Wood Group GTS wins GE LM6000 controls system contract in Arizona

Arizona Electric Power Co-Operative (AEPCO) has recently awarded Wood Group GTS a contract to replace a turbine control panel at AEPCO's 615 MW Apache Power Station in Benson, Arizona. The proprietary and aging Mark VI Millennium control panel will be replaced with an open-architecture Rockwell ControlLogix platform fitted to a GE LM6000PC dual-fuel enhanced Sprint gas turbine.

Under this turnkey contract, Wood Group GTS is responsible for design, control system equipment, software, site installation, testing and commissioning of the new system. The company’s controls solution will provide enhanced troubleshooting capabilities and simplify personnel training, enabling the Apache Station operators and maintenance personnel to manage the gas turbine and balance of plant more efficiently.

Frank Avery of Wood Group GTS said, "Our open-platform solution continues to provide an easily supported and serviced turbine control system that is flexible enough to adapt to the unique needs of different plant configurations and installations. Our upgrade solutions are designed to improve power plant operational availability and longevity while ensuring a maximum return on their investment."

Jason Wallace, controls engineer for AEPCO said, "After we carefully evaluated control system vendors and platforms, we chose Wood Group GTS and their proven ControlLogix platform because of its flexibility, lowest evaluated cost, Rockwell's long product support lifecycle, and for how easily it integrates into the rest of the plant. Wood Group's solution was clearly the best fit for Apache Station."