Real-Time Operational Control System For Sheffield District Heat
Veolia is one of the UK’s leading providers of a comprehensive range of waste, water, and energy management services designed to build a circular economy and preserve scarce raw materials.
The Challenge
Heat is generated from Veolia’s ERF (energy recovery facility) through the incineration of household waste. The heat generated is then converted to steam which is used to heat a pressurised hot water circuit through which heat is distributed via a network of underground pipes across the city of Sheffield.
The heat reaches strategically placed heat exchangers around the city and is distributed to homes, hospitals and businesses as demand is required.
The heat reaches strategically placed heat exchangers around the city and is distributed to homes, hospitals and businesses as demand is required.
The existing SCADA system had become un-fit for purpose due to changes in operation of the plant and new equipment being added since the district heating system was first commissioned. Opensoft Systems were commissioned to develop a new system to reflect accurately the operation of the plant and all critical equipment within the district heating system with the overall aim of improving plant operation and efficiency.
The Solution
Opensoft based the new SCADA system on GE’s Cimplicity SCADA software, all operator screens were developed to reflect a similar design as that used to control the ERF system, ensuring commonality of operation and system design across the companies control systems.
The system provides the monitoring and supervisory control of a number of pumping stations located across the city. The system was deployed based on Microsoft HyperV Server, virtualisation technology and Cimplicity SCADA software.
This configuration provides for a full high-availability solution, to ensure the system delivers continuity of operation for the facility 24 hours a day 7 days a week 365 days a day.
Opensoft System’s expertise in virtualisation and GE SCADA products, has helped to provide a resilient system that will help to provide heat to both residential households and businesses alike across Sheffield.
