Automation | Elkem Fiskaa

Remote-controlled, high-voltage breakers

- built on a standard for the future

Init helped Elkem Fiskaa implement new breakers and breaker protection based on IEC 61850, integrated with the plant’s existing Siemens PCS7 system for safe and flexible remote operation.

 

Elkem’s plant at Fiskaa in Kristiansand is one of the historic centres of Norway’s metallurgical industry and the birthplace of the Søderberg electrode, a technology still used in smelting furnaces around the world.

When Elkem decided to renew the plant’s high-voltage breakers, the goal was more than a like-for-like replacement. The new breakers and breaker protection had to communicate seamlessly with the existing Siemens PCS7 control system, and operators needed to be able to run them remotely, both from local PCs and from home offices.

Engineers in front of new high-voltage switchgear at Elkem Fiskaa in Kristiansand

ASPIRATION

Choosing a communication standard built to last

Elkem believes that IEC 61850 will become a widely recognised standard in the years ahead, and this was an important reason for making it the foundation of the new installation. Rather than investing in a solution tied to today’s technology, Elkem wanted an open, future-ready standard that would deliver savings now and greater value as more suppliers adopt it. To succeed, they needed a partner with in-depth knowledge of the standard and the ability to respond quickly when expert help was needed.

SOLUTION

New breakers and protection, integrated with Siemens PCS7

Init Kristiansand implemented the new breakers and breaker protection and established IEC 61850 communication between the high-voltage equipment and the plant’s Siemens PCS7 system. Ahead of the project, our team familiarised itself thoroughly with the standard to ensure a robust, well-documented integration.

By replacing traditional hardwired signalling with standardised digital communication, the solution reduces the need for cables and other hardware and cuts programming time. Elkem’s operators can now operate the high-voltage breakers remotely, from local PCs and from home offices, giving the plant greater flexibility and reducing the need for personnel to be physically present at the switchgear.

We chose Necto [now Init Kristiansand] because they have shown great interest in this and familiarised themselves thoroughly with the standard. They are also local, and we want an environment that is relatively easy to reach when we need expert help.

Geir Westergren, Elkem Fiskaa

RESULT

Savings today, a future-ready foundation tomorrow

With the new IEC 61850-based solution in place, Elkem Fiskaa is already seeing savings on cables, hardware and programming time, while remote operation of the high-voltage breakers gives the plant more flexible and efficient day-to-day operations.

The larger gain is expected to come over time. As IEC 61850 becomes more established and more suppliers adopt it, Elkem Fiskaa is well positioned to integrate new equipment more easily, with local expertise from Init Kristiansand close at hand.

Reach out

for more information

Geir Kulia

Commercial Manager, Init Norway

+47 99 29 98 67

[email protected]

Init Kristiansand, Norway

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