31/07/2002

INTERVIEW WITH MR. PABLO LUÍS MENDIVIL RÚAS.

What is the main function of this centre?

The main mission of the C.M.D.S. (Centre for Monitoring, Diagnostics and Simulation of Combined Cycle Power Stations) is the optimising of operation and maintenance in the combined cycle power stations, making use of leading-edge technology and advanced engineering tools that permit the application of modern diagnostic procedures.
EIn the C.M.D.S. it will be possible to detect incipient variations in the normal operating conditions of the plant, as well as degradations in the performance and reliability of the different systems, which will permit condition-oriented maintenance techniques to be applied, thereby improving overall plant performance.
At the same time, the C.M.D.S. is an engineering centre where the experience of IBERDROLA in Combined Cycle Power Stations based on different technologies (GE, ABB, etc.) will be gathered, which will revert directly in improving the efficiency of all the power stations.
All the knowledge acquired, together with the combined cycle simulators available in the C.M.D.S., mean that future power station operators can be trained to the technological level required to operate the power stations with a high level of efficiency.

What investment has this implied for your company?

In accordance with the company's strategic plan, the investment in a centre with the characteristics of the C.M.D.S is no more than the spearhead of its wager for technology as the differentiating feature in the operation and maintenance of IBERDROLA combined cycle power stations.
To reach such an objective, more than euros 18 million have been dedicated to infrastructure and engineering alone, without taking into account the highly qualified staff that works in the C.M.D.S., and providing the centre with the latest tools available in the market as well as the most modern techniques for analysis and diagnosis.

The monitoring and diagnostics room is the main department in this building; what made you opt for the videoprojection solution offered by APLEIN Ingenieros?

The monitoring and diagnostics room is the heart of the C.M.D.S., here all the information is received on-line from the different IBERDROLA combined cycle power stations spread throughout the world for subsequent analysis and diagnostics.
Due to the great volume of information to be processed and displayed, a requirement was identified for having an overhead projection system that adapted to the quality and performance requirements with which the centre had been designed.
In line with the approach of having the latest technology in the C.M.D.S., the market was surveyed for overhead projection systems, and it was decided to incorporate digital DLP 3 Chip projection technology as the basis of the panel to be located in the Monitoring and Diagnostics Room.
Following the procurement procedures established by IBERDROLA, proposals were requested from different suppliers, opting for APLEIN mainly for the quality of the proposal submitted (which adapted perfectly to the specified requirements), as well as for their demonstrated experience in the installation of such complex overhead projection systems.

¿What is the immediate benefit for IBERDROLA combined cycle power stations?

The C.M.D.S. is designed to optimise the performance and efficiency of the combined cycle power stations, whereby any increase in the variables previously mentioned becomes an increase in operating margins, as well as a higher return on operations, allowing cost savings and, therefore, maximising the earnings of combined cycle power stations.

This monitoring centre was inaugurated on June 14 last. What was the impression on those attending of the large-screen information-display system?

On June 14 the C.M.D.S. was opened by the Honourable First Vice-president of the Autonomous Region of Valencia, Mr. José Luis Olivas, as well as by our vice-president and managing director, Mr. Ignacio Sánchez Galán. The event was attended by, among other, important personages in the sector as well as of the Autonomous Community of Valencia, who remarked on and praised the excellent job performed by IBERDROLA in building the C.M.D.S.
They also stressed the perfect finish and integration of the work as a whole, observing at the same time the superb picture and viewing quality of the overhead projection panel located in the Monitoring Room of the C.M.D.S.

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