Wood Group GTS and Rockwell Automation have formed a strategic partnership to facilitate the joint development of a fully integrated, open architecture controls platform for power generation applications.

As a recognized system integrator, this progressive relationship enables Wood Group GTS to deliver services beyond a typical system integrator, working collaboratively with Rockwell Automation to provide GE heavy frame gas turbine operators with the first open architecture, fully integrated controls platform. The immediate focus of this new partnership is the launch of a *PlantPAx™ based controls upgrade for DLN equipped GE Frame 6B, 7E, and 9E gas turbines with future expansion into F-class machines.

"Power generation companies are under pressure to maximize performance, drive down operating costs and minimize risk of plant operations," said John Nesi, vice president of market development for Rockwell Automation. "By combining our best-in-class process control technology with Wood Group GTS’s deep industry knowledge and expertise, we’re able to offer our mutual customers proven, safe, and field-tested turbine control system upgrades that maximize their return on investment by reducing operating costs, lowering total cost of ownership and improving availability."

Frank Avery, president of Wood Group GTS’s power plant services, added: "We have an extensive history of working with Rockwell Automation’s proven hardware and software with over 500 turbo-machinery applications and thousands of batch, process, and general automation systems installed.

"This partnership brings together two established and complementary companies to deliver a fully integrated, open architecture controls solution for both the heavy frame gas turbines and balance of plant applications."