Reliability Improving Techniques Using Redundant Structures for the Geothermal Power Plant from the University of Oradea, Romania

Abstract

The demands on control systems in respect to reliability continue to increase as these systems are integrated into a wide variety of safety-critical applications. In critical applications, it is important to be able to evaluate if the data gathered from all transducers of the control system are valid.

This implies that the control system must be implemented using redundant structures, which represents alternatives if a malfunctioning element is detected. This paper presents a method used to design and implement such a control system based on redundant structures that will be used for the geothermal power plant at the University of Oradea.

The control algorithm was extended with parts that determine if some elements are functioning correctly and, eventually, switch to a redundant element, if necessary. The proposed redundant structures are simulated using Matlab/Simulink and analyzed using different scenarios. Finally, a solution of the resulting control system structure with redundant transducers is implemented using an Allan Bradley PLC.