Thermoelectric power plants operate as industrial power generation facilities based on the conversion of thermal energy into electricity through thermodynamic processes involving combustion systems, steam generation or direct turbine drive.

These developments are characterized by highly instrumented industrial environments, where operation depends on continuous integration between process systems, industrial automation systems, electrical power systems and operational telecommunications infrastructures.

The operation of these plants involves monitoring and control of several critical subsystems, including:

  • generation and turbine drive systems
  • process control and automation systems
  • auxiliary operation systems
  • step-up substations associated with generation
  • integration with power system operation centers

In this context, thermoelectric plants are highly dependent on technological infrastructures capable of supporting:

  • industrial process automation
  • operational supervision of generation
  • communication between control systems and operation centers
  • monitoring of critical equipment
  • physical security of industrial facilities

The modernization of these plants and the implementation of new projects require integrated engineering solutions capable of articulating electrical infrastructure, industrial automation, operational telecommunications and supervision systems, ensuring operational reliability and generation continuity.

Scope of Work

A3A Engenharia de Sistemas works in structuring and integrating the technological infrastructures that support thermoelectric power plant operation, focusing on industrial automation, operational telecommunications, technological infrastructure and systems integration.

The work includes both implementation projects and technology modernization programs for existing generation plants.

Main fronts include:

Process automation and supervision

Structuring the technological infrastructure that supports control and supervision systems for generation plants.

Work associated with:

  • integration with SCADA systems and digital supervision systems
  • communication infrastructure for industrial automation systems
  • industrial networks for process control and monitoring

Operational telecommunications

Structuring communication networks used in plant operation and integration with power system operation centers.

Includes:

  • internal optical networks of the plant
  • communication infrastructure between industrial systems
  • integration with external operational networks

Industrial asset monitoring

Structuring technological systems aimed at tracking the operational conditions of critical plant equipment.

Includes:

  • monitoring of turbines and associated equipment
  • integration of sensors and supervision systems
  • consolidation of operational data for performance analysis

Electrical infrastructure for technological systems

Design and adaptation of the electrical infrastructure that supports digital systems present in the plant.

Includes:

  • power supply for automation and telecommunications systems
  • power infrastructure for critical industrial systems
  • protection against surges and lightning discharges

Operational security of industrial facilities

Structuring technological systems aimed at the physical protection of generation plants.

Includes:

  • video monitoring of operational areas
  • access control to critical industrial areas
  • perimeter monitoring of facilities

Integration with operation centers

Structuring architectures that enable remote supervision of generation and integration with power system operation centers.

Standards and Compliance

Projects associated with thermoelectric plants involve standards applicable to the power sector, industrial automation and telecommunications and industrial systems infrastructures.

Main normative references include:

Generation and electrical systems

  • IEC 60034 — Rotating electrical machines
  • IEEE C37 — Protection and control of electrical systems
  • IEC 61850 — Communication in electrical automation systems

Industrial automation

  • IEC 61131 — Programmable logic controllers (PLC)
  • ISA-95 — Integration between industrial systems and corporate systems

Electrical infrastructure

  • ABNT NBR 5410 — Low-voltage electrical installations
  • ABNT NBR 14039 — Medium-voltage electrical installations

Protection and grounding

  • ABNT NBR 5419 — Lightning protection
  • IEEE 80 — Grounding of electrical installations

Telecommunications and networks

  • ANSI/TIA-568 — Structured cabling
  • IEEE 802 — Data communication networks
  • ITU-T — Telecommunications infrastructures

Operational safety

  • NR-10 — Safety in electrical installations
  • NR-13 — Boilers, pressure vessels and piping
  • NR-35 — Work at height