Power Plant Experience with Intelligent Remote Multiplexing

Multiplexing data over coaxial cables is a well established technique in many applications. Its application in power stations, related to digital controls becomes increasingly common practice. A multiplexing system was designed especially for application in a thermal power plant. The paper reports that practical experience with this multiplexing system has been gained over the last four years in several power plants throughout the world. Experience shows that multiplexing the data flow in a thermal power plant, better plant availability can be reached than by using dedicated cable connections. The trend towards a higher level of automation and a better supervision of thermal plants has considerably increased the number of signals to be transmitted from one place to another. This is one reason why an intelligent multiplexing system supporting distributed control meets increased interest from potential users.