Case Study: Huadian's 1000-MW Zouxian Unit Commissioned in Only 23 Days Using Emerson's PlantWeb™ Digital Architecture

Construction of plants with ultra-supercritical technologies is expected to become more prevalent in China because of their more than 50% increased efficiency over coal-based electricity generation while maintaining superior environmental performance. The China Huadian Group Corporation implemented Phase VI of the massive 4540-megawatt Zouxian facility, the largest coal-fired plant in China. The two new ultra-supercritical units will help to meet the increasing demand for power in the Shandong Province region.

Use of the cleanest, most efficient, and most advanced plant equipment required an equally exceptional automation solution in order to maximize the units' operation. Because this is one of the first ultra-supercritical projects implemented in China, the new Zouxian units needed a proven, state-of-the-art control solution backed by superior technical expertise. A solution based on Foundation™ fieldbus technology, another first installation in China, was imperative to the project's success.

Results:

• Contributed to 22.6-month construction period of 1000-MW ultra-supercritical unit
• Achieved record-setting 23-day commissioning time due to smooth startup and performance of the Ovation® expert control system
• Completed aggressive project schedule 9 months ahead of planned conclusion