I/A Series control system and SimSci-Esscor simulator will help WPS operate new 500 MW power plant in a safe, reliable, and environmentally responsible manner
FOXBORO, MASSACHUSETTS - July 20, 2004 - Wisconsin Public Service Corporation, a subsidiary of WPS Resources Corporation (NYSE: WPS), has selected the Foxboro unit of Invensys Process Systems as automation system vendor for the proposed Weston 4 project. This project will add 500 MW of additional capacity at Public Service's existing Weston electric power generating facility in Wausau, WI. Black & Veatch is the main engineering contractor for the project, which will utilize the latest "clean coal" technologies to create one of the most efficient and environmentally responsible generating units of its kind in the United States.
As automation vendor, Foxboro will provide an I/A Series control and data acquisition system, a SimSci-Esscor simulator, plus associated engineering, training, and field services.Advanced I/A Series control system technology will help ensure safe and reliable operation of the high-efficiency, 500 MW supercritical once-through boiler. A high-fidelity SimSci-Esscor simulator for both the Foxboro control system ("FSIM") and the power plant ("DYNSIM Power") will be used as the main control checkout platform and will be delivered in advance to train operators prior to the plant startup.
Foxboro was selected for this project based largely on its well-proven expertise in controlling this type of generating unit in a safe, reliable, and efficient manner, as well as for the proven performance of both the I/A Series system and SimSci-Esscor simulator in this type of application.
About Wisconsin Public Service
Wisconsin Public Service Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of WPS Resources Corporation (NYSE: WPS), is an investor-owned electric and natural gas utility headquartered in Green Bay, Wisconsin. It serves approximately 415,000 electric customers and 300,000 retail natural gas customers in residential, agricultural, industrial, and commercial markets, as well as wholesale customers. The company's service area includes northeastern and central Wisconsin, as well as an adjacent portion of Upper Michigan.
Additional information may be found on the Internet at www.wisconsinpublicservice.com .
About Invensys Process Systems
Process Systems, a business unit of Invensys plc, provides products, services and solutions, for the automation and optimization of industrial process plants. Invensys Process Systems includes industry-leading brands such as Foxboro, Triconex, SimSci-Esscor, Wonderware, and Avantis, whose products are installed in more than 100,000 plants across the world.
These range from small batch and hybrid plants to the world's largest refineries, gas plants, petrochemicals plants, power plants, and pulp and paper mills.The Invensys Group ( www.invensys.com ) is headquartered in the UK and listed on the London Stock Exchange. With 42,000 employees operating in 60 countries, Invensys helps customers to improve their performance and profitability, building value for end users and shareholders alike.