As an almost totally computerised control facility, it was necessary to future-proof the design so the room was flood- wired with CAT5e cable to provide Ethernet networks for control and information systems. To reduce noise and heat load the majority of computers were located outside of the control room with the control screens and keyboards driven by KVM extenders over Cat5.
As the video wall was fundamental to the operation, great care was taken to select technologies that could be viewed in natural daylight and could display any combination of control screens over Ethernet.
By bringing together many different systems into the same control facility, it was essential that colours and symbols on each system had the same meaning. A control screen standard was devised and applied to all control system displays. (See
Operator Screen (HMI) Design Guidelines.)
Despite the technology, it is impossible for one operator to continuously monitor so many separate systems, so a centralised system was developed using networked OPC technology to provide an overview display of all operations (see
Centralised Operational Control in our Scada sub-site). OPC was also used to integrate information for trading and management purposes.
Comfort and ease of access to screens, keyboards and control information is essential to any control room design, so great effort was taken to select the correct control room furniture. The control desks and seating were provided by specialist supplier, whilst other fixtures were sourced locally.
The completed control centre was opened by the Duke of Edinburgh.
If you are considering a similar project please contact us.