Centralized control board for steam-electric generating plants

The centralization of boiler, turbine, generator, and auxiliary electrical control functions has had considerable attention during the past decade in plans and designs of new steam-electric generating plants. The result accomplished is basically a grouping of the several conventional control boards, formerly placed at scattered locations, into a specific area. In the design of the new Morgan Creek Plant for the Texas Electric Service Company, a new approach to centralized control for all combustion, steam, and electrical power facilities has been taken. Of greatest importance is the opportunity afforded for one man to have a comprehensive knowledge of the entire plant performance, and for all important operating functions to be under the control of one operator. Another major advantage is that the new design resulted in approximately a 50% decrease in the control-room area and a substantially larger reduction in linear footage of the control panels. This new and compact centralized control board is of the duplex-type benchboard construction and is shown pictorially in front and rear areas. Each of the two boiler - turbine - generator sections is 7ft long. The entire control board, which includes a 4ft long transmission line control and relay section, is 18ft long. The structure is 7ft 6-in high and 5ft deep between the vertical panels. The bench section protrudes 21in beyond the face of the vertical panels.