Clear message from Utopia 2003

At its bi-annual utility conference - Utopia 2003 - ABB had two messages for its US power generation and water customers.

First, it will continue to support its large installed base of Net 90, Infi-90, and Harmony automation systems. Second, it emphasised that it has multiple migration options to the ABB automation platforms, and especially to configurations of these platforms closely tailored to match the expectations of Utility customers.

ABB said that many of its older lines from Bailey were still in the 'Active' phase of product life. They also clarified their 2 step, 10 year transition for PAS products at the end of their lifecycle.

Active products are transitioned to a 7 year 'Classic' stage as determined by ongoing sales volume. The products are still manufactured throughout this stage. At the end of this period, they enter a 'Limited' life support stage, which lasts for three more years beyond the end of manufacturing.

A new emphasis for ABB in the Utility area was the AC800M control platform offered with redundant ethernet, Profibus, and Foundation fieldbus H1 communications along with fully redundant power supplies and onboard Sequence-of-Events capture.

ABB told customers to expect this controller to support Foundation fieldbus HSE in the near future. ABB positioned this platform as a migration target, and showed a variety of integration routes for older control, I/O and HMI installations.

Also visible was leverage from the breadth of product in ABB's stable. Tactical replacement equipment useful within a power station included large variable-speed drives, integrated MCCs, and low/medium voltage switchgear. All are being upgraded with Industrial IT capabilities.

The latest ABB engineering and HMI tools are similarly equipped, as well as supporting IEC 61131-3 languages. Also hinted was an upcoming TMR enhancement to the turbine control offering ABB developed through the acquisition of ETSI. Finally, advanced condition monitoring through a close partnership with DLI Engineering was featured in demonstrations and workshops.