The National Research Institute of Mechanical Engineering (Ministry of Industry and Trade) has researched, designed, and operated the electrical and control system for the fly ash disposal section at Vung Ang 2 Thermal Power Plant.

This system includes power distribution panels, control panels, PLC/DCS, HMI/SCADA, cables, and protection and measurement devices. Results show that the system operates stably, meeting the criteria of high automation, reliable operation, safety, and environmental standards. The successful localization of design, manufacturing, and installation opens up the possibility for replication in many other thermal power projects in Vietnam.

According to the National Research Institute of Mechanical Engineering (NARIME), Vung Ang 2 Thermal Power Plant is one of the key projects in the national power system, using coal as fuel for power generation. This plant plays an important role in providing stable electricity to the Central region and the national grid.

The coal combustion process in the boiler generates a large amount of bottom ash and fly ash, of which fly ash (FA) accounts for approximately 70-80%. Due to its fine particle characteristics, if not properly treated, fly ash can easily disperse and cause pollution. The fly ash collection and treatment is not merely a technical component but also a key factor for the plant to operate safely, stably, sustainably, and in an environmentally friendly manner.

During operation, the fly ash disposal system must be continuous and safe. In terms of mechanical engineering, equipment such as hoppers, discharge valves, pneumatic piping, and silos must be durable and withstand dusty and pressurized conditions. On that basis, the electrical and control system must ensure automation, stability, fault warning, optimization, and compliance with environmental standards.

Therefore, the research, design, fabrication, and operation of the electrical and control system for the fly ash disposal section is an urgent requirement, contributing to ensuring a stable power generation process while meeting safety, environmental, and economic efficiency requirements.

Also according to the National Research Institute of Mechanical Engineering, globally, fly ash treatment technology is primarily based on electrostatic precipitators, pneumatic systems, and storage silos. The project aims to develop an electrical and control system that meets technical, safety, and economic requirements for the fly ash (FA) disposal section of Vung Ang 2 Thermal Power Plant.

The main objectives include: conducting an overview study of fly ash disposal technology; designing the electrical system and developing automation control solutions (PLC/DCS, HMI/SCADA); fabricating, installing, and integrating power panels, control and power devices; commissioning, testing, and accepting the system. At the same time, proposing the possibility of replication and development for other thermal power plant projects, towards localization of equipment and technology mastery.

Based on domestic practice and over 60 years of experience in integrated equipment integration, NARIME has been innovative in technology adoption, research, design, fabrication, and successful operation of the fly ash disposal system for coal-fired thermal power plants in Vietnam.

The system was designed based on the process of: Survey - Calculation - Design of power and control electrical systems. The automation model uses PLC, HMI/SCADA, and industrial communication. International standards (IEC, ISO) and Vietnamese standards (TCVN) are applied to ensure safety and reliability.

Research results show that the power electrical system, including MV SWGR, LV/MCC, MDB panels, ensures stable power supply with flexible startup and backup options. The control system uses Siemens PLC S7-412-5H, supporting redundant CPUs, high processing speed, and large memory capacity. Installation and commissioning results at Vung Ang 2 Thermal Power Plant show that the system operates continuously and stably, ensuring electrical safety and high reliability.

The successful deployment of the electrical and control system for the FA section at Vung Ang 2 Thermal Power Plant affirms the capability to localize design, manufacturing, and integration. The solution has potential for replication in other thermal power projects.

Source: Cong Thuong Newspaper