Power management system in an industrial plant

Abstract

Every industrial plant has an electric distribution system. Depending on the size of the power distribution system, layout of the plant, power source and operation, the power management may be more or less complex. This paper describes an installed and operating PLC based Power Management System (PMS) for a mid to large size industrial plant. The aim of the PMS is to avoid a collapse of the electric system when operating in an island mode, to maximize the available power, to protect personnel and to maximize the reliability of the electric system. 2004 NFPA 70E requires protection of personnel from arc flash hazards. The PMS offers additional protection since the operation of breakers is performed away from the electric switchgear. This paper shows the implementation of a state of the art Power Management System that blends PLC technology with protection relays to insure a safe and reliable electric power operation on an industrial plant.