CURRENT FEATURES OF DCS SYSTEMS FOR POWER PLANTS

Current features of distributed control systems (DCS) for power plants are reviewed based on nine DCSs from ABB, Siemens, Emerson, Alstom, Honeywell, Metso, Yokogawa and Invensys. The review involves general architecture, control stations, open communications, engineering, operator, information subsystems. Comparison tables are provided. Unique properties of some DCSs indicate future trends.