John Peters from Contact Energy in front of one of controls panels full of Weidmuller terminals.
The Poihipi Road power station (just west of Taupo) was commissioned in 1997 and was bought by Contact Energy in 2000. It is operated as an integral part of the geothermal generation group and is supplied with steam from the Wairakei geothermal system. Poihipi currently generates 334 GWH per year and on average 38MW and in its latest development program the controls system required an upgrade.
Stephen Peters of the original 1997 design team from McMahon Engineering Consultancy was engaged again. As the original design featured Weidmuller terminals, Stephen again specified their use to interface between the existing field wiring and the new ABB control system. Weidmuller’s conformal coated signal isolators (ITX PLUS) and the Cuthbert Stewart’s identification range are also implemented to support the crossover between the original and upgraded systems.
Weidmuller ITX PLUS conformal coated units to the left, along with terminals and identification
Geothermal power generation plants have a unique range of environmental issues to manage starting with corrosive gasses. For this reason the Weidmuller ITX PLUS signal isolator circuit boards were chosen; the conformal coating makes them ideal for this atmosphere. The Weidmuller terminals have stood the test of time in these surroundings and the upgraded controls have been in operation now for 12 months.
Cuthbert Stewart and Weidmuller look forward to supporting geothermal power generation throughout New Zealand and development well into the future.
For information on how Weidmuller products can help you please contact our
Customer Support Team on:
Phone:0800 288 423
or email: team@cuthbertstewart.co.nz
