GE FANUC Mark* V to Mark* VIe Migration
Overview
GE is proud to provide controls you can trust from experts you
can trust. You can now add significant new performance
enhancements to your Mark V control. GE offers a Mark VIe upgrade
package with many new features and algorithms for new turbine
functions, such as advanced dry low NOx
systems and operational
flexibility (OpFlex*) enhancements. The upgrade includes a
complete modernization of operator stations and networks to
current technology
I/O expandability – flexible and modular architecture allows for
future growth of capabilities and applications.
• Built with cyber security best practices – Achilles™
Communications Certification Level 1 Mark VIe Controllers
feature hardened network switches and HMIs within a segmented
network.

eTechnology Benefits
The Mark VIe provides performance, operability and reliability for
today’s connected plant.
• Increased computational power – advanced technology
Mark VIe processors provide access to sophisticated software
enhancement modules to improve turbine performance, reliability,
and operability.
• Intuitive features – GE’s powerful ToolboxST* software, with
modern drag-and-drop type editors, industry leading trender with
video type forward-reverse-freeze capability, and code-compare
tools.
• Increased operational productivity – user-friendly HMI
graphics, alarm/event management, and trending leading to
improved operator recognition and resolution of system faults.
• Maintenance efficiency improvements – reduced engineering
time due to a single integrated software tool for configuring
networks, processors, and I/O boards, along with editing
application software, managing block libraries, and displaying
system diagnostics.
• Latest GE software libraries – Leverages years of GE OEM
experience to ensure safety-related software updates are
delivered while also retaining the majority of the existing control
system customization.
Hardware Features
The Mark V to VIe migration consists of a streamlined hardware
configuration to provide the performance capabilities and reliability
to meet the requirements of your operation.
• Reduced downtime – a migration can be done in as few as 9 days
with 5 outage days using the existing cabinet footprint, with no
impact to field wiring or turbine devices. Coordinated installation
between the customer and GE reduces migration time and
provides on-site education during installation.
• Ethernet backbone – provides expandability as well as
protection against control system component obsolescence.
In other words, obsolescence is now handled “componentby-component” rather than “system-by-system.” Modernized
communication conforms to modern IEEE 802.3 standards.
• Lifecycle maintainability – the new Mark VIe boards and the
existing Mark V components not replaced during the migration
process assume the lifecycle and support of the Mark VIe control
system.
Operator Interface
The HMI for the Mark VIe uses a Windows™ operating system. With
this HMI, your existing operator and maintenance stations will have
the latest HMI/SCADA Cimplicity* graphics system featuring easy
screen navigation, alarm/event management and trending tools. In
addition, Windows™ 7 HMIs use the latest versions of ControlST*
and ToolBoxST which will augment your existing Modbus and TCP-IP
GSM links to plant controls.
OpFlex Software Enhancement Modules
GE’s OpFlex software enhancement modules add significant new
performance enhancements to your Mark VIe turbine control to
improve reliability, provide system diagnostics, help to prevent
trips, and improve operator productivity. There are four packages
featuring 20 modules which complement the power of the Mark VIe
control system.
Cyber Security
Upgrading to the Mark VIe control system allows you to take
advantage of GE’s cyber security solutions, helping reduce your risk.
Our cyber security solution provides defense-in-depth protection.
The SecurityST* Mark VIe Solution and Commissioning Services is
Achilles™ Practice Certified – Bronze, indicating the solution has
undergone strict cyber security best practices demonstrating to
customers that systems are developed and implemented securely.
The Security ST appliance and Cyber Asset Protection Subscription
are designed to support the plant operation’s compliance to cyber
security standards and guidelines including NERC CIP, NEI 08-09
and ISA99/IEC 62443.
Controls LifeCare* Partnership
This comprehensive subscription helps to maintain the health
of turbine and plant control, generator control and static starter
systems. Subscribers benefit from GE expertise and a true
partnership in the maintenance and servicing of control systems
with a simple, packaged approach. Controls LifeCare is available in
one-, five- and ten-year agreements and is applicable for both new
and existing units.
Mechanical Solutions Options
GE’s electromechanical solutions are a critical piece of a control
system migration or full panel retrofit. Integration considerations
need to be made based on the age of control system and the
interface with the software and electromechanical components.
GE has the expertise and OEM knowledge to evaluate these needs
to ensure assets remain reliable. Our solutions have the potential to
improve performance, online capability, provide redundancy and fit
within the current operations envelope.
Critical components that need to be evaluated include transducers
and transmitters, fuel valves and fuel skids, and speed sensing.
GE also provides solutions for Trip Manifold Assemblies (TMAs),
Hydraulic Power Units (HPUs), and other assets that are important
to operations. Our experience includes steam, hydro, and gas
turbines as well as balance of plant. We have the application
knowledge to make sure that your assets are upgraded correctly.