Improved operations and reliability by upgrading the Olkaria I control system and installing remote monitoring and control systems for the Olkaria I and II geothermal power plants in Kenia

Abstract

Operational and maintenance aspects of geothermal power plants largely depend on the type and architecture of control systems installed. Design concepts and technical features are important aspects to consider in order for a geothermal power plant to operate with minimum failures and interruptions. A control system integrates all of the plant´s individual systems and enables them to cohesively operate as a single system. The main objectives of carrying out a control system upgrade and installing remote monitoring and control is to improve plant reliability and availability, ensure safe operations of the plant, lower the costs of generation, improve plant efficiency, reduce environmental effects and conserve energy. High reliability is the most important feature. Considerable reduction in the life-cycle costs of a geothermal project can be achieved through the careful development and implementation of long-time strategies for the design and commissioning of remote monitoring and control systems and for the upgrades of older control systems. The advantages that can be gained by implementing such systems have lead to an improvement in automation and emphasis on monitoring and control away from the plant´s central control room. The Olkaria I and Olkaria II power plants in Kenya can indeed be propelled to achieve state-of-the-art automation and the highest level of plant control.