ABB control system for China

An ABB Symphony® Plus distributed control system is providing a total plant automation solution for Phase II of an ultra-supercritical thermal power plant in Guangxi, on China`s far southern coast.

The China Light and Power (CLP) Company`s Guangxi Fangchenggang power plant is the largest power project built with external investment in Guangxi Province. Phase I was completed at a greenfield coastal site in Fangchenggang City, 180 km south of Nanning, and is supplying power to support the region`s rapid development, as well as the West-to-East transmission initiative, via China Southern Grid.
Phase I has an ABB Symphony system controlling two 630 MW thermal generating units, which have been running smoothly since commencing commercial operation in 2008. The units operate at ultra-supercritical levels to improve efficiency, and employ flue gas desulphurization to minimize the environmental impact of using coal.

ABB was selected because the solution relies on a Symphony Plus platform that provides central control of the four generating units from a single control room, making plant operation easier and more convenient. The solution is supported by the configuration and operation software of Symphony Plus system, which has the same look and feel, making it easier to use even without retraining of plant engineers.
Meanwhile, ABB’s long-held product policy of ‘evolution without obsolescence’ means the Phase II hardware is compatible with Phase I, which not only protects the customer’s investment, and also enhances spare parts management.

Phase II of its development will add two 660 MW generating units to the units already in place. ABB offered the customer, CLP, a solution featuring a highly integrated automation platform to control all four power generation units.

ABB`s scope of supply includes a total plant automation system, and flame scanner, offered up in a highly integrated control platform that covers all four of the plant`s generating units to ensure total plant reliability and availability. In addition, ABB will extend the data integration coverage, as part of the OPTIMAX® control and optimization solution and give further supports for plant management through collection of data to transform into meaningful information for effective decision making.

ABB was able to provide an unmatched solution for this customer, in which the success of Phase I strongly supported the customer`s trust, demonstrating system lifetime cost in terms of future management and maintenance will not be high. Quality products, excellent project execution capability and outstanding service distinguish ABB from the control competition.