565-04 - Power Plant Unit Control

565-04 - Power Plant Unit Control

Learning objectives

  • Discuss the basic operation of a boiler-following distributed control system (DCS)
  • Explain how changing power plant load affects steam temperature, pressure, and flow
  • Describe how the DCS maintains parameters at their designed values when unit load changes
  • Discuss the relationship between the following: fuel flow and associated unit parameters, fuel flow, furnace draft, air flow, and excess oxygen, and feedwater flow, steam flow, unit load, and boiler drum level
  • Identify operator responsibilities in controlling key operating parameters, systems, and equipment during normal operation

Course overview

A modern power plant unit uses a distributed control system (DCS) for monitoring and control. Several small instrumentation and control systems make up the DCS. It makes operating a common electrical generation unit much easier. During normal conditions, operators make small adjustments on the systems, components, and parameters to keep them operating at their designed values. Understanding common unit control methods is necessary to operate and troubleshoot a power plant unit.

The Power Plant Unit Control training course describes the basic design and function of a boiler-following instrumentation and control system. This online course includes:

  • Changing unit load
  • Steam, feedwater, and condensate flow
  • Fuel flow
  • Furnace draft and air flow
  • Auxiliaries
  • Operator responsibilities

This course is part of the Plant Control System training series.


The individuals involved in the development and promotion of this course do not receive any compensation or financial benefits outside of their regular employment for their work on this course.


  • 30 minutes
  • Format: Online Interactive
  • Tier: 3
  • Course ID: 5991
Language Icon English
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