GE Digital Introduces Remote Operations Solutions for Power Generation

GE Digital introduced Remote Operations for Power Generation, a software and appliance solution that provides remote / mobile operator access to on-site monitoring and control functions.  GE Digital began offering Remote Operations earlier in 2020 and already has seven global power generation customers using the solution.    

With remote and dedicated mobile device access to on-site HMI visualizations and controls, Remote Operations addresses many of its customer priorities, including:

• Contingency operations - to handle any unforeseen circumstances, such as COVID or severe weather conditions
• Multi-plant operations – a centralized approach to monitor, augment or control normal operations across a fleet
• Un-staffed operations – for complete remote controls of simple cycle plants
• On-site mobility and collaboration – use of dedicated mobile features to help improve the productivity and safety of onsite staff
• Remote expert leverage – Enables key staff members to work from any location or device

Remote Operations provides remote and mobile operators with more secure and managed access to equivalent on-site HMI visualizations and essential controls, regardless of the HMI solutions used in production.  NERC-CIP compliant security, control room managed access rights, and operational safeguards enable more secure and failsafe operational flexibility and increased cooperation across all staff, on site and off site.

Remote Operations is available in three upwardly scalable and compatible packages, helping to accommodate needs from urgent continuity to fault tolerant fleet-wide operations centers.  All packages include the core end-to-end security and compliance features.

Remote Operations Response is a special packaged offer to more rapidly enable remote monitoring and assistance.  It is compatible with existing systems and requires only the addition of a preconfigured secure network appliance and firewall. Upon equipment arrival, installation can be done usually in a single working day with remote support from GE Digital. No unit shutdown is required.

Remote Operations Standard delivers more enhanced remote / mobile functions guarded by permitting and policy controls. Central operators can control remote / mobile worker access by time, equipment and other important criteria. An interactive interface helps to ensure that remote, mobile and on-site staff can work independently or together in a more secure and compliant environment.

Remote Operations Advanced provides full remote / mobile controls and additional optional operating capabilities in a high availability configuration with failover. Remote E-Stop and advanced communications options make Remote Operations Advanced a preferred choice for generators adopting remote and distributed controls as a standard, failsafe operating model for one or more plants.