EVNGENCO2 considers the digital transformation of the distributed control system (DCS) at hydropower plants as a prerequisite to improving the stable and safe operation of generators, aiming to build a "smart power plant" in the future.

In the DCS (Distributed Control System), the controllers are not concentrated in one place but are distributed, with each subsystem controlled by one or more controllers. In hydropower plants, DCS has the function of collecting data, monitoring any status changes, and controlling equipment throughout the plant.

Currently, the DCS of power plants are connected to send operational monitoring information and receive control commands from the National Power System and Electricity Market Operation Company Limited and regional load dispatch centers.

Central control room of A Vuong Hydropower Plant belongs to EVENGENCO2

EVNGENCO2 has assigned A Vuong Hydropower Company (AVC) to pilot digital transformation with the project "Digitizing the DCS system and building an information system to manage hydropower plant operation data", aiming to replicate the model for the hydropower block throughout EVNGENCO2. Due to the relatively large workload, the digital transformation roadmap is divided into 2 phases, the first phase will be implemented in 2021 - 2022 and the second phase will be implemented in 2022 - 2025.

In the first phase, AVC will digitize DCS data and build an information system to manage operational data to ensure the targets of stable and safe plant operation. At the same time, AVC  will build hardware and software infrastructure for web/mobile to digitize, store, and update operational data flexibly. Hardware and software systems must be able to connect to existing systems and must be scalable and compatible with new technology systems. On the other hand, AVC optimizes with the support of artificial intelligence in planning, production, maintenance, repair, etc, towards building a "smart power plant".

In the next phase, A Vuong Hydropower Company will continue to upgrade and replace the DCS system to ensure the implementation of distributed control functions for the entire A Vuong Hydropower Plant in a modern, easy-to-operate, user-friendly, and open trend, compliant with existing control logic and scalable, compatible with other systems of the entire plant.

In the coming time, EVNGENCO2 will continue to research and apply scientific and technological achievements to successfully digitally transform the DCS system in hydropower plants, contributing to improving production efficiency, as a premise for building "smart power plants" of EVNGENCO 2 in the future.

Translator: Hải Yến