At Petrotech, we put our customers first by delivering customized control systems that meet their specific application needs. Unlike OEMs that require Long-Term Service Agreements (LTSAs) for support, we provide 24/7 on-demand aftermarket assistance. Our goal is to ensure that turbomachinery control systems operate efficiently and reliably, no matter the circumstances. Recently, a Midwest municipal power provider faced a critical power grid disconnection. With Petrotech’s flexible control solutions and expert support, they successfully restored their system and kept the city’s lights on. This case study highlights how Petrotech’s rapid response and reliable control system helps clients maintain uninterrupted operations, even in emergencies.

Case Study: Keeping a Municipality’s Power Online During a Grid Failure with Reliable Control System

The Challenge: Grid Disconnection and Emergency Island Mode Operation

In June 2023, a longtime municipal power customer lost connection to the national power grid. With no external power supply, they had to rely on their 25 MW GE gas turbine generator, controlled by a Petrotech system, to keep the city powered.

This gas turbine, originally installed in the 1970s with GE controls, had been upgraded to a Petrotech control system in 1996 and modernized again in 2015. However, the plant had not operated in island mode for years and needed guidance on how to resynchronize with the grid once power was restored.

The Solution: Rapid Expert Support Using Petrotech’s Reliable Control System 

Our engineering team responded immediately, providing step-by-step instructions to synchronize the turbine back to the grid. We directed operators to:

• Adjust the speed setpoint using the pistol grip switch on the control panel or via HMI/SCADA.
• Manually synchronize the unit to the grid before closing the breaker.
• Switch the system back to normal Droop control mode after synchronization.

While the solution itself was straightforward, the customer’s access to Petrotech’s expert engineering support provided confidence and peace of mind. After restoring grid connection, the municipality sent us an update:

“Everything went as planned. The combustion turbine saved the day. We haven’t actually relied on it during an emergency in many years, but it came through for us.”

This case reinforces the importance of having a reliable control system provider during critical events.

Why a Reliable Control System Provider Matters in Emergencies

When a power plant fails, the consequences go beyond financial losses. For residents, especially those in nursing homes, hospitals, or homes with young children, an extended outage during extreme weather can be life-threatening.

By choosing Petrotech’s flexible control systems and expert support, this municipality:

• Avoided prolonged power outages during a grid failure.
• Ensured uninterrupted service to keep residents safe and comfortable.
• Received immediate expert guidance, minimizing downtime.

With over 40 years of experience in turbomachinery control, Petrotech provides the expertise and rapid response that power producers need in emergencies.

Unmatched Aftermarket Support for any Control System

No matter when a Petrotech system was installed or upgraded, we stand by our customers with ongoing support and service. Our non-proprietary control hardware puts customers in control of spare parts and repairs, eliminating reliance on a single-source provider.

We offer a range of performance configurations, from simplex configurations to Triple Modular Redundancy (TMR) systems. This flexibility ensures high availability and reliability across gas and steam turbines, compressors, and ancillary equipment.

What Sets Petrotech Apart

• ISO 9001:2015-certified turnkey solutions for complete reliability.
• Custom control systems, including all installation-related components.
• Tailored training programs for operators and engineers.
• 24/7 technical support from experts in turbomachinery, automation, and plant design.
• Field service and troubleshooting assistance whenever needed.

By prioritizing customer independence, we ensure that Petrotech users can maintain and optimize their systems long after installation.

Partner with Petrotech: The Reliable Turbomachinery Control System Experts

For over four decades, Petrotech has helped power companies and industrial plants maintain safe, efficient, and reliable operations. We take pride in the long-term relationships we build with customers, ensuring their systems are ready for both daily operations and unexpected challenges.

If you’re looking for a control system provider that delivers not just cutting-edge technology but also unwavering support, Petrotech is here for you.

Contact us today and discover how Petrotech’s control solutions can keep your operations running—no matter the challenge.