needed replacement. The University was seeking to modernize the turbine control system by replacing the PLC hardware and software to the latest version of GE programmable automation controller. Programming and hardware had to be completed prior to the seasonal increase in energy rates to take advantage of cost-savings.
The Solution
Harris Group understood the unique challenge associated with complex retrofit projects and met the challenge by developing accurate record drawings, gathering the necessary field information, and dedicating a core engineering team to come up with a seamless plan for migration to the new GE PLC RX3i.
Our Engineered Difference
Harris Group teamed with a local panel shop familiar with GE 6 PLCs and GE turbine controls. Having a local resource provided advantages of responding quickly to changes found during construction. Also, the project leveraged local expertise to provide PLC design and programming to migrate the existing software to the new GE PLC RX3i platform. Harris Group both managed and executed the field investigation, executed the factory acceptance testing and completed the final commissioning. Harris Group staff provided the final PLC logic and DCS programming to ensure the new control system was complete and functional. Our staff continue to support San Jose State University with software upgrades and programming for their central utilities plant, turbine generator, and chillers.
Harris Group: Modernizing Campus Power with Seamless Control System Upgrades
