Bermuda Electric: Evolution and Modernization

 

 

In 1995, BELCO began looking for a solution that would ensure their facilities could operate consistently in the present plus provide a strong basis for future implementations. The company chose Wonderware® software products, starting with the InTouch® Human Machine Interface (HMI). Subsequent upgrades through the years saw the continuous upgrade to the newest InTouch version as new plants are put on-line and as new enhancements are added to the solution.

This constant evolution and modernization culminated in BELCO's use of System Platform. The addition of System Platform is a high point in BELCO's history as it provided provided a common, efficient and centralized infrastructure that helped them develop, maintain, control and manage applications with exceptional scalability, openness and ease. The arrival of the Wonderware Historian and recently of Wonderware IntelaTrac helped BELCO achieve ISO 14001 compliance, for its state-of-the-art production, transmission and distribution of electricity – the first organization in the territory to achieve this prestigious milestone!

Part of BELCO's continuous modernization also involved the use of Triconex® Tricon™ fault-tolerant controller, a key Invensys product.

Ensuring the Highest Level of Reliability

When it comes to electric power, reliability is paramount. Knowing this, BELCO’s innovations have also included a significant upgrade to their safety and control system. With the Triconex® Tricon™ fault-tolerant controller, the utility gained a triple modular redundant (TMR) digital system that is more efficient and ensures high availability, advanced safety integrity and lower maintenance costs.

"We use Triconex as a replacement for hard wiring between our remote control station and the local generating units. Instead of having thousands of wires, we now have the redundant fiber optic network between the various nodes."

Denton Williams
Vice President of Energy Supply

What the Triconex solution provides is elegance and simplicity: Instead of having thousands of wires, BELCO now just has a redundant fiber optic network between the various nodes. This new and elegant solution is a cornerstone of BELCO’s ability to deliver on its mission to supply consistent, safe power.

Looking Ahead to 2025 and Beyond

Expectations are that Bermuda will continue to require expanded electricity generation, and the current integrated resources plan has accounted for this need through 2025. Because of the proven ability to integrate solutions to meet evolving demands, Invensys hopes to continue their unique partnership with BELCO well beyond the current planning period.

More information

You can find more information about Triconex by visiting the Think Safety, Think Triconex page where you'll be able to find TMR whitepapers and applications notes.

In my next post, I'll be summarizing the Bermuda Electric success story and will feature the video that we created that explains how BELCO achieved success using Wonderware and Triconex.

Till then, take care.
Jay