ABB and ECT Join Forces for Integrated Turbomachinery Controls
In a strategic move to revolutionize turbomachinery control, ABB has partnered with Energy Control Technologies (ECT) to develop an innovative integrated solution. This collaboration aims to streamline the control systems for turbomachinery, offering customers a more efficient and cost-effective approach.
A Powerful Partnership: Leveraging ABB Ability System 800xA
The cornerstone of this partnership is the ABB Ability System 800xA distributed control system (DCS). By integrating ECT's compressor control algorithms and technology into this robust platform, ABB and ECT are creating a comprehensive solution that can be seamlessly configured, operated, and maintained.
Enhanced Efficiency and Cost Savings
The ABB-ECT Integrated Compressor Controls (ICC) with Integrated Control Safety System (ICSS) is designed to reduce the footprint and complexity of plant control systems. This translates into significant cost savings, with ABB estimating potential CAPEX reductions of up to 20 percent for integrated projects.
Turbomachinery Optimization: A Key Focus
Turbomachinery, a vital component in industries such as hydrogen, biofuels, power generation, and oil and gas, consumes substantial amounts of energy. By providing greater visibility and control over turbomachinery performance, the ABB-ECT solution helps optimize energy efficiency, reduce risks, and lower costs.
A Unified Approach: Eliminating Complexity
The ABB-ECT ICC achieves its efficiency gains by eliminating the need for separate operator workstations, I/O networks, servers, and other auxiliary systems. This streamlined architecture leads to faster startup times and improved machine protection, safety, and stability.
A Single Platform for Comprehensive Control
Prior to this collaboration, installing turbomachinery controls often involved multiple systems from different suppliers, requiring complex interfaces. The ABB-ECT solution offers a single platform for both compressor and DCS controls, empowering operators to monitor and manage the most critical assets of their plants.
Industry Leaders Unite for a Brighter Future
Both ABB and ECT are enthusiastic about the potential of this partnership. Paul Fisher, president of ECT, emphasized the company's commitment to providing superior compressor control algorithms and technology. Per Erik Holsten, president of ABB Energy Industries, highlighted the significance of this collaboration in advancing integrated turbomachinery control solutions.
A Promising Outlook: Global Expansion on the Horizon
The ABB-ECT ICC solution has already garnered interest from major US customers, and plans are underway for global rollout. This indicates a promising future for the partnership and a positive impact on the industrial automation landscape.
