• Central control room connects more than a dozen modern energy systems – KVM technology as the key to efficient control and sustainable supply
• Integrative linking improves information flow and shortens response times

Some may remember Captain Kirk travelling through unknown dimensions of space, always searching for new adventures. The centre of the action was his command post. The central bridge often determined the success of the mission. The situation in our world is not quite so melodramatic. However, control centres are still a key element when it comes to ensuring the maintenance of basic infrastructure. As part of a sustainable energy policy, the expansion of its district heating network and the comprehensive modernisation of power plants, Stadtwerke Schwerin, in close cooperation with Jungmann Systemtechnik GmbH & Co. KG (JST), has created a modern control centre that is somewhat reminiscent of the legendary Enterprise bridge. Until now, the various generation plants were controlled from a control centre, but using different systems. The result: complex information flows and corresponding response times. The new control room now enables the central control and networking of a total of 13 generation plants – including geothermal, biogas and hydrogen-capable gas turbines – and offers efficient working conditions for the operating personnel. The production and distribution of up to 150 MW of heat and 70 MW of electricity are controlled via the plant. With the central control room, Schwerin Municipal Utilities has not only reached another milestone for a resource-saving and sustainable energy future, but is also well equipped for future expansions.

With the growing complexity of the energy generation landscape, the demands on monitoring, production coordination and energy distribution control are increasing. In order to meet these challenges efficiently, Schwerin Municipal Utilities decided to comprehensively renew its control technology as part of the fundamental modernisation of its combined heat and power plants – with the aim of being able to operate all processes centrally and ergonomically. The installation of the new control room is also an important building block for the ongoing sustainable and climate-friendly energy supply of the city of Schwerin.

Control centre centralisation improves information flows and enables shorter response times

‘The status quo at the time was that the control room had a large number of screens with their own computers at several different operating stations, which were little or not at all networked with each other,’ says Marco Schult, Head of Generation at Stadtwerke Schwerin GmbH (SWS). This not only meant increased investment and maintenance costs. It also made uniform operation more difficult, increased the coordination effort and prevented the optimal flow of information between the locations. The resulting longer response time in the event of a malfunction also had to be reduced. The solution to this was the installation of a new control room, which was intended to compensate for all the disadvantages of decentralised energy supply control. During the selection process, it became clear that the control room specialists at Jungmann Systemtechnik had the perfect concept and extensive experience. Above all, the opportunity to experience the planned control centre management system ‘live’ in JST’s own simulator ultimately convinced the managers at Schwerin Municipal Utilities.

Integrated MultiConsoling® technology makes complex processes safely manageable

The new control room features a modern, functional and user-friendly design. It was specifically designed to meet the requirements of energy generation and plant monitoring. The equipment includes a video wall with eight LC displays and ergonomic Stratos X11® control room consoles equipped with AlarmLight and integrated CommandPads®. These touch panels with the intuitive myGUI® user interface give the operator convenient access to the system controls. The new installation enables complete control of Schwerin’s two combined heat and power plants – in Süd and Lankow – from a single location. A total of 13 energy generation plants are integrated into the new control system. These include combined heat and power plants and hot water boiler systems as well as modern, sustainable generation units such as a geothermal plant, a biogas power plant and new gas turbines that can utilise green hydrogen.

The central control concept was implemented with the help of JST MultiConsoling® KVM technology, which ensures efficient workflows and increased safety. The technology allows operators to control all relevant systems from a single workstation without having to move around. Each employee can flexibly access individual system views and transfer them to the large screen or their own monitors for a better overview. The PixelDetection® monitoring software will also make it possible in future to locate and assign alarms more quickly, further increasing response times. The KVM control system has significantly reduced the number of individual screens at the workstation. The high level of user comfort and improved overview contribute to greater efficiency. This is because the new control room optimises work processes, as Marco Schult explains: ‘We used to have a large number of monitors, keyboards and other equipment – this was not only confusing, but also not very ergonomic. Today, we can concentrate on the essentials, maintain an overview and are able to react more quickly.’ The modern large-screen systems and a well-thought-out arrangement of the controls create a pleasant, efficient working environment. Even the lighting concept with integrated HCL (Human Centric Lighting) light sources helps employees to work without fatigue and with greater concentration. Another highlight is the JST myLogin® software: An individual keycard allows quick and easy login. Individual settings are loaded and access authorisations can be managed directly via the system. Screen layouts are saved and operating procedures can be traced exactly – a decisive advantage in terms of operational safety and IT compliance.

Team-oriented planning and implementation process ensures high acceptance of the new control room

Employees of Stadtwerke Schwerin were involved in the project right from the design phase, so that practical requirements could be incorporated directly. A 3D design of the new control room was presented in several shift supervisor meetings, which met with a consistently positive response. Change requests could be taken up and implemented immediately – a decisive factor for the high level of acceptance within the team and in subsequent daily work. ‘Our employees were involved at an early stage. Their suggestions were incorporated directly into the development process. This not only led to a high level of acceptance, but also to a practical, efficient result,’ emphasises Marco Schult. Today, around 30 people are working efficiently with the new system and are very satisfied with it. Despite the new control room management system, staff remain present at both locations. However, the central control room creates significantly more flexibility. This means that tasks can be seamlessly taken over in the event of staff shortages without causing complications in operations. ‘The project in Schwerin was a complete success and has once again proven how the combination of modern technology and practical experience can be exemplary for modern power plant control rooms,’ says Dominik Zepp, JST Consultant. The project was completed within the specified time frame for the power plant conversion. The bundling of the individual technical systems saves energy and resources – an additional building block for decarbonisation. And Stadtwerke Schwerin is continuing on its path towards sustainable energy supply. Another control room has already been planned in collaboration with JST. Further information is available online at: https://www.jungmann.de/