Modular actuation provided for Marchwood Power

Issue date: 09.11.09

Computer generated illustration of Marchwood Power Station

A new £380 million natural gas combined cycle (CCGT) power station in Hampshire, England is adopting modular actuation technology to operate valves vital to the station’s final control processes. The 842MW Marchwood Power facility is due to start commercial operations by the end of 2009. State-of-the-art technology, including AUMA actuators, is being adopted to ensure maximum energy efficiency with minimal impact on the environment. AUMA’s main contract for this order has been placed by Siemens.

Located adjacent to Southampton Water, Marchwood Power is designed to generate enough electricity to supply the needs of nearly one million homes and will be one of the most efficient electricity generators in the UK. AUMA’s modular actuator design was recognised as providing the necessary adaptability to enable the scheme to continue to meet its objective of optimising energy production.

With a track record supplying power plant applications dating back over forty years, AUMA met requirements for a reliable and flexible actuation solution. The company’s lightweight, ergonomically styled actuators also impressed as they are designed to be a straightforward solution for efficient valve control.
Products and services provided by AUMA include the SA electric actuator, which is capable of accepting up to 450,000 pounds (2,000 kN) thrust and of providing an output torque from 7 to 23,600 ft-lb. (10 to 32,000 Nm). Combined with the AUMA Matic integral motor control, the actuator enables automated valves to be integrated into a wide variety of control systems. For this application, the ‘Matics’ have been configured to integrate into a bespoke operating system designed by Siemens for the Marchwood power plant. 
Additionally, specific educational needs have been met for the station’s engineers through AUMA’s bespoke training programme. With a focus on practical guidance, the courses have been tailored to meet the needs of the power station’s staff giving engineers the necessary skills to assess, and address, on-site maintenance requirements.