Nebraska Public Power District selects Invensys for feedwater control systems at Cooper Nuclear Station.

FOXBORO, Mass. -- Triconex triple modular redundant (TMR) architecture to provide highest reliability; SimSci-Esscor checkout simulation and Wonderware InTouch HMI included in implementation

Invensys Process Systems today announced that Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) has chosen Triconex technology (www.triconex.com) for feedwater turbine controls at the Cooper Nuclear Station in Brownville, Nebraska. Simulation for the control system checkout will be accomplished using SimSci-Esscor software (www.simsci-esscor.com). NPPD will also employ a new operator interface based on Wonderware (www.wonderware.com) InTouch human machine interface (HMI) software.

The Invensys upgrades are being implemented to replace controls associated with plant trips, and for expansion of an existing control system. The 778-megawatt Cooper Station is studying the possibility of an upgrade and has initiated the process of renewing its operating license, similar to a number of nuclear power stations in the U.S. built in the 1970s.

The implementation will include Tricon triple-modular redundant (TMR) control systems for each of the plant's two turbine-driven main feedwater pumps. This technology will also be used for expanded feedwater control functions in the Reactor Vessel Level Control System, awarded to Invensys last year. TMR technology provides the highest levels of industry-required reliability by employing three, isolated, parallel control systems and extensive diagnostics integrated into one system. Using two-out-of-three voting, the system provides high-integrity, error-free, uninterrupted process operation.

To support the comprehensive control system checkout prior to commissioning, TRISIM Plus software from SimSci-Esscor will be employed to exactly model the Triconex control architecture. TRISIM Plus provides comprehensive virtual simulation, facilitating efficient control system design, training, commissioning and start-up. This virtual control system communicates with the actual control workstations, precisely duplicating the operational experience in an off-line, low risk manner.

The new feedwater controls operator interface will be based on InTouch HMI software from Wonderware. InTouch software provides more operator-friendly process visualization, operation, and easier access to performance and operational data.

The Cooper Station implementation extends Invensys presence at Nebraska Public Power District. Earlier this year, Invensys won a contract for Triconex TMR critical generator controls at the NPPD Sheldon Station, near Hallam, Nebraska.

About Nebraska Public Power District

Nebraska Public Power District (www.nppd.com) is Nebraska's largest electric utility, with a chartered territory including all or parts of 91 of Nebraska's 93 counties. Over 5,000 miles of transmission lines make up the NPPD electrical grid system, which delivers power to more than 800,000 Nebraskans. Formed in 1970, NPPD is a public corporation and political subdivision of the state of Nebraska. The utility is governed by an 11-member Board of Directors, popularly elected from NPPD's chartered territory. NPPD's mission is to safely generate and deliver low-cost reliable energy and provide outstanding customer service.