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Paulo Afonso Complex

Modernization of Paulo Afonso I, II, and III Hydroelectric Plants

Altus was commissioned to design, engineer, and deploy the new Integrated Control, Supervision, and Data Acquisition (ICSCADA) system for the Paulo Afonso Hydroelectric Complex.

Integrated Control and Supervision Systems

Chesf contracted Altus to implement an engineering solution for the supervision, control, and protection of the generating units, water intake gates, substations, and auxiliary systems at the first three power plants of the complex: Paulo Afonso I, Paulo Afonso II, and Paulo Afonso III.

The project incorporates state-of-the-art automation and protection technologies to enhance operational performance and ensure asset and personnel safety. It also includes the modernization of legacy systems to meet current and future power generation demands, ensuring long-term reliability, availability, and operational sustainability.

Remote Supervision and Control

Reduction in space and wiring, resulting in increased reliability, cost savings, and enhanced supervision and control capabilities

Precise Synchronization

GPS synchronization between the UACs and the supervisory system, allowing for accurate tracking of events across the system

Reliability and Durability

A robust communication system with enhanced diagnostics. An open, easy-to-maintain supervisory system

Faster Operations

A station located near the generators to speed up start-up and shutdown procedures and assist with maintenance tasks

System Highlights

The developed system includes event logging with 1 ms precision for all digital input points and 100 ms precision for all analog inputs, a dual redundant optical ring network that enhances security and improves communication between the Autonomous Units (UAs) and the supervisory system, redundant servers and a redundant database to ensure high availability, and satellite (GPS) synchronization.

It also provides data and event information to the ONS, incorporates an oscillography and monitoring system, and includes redundant protection relays to further increase system reliability.

Communication Networks and Supervision System

For the supervision and control system, two “Hot Stand-By” supervisory servers were provided, communicating with all UAs through an optical communication ring (Ethernet). The displays provide real-time data.

For the communication and control networks, each UA and the communication hub panel were equipped with "RuggedCom" industrial switches to create the dual optical communication ring. This network supports the Alnet II TCP, Modbus TCP, DNP3, or IEC 60870-5-103 protocols.

Scope provided in the project

Altus’s electrical project solution encompassed 13 Generator UAs, 4 Auxiliary Service UAs, 20 Substation UAs, and 3 Water Intake UAs, along with the supply of local and MCC panels, protection panels, and low- and medium-voltage distribution panels.

Service solution provided

The scope included the design and installation of the GPS synchronization network, the design and implementation of the Ethernet optical communication network, and the development of protection and control systems for the generating units.

It also covered the preparation of single-line, three-line, functional, and logic diagrams, as well as interconnection diagrams and cable lists, along with the sizing of auxiliary service transformers and electrical conduit design.

Additionally, it encompassed instrumentation and installation activities, followed by commissioning, assisted operation, and training.

About the Paulo Afonso Hydroelectric Complex

The Paulo Afonso I, II, and III hydroelectric plants, located on the São Francisco River in Paulo Afonso, Bahia, Brazil, together operate 13 generating units with a total installed capacity of 1,417,000 kW.

Paulo Afonso I comprises three generators and began operations in 1955; Paulo Afonso II includes six generators and entered operation in 1961; and Paulo Afonso III consists of four generators, having commenced operations in 1971.