Replacement of Computer Control at John Day Powerhouse

by Douglas D. Filer, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Waterpower '89

Abstract:

One of the first projects chosen by the Corps of Engineers for computer control was the John Day Project on the Columbia River. John Day powerhouse was completed in 1971 and has 16 generators with a total capacity of 2,485 MW. Computer control of the generators was an integral part of the original design. For many reasons replacement of such computer control systems has become the best alternative in many cases. The original equipment at John Day (like many other projects) was designed without special consideration being given for easy replacement. As a result, significant disruption of control was required in order to replace the computer equipment. Extra operators were required to maintain control functions during the outage. Experience gained at the John Day powerhouse will be valuable during the replacment of computer systems at several other powerhouses. Moreover, future designs will pay attention to the need to replace only the obsolete items while minimizing the disruption to the remainder of the powerhouse control system.

Subject Headings: Computing in civil engineering | Power plants | Control systems | Equipment and machinery | Electrical equipment | Electrical systems | Project management | United States

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