The Data-Tronic Remote Control-Monitor System

Two Data-Tronic remote control-monitor systems are now in service on multiple gas turbine power plants. In each system eight gas turbine generators are controlled from one station operator’s console, via redundant twisted-pair party line cables. The station operator can also assign control of individual units to a remote dispatching center. In addition to control and display information, the party lines carry comprehensive data from the turbines back to an optional minicomputer for storage. The computer data base can then be analysed to present diagnostic and maintenance information. This paper is a sequel to the author’s 1980 ASME paper on the design of the Data-Tronic system, and describes test performance and field experience.