Pretoria - Eskom’s Kusile power station has been named as a finalist in the 2013 Be Inspired Awards for its innovative use of a virtual 3D plant simulator, the power parastatal said on Wednesday.
The 4 800 MW plant, which is under construction in Mpumalanga, was named a project finalist in Bentley System’s 2013 Be Inspired Awards Competition.
Bentley is the global leader dedicated to providing architects, engineers, geospatial professionals, constructors and owner-operators with comprehensive software solutions for sustaining infrastructure.
The awards honour the work of Bentley users improving and sustaining the world’s infrastructure.
Once completed, Kusile will consist of six units, each generating 800 MW, adding a total capacity of 4 800 MW at completion -- making it one of the largest coal-fired power stations in the world.
Using the Bentley MicroStation platform and associated Bentley Civil Products, Eskom created a fully immersive 3D, virtual and interactive model of Kusile that gives Eskom engineers, operators and plant maintainers a thorough understanding of the plant design, process, operations and maintenance requirements.
By leveraging 3D visualisation and simulation capability, a significant return on innovation has been delivered for Eskom, including: enhanced plant commissioning and operating and improved emergency preparedness, among others.
“We’re pleased to have been selected as a finalist in this prestigious awards competition. Leveraging this technology will benefit safety, operational and maintenance aspects of Kusile through its lifetime,” said executive project manager at the plant, Abram Masango.
Six independent panels of jurors, comprising accomplished Bentley users and distinguished industry experts, selected the 65 finalists from nominations submitted by organisations in 43 countries.
The winners of the Be Inspired Awards will be announced at the Year in Infrastructure 2013 Conference, taking place from 29 - 31 October in London. – SAnews.gov.za
