TTS Power

Human Machine Interface (HMI) Systems

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Using original OEM operator interfaces running on outdated, discontinued equipment and obsolete operating systems dramatically reduces reliability and increases maintenance costs. Limited hard drive space, inadequate diagnostic functions, archaic or proprietary communication protocols and difficult/complex procedures for basic changes are just some of the issues that add to the difficulty of working with these original systems. NERC cybersecurity compliance is also not possible with older operating systems and human machine interfaces because security updates are no longer supported.

TTS offers a range of HMI upgrade, migration and replacement capabilities for existing PLC, PAC and DCS.

For solutions on replacement of legacy GE DOS <I> and <HMI> systems, see our TMOS offering.

Digital control panel of a turbine with detailed schematics and system settings.
Engineers in blue uniforms monitor digital screens in a control room.

Main HMI Terminals

The main HMI terminal is typically a desktop PC complete with a Microsoft® Windows® operating system and a standard HMI graphics application package. TTS has extensive experience in developing and migrating graphics packages using the following software platforms:

  • Aveva WonderWare®
  • GE Cimplicity
  • Rockwell FactoryTalk®View

The HMI software developed by our engineering team for use on gas turbines is a robust program offering a great deal of flexibility to the end user. Advantages include many advanced features now available through Microsoft Windows such as networking, data sharing between applications and security features. This system flexibility allows the terminal to be applied as any of the following:

  • Primary Operator Interface
  • Historian
  • Engineering Workstation

The TTS TMS-1000 HMI has been developed specifically for the needs of gas turbine operators. The information required for efficient operation of a gas turbine is placed at the fingertips of the operator and is available for display in several different formats each designed to meet a different set of common needs. The screens have been designed to provide the correct amount of data in a clear and concise manner.

Navigation and monitoring of critical parameters are made easy using 3 distinct banners:

  • Top Banner:
    This banner houses critical operating information for the machinery including: operating speed, max vibration, MW output, terminal voltage, etc. This banner is always visible regardless of which screen is visible – this allows the operator to be continuously aware of the operating status of the machine.
  • Bottom Banner:
    This banner’s real estate is dominated by an alarm banner that can be configured to show the latest alarms for the selected machine.
  • Side Banner:
    This banner is a permanent fixture used for easily navigating the HMI screens. Operators can select screens from a menu group that is laid out clearly by system type.

There are three categories of HMI windows:

  • Operations Windows:
    All operations screen windows provide clear easy-to-read data to the operator. A master controls interface window provides easy access to the common control functions required for operating the gas turbine (start, load selection, fuel selection, etc.). Also included here are individual system screens that are organized in a coherent manner which allow the operator to quicky monitor the performance of the unit auxiliary support systems.
  • Maintenance:
    All maintenance screen windows are password protected. They provide functions such as manual and automatic valve calibration (where applicable), overspeed testing, etc.

Historical:
These screen windows contain unit data such as fired hours, fired starts, trips etc. The operator can also access the historian and view historical data via these windows.

Features of TMS-1000 HMI systems include:

  • Multiple units can be viewed/controlled from a single terminal.
  • Graphics are simple with clear easy-to-read data.
  • Navigation through the system has been optimized.

A strong emphasis has been placed upon the diagnostic capabilities of the system. Each screen was developed as both a source of normal operating data and as a tool for system troubleshooting and problem solving. Every effort has been made to optimize the data on any given screen, hence avoiding screen clutter and information overload.

HMI Hardware Specification

With the constant advance of technology and levels of performance in the field of computer hardware, it’s not possible to provide a hardware specification that will be up to date for more than a few months. The standard TMS-1000 utilizes a desktop workstation with a Microsoft Windows based operating system. The computer hardware will reflect the current level of computer technology and will always exceed the HMI software’s recommended specifications.

Additional Features

  • Easy navigation – navigation with context menus and easy to understand buttons.
  • Multi-unit capability – easily manage operations of multiple units from a single workstation.
  • Summary screens – further eases navigation by providing navigation by operational function.
  • I/O Maintenance Screens – makes doing I/O checkouts during commissioning a breeze.
  • Multi-screen capability – two monitors or four? No problem! Display multiple units or system screens with no additional licensing.
  • Data logging – leveraging the built-in data logging capabilities, TTS saves you money by providing basic historian functionality without the need for an expensive Historian.

Optional HMI Configuration

In addition to the standard configuration, the TMS-1000 can be deployed to include the following:

  • Rack Mounted HMI Servers
  • Redundant HMI Servers
  • Server/Client setup with Thin Clients or Workstations
  • Balance of Plant
  • SQL-Based Historian

VPN Remote Support

Our team employs the use of leading secure VPN technologies to provide customers with remote support. The addition of a VPN appliance to the TMS-1000 system gives us secure access to the system to provide real-time troubleshooting. The VPN appliance is fully compliant with the latest security standards and custom configurations are offered to comply with customer intranet security requirements.

Emergency Operator Interface

An Emergency Operator Interface (EOI) provides users with the ability to operate the equipment local to the machinery’s control panel.

These interfaces are tied in with the system’s redundant 24VDC system that are supplied from the system’s battery. This allows the EOI to be used in the event of a power emergency. The EOI can be mounted on the control panel door or in a remote location.

The EOI typically uses an industrial fan-less panel PC running Microsoft Windows providing high performance in space saving, flat panel design. The EOI provides both high quality graphics and high-performance functionality to the operator. The EOI allows the operator a full range of control and monitoring functions common to the other HMIs in the system. Because the EOI operates on the Windows platform and uses the same HMI software, it is only necessary to develop a single HMI application for both platforms.

For more information about our Legacy GE and Replacement (TMOS), click here..

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