Alstom Power Boiler - Powered by Interoperable Software

Powered by interoperable software

As far as data compatibility is concerned, Tekla Structures software represents one of the most flexible design and construction solutions currently used in the industry. For companies operating at an international level in particular, it is essential to be able to import data from any source and transfer it to in-house systems and vice versa. This also applies to the Alstom Group, whose German subsidiary has been using Tekla Structures for some time now.

The portfolio of the German company Alstom Power Boiler GmbH includes turnkey power stations that use various types of energy and technology, creating the perfect scenario for using Tekla’s software.

Alstom became familiar with Tekla during the Chinese Wai GaoQiao coal power station project. Until then, the company had been using another plant design and engineering software and knew little about the finer details of modeling with Tekla Structures. A subcontractor involved in this project had been among Tekla’s customers for some time. As a result of this collaboration, it became necessary to confront the issue of data compatibility between Tekla Structures and the software that Alstom used. The flexibility of Tekla Structures was used to maximum effect, ensuring seamless cooperation, which led to the entire project being concluded successfully and on time.
 
The collaboration using the two different software was so impressive that Alstom decided to purchase Tekla Structures licenses from Tekla’s subsidiary in Shanghai. This kind of unmatched data compatibility guarantees success in international projects. After the work on the Chinese coal power station project was successfully completed, the modeling licenses were  transferred to Germany and have since been used by the company in Stuttgart.

Full use of all existing reference options

Intergraph software was used to plan the systems, and external 2D software was used to handle the parts for the basic engineering. Workflow inconsistencies initially led to the parts being rejected in the planning process, which Tekla Structures managed to deal with later on. In this project, the ability to import Microstation format (DGN) reference models and to carry out high-quality importing and exporting of object-oriented SDNF files was of great help. This was a decisive advantage for planning and modeling extensions of the existing construction.

Modeling existing structures

Another example that would have defied an efficient solution without the flexibility described above was the conversion of a central turbine system at Voest Alpine in Linz, Germany. This was a project to convert an existing turbine system dating from the 1970s, which was used to generate steam for furnaces on site.
 
The extensions included two boilers: one that was rebuilt, and one completely new. There was no existing CAD data in the Voest Alpine project, so Tekla Structures was used to record (remodel) the existing structures. Following this, existing CAD data for the new boiler equipment was imported into the model, partly as a DWG and partly as a DGN reference model. Only a few missing equipment additions had to be replicated as retaining elements in the steel construction model.

 
The Tekla Structures model was then exported and passed to the systems construction department for checking.

 “We had absolutely no problems making full use of all the existing 2D and 3D referencing options in this project”, said a leading member of the staff involved.

Another instance where Tekla Structures really came to the fore was the project to convert the Scholven power station for testing new materials in pipeline construction.

Avoiding errors before they occur

Traditionally, different software exchange data several times to deal with various work phases. During this process, errors would occur which would be frequently carried through to the end of the project workflow. The later they were discovered, the more difficult it became to correct them. At Alstom, they now value the advantages of a consistent and integrated 3D system that combines referencing, smooth data exchange, and multi-user operability. Tekla Structures enables an integrated, homogeneous workflow which encompasses the various sectors involved in complex planning processes, resulting in more security, efficiency and considerable financial savings – in other words, obvious advantages in a difficult and globally contested market.

Open solution enables interoperability

Tekla Structures software is a building information modeling (BIM) tool that streamlines the delivery process of design, detailing, manufacture, and construction organizations. Its ability to process extensive amounts of data enables the creation of detailed 3D models that can be applied to every stage of the design and construction. Thousands of Tekla software users in more than 80 countries have successfully delivered BIM-based projects across the world. Tekla Structures effectively integrates into any best-of-breed software through Tekla Open API™ (Application Programming Interface) while maintaining the highest levels of data integrity and accuracy. Such collaborative workflows are the key to minimizing errors and maximizing efficiency, resulting in high profitability and on-time project completion. Tekla Open API is based on Microsoft® .NET connection software and enables a state-of-the-art interface for collaboration between software systems in the building industry.

In addition to possibilities with open API, Tekla Structures can share model and drawing information with all major IFC-compliant architectural modeling programs. Other legacy formats, such as DGN and DWG, are supported as well. These formats allow for an effective, two-way link for architects and engineers to share and coordinate project information. In addition, Tekla Structures can interface with all major plant layout and piping design products in the market, such as PDS, PDMS, SmartPlant® and Cadmatic. The benefits of this linking are better layout coordination and structural information that supports leaner construction.