By: Kobus Vermeulen - Direct Sales Executive, Process Automation at Schneider Electric

Today’s modern turbomachinery control systems form an important of operational efficiency, be it in heavy industries, traditional power generation or renewables such as hydroelectric facilities.

And like the segments it serves, turbomachinery must also keep pace with rapid industry advancements. Turbomachinery's ability to readily adjust, integrate and adapt is extremely important and vendor lock-in isn’t necessarily conducive to fostering said operational flexibility.

Independence is the proverbial name of the game, and turbomachinery stands to gain lot from this newfound freedom. Without vendor lock-in, turbomachinery can seamlessly integrate with components from different manufacturers, reducing the risks associated with proprietary systems that may hinder operational flexibility and innovation.

Indeed, decoupling control systems from specific OEMs, organisations can tailor their operations to their unique needs, enhancing both performance and cost-effectiveness.

Breaking free

There are multiple benefits, but the one that undoubtedly stands out is access to innovation. The world is fast paced and so should turbomachinery operations be.

The ability to integrate new and emerging technologies from multiple vendors gives organisations access to fantastic advancements in turbomachinery. This fosters continuous improvement and competitiveness in rapidly evolving marketplaces.

Additionally, independence and subsequent innovation allow for collaboration; here multiple technology providers to develop innovative solutions that enhance efficiency and reliability in turbomachinery operations.

With vendor-independent systems, companies gain better negotiating power when purchasing equipment and services. This often leads to reduced capital expenditures and maintenance costs.

Furthermore, independent control systems can work with a variety of equipment and software platforms, allowing for easier upgrades and future integrations. This eliminates the risk of technological obsolescence and gives way to modernisation efforts.

Schneider Electric’s contribution to vendor independence in turbomachinery

At Schneider Electric, our turbomachinery control solutions integrate with components from multiple manufacturers. This, in turn, offers several advancements

• Interoperability - Schneider Electric’s solutions are designed to function with various equipment and systems, eliminating the need for wholesale system replacements.
• Flexible components which allow companies to choose best-in-class components from different vendors to optimize efficiency and performance.
• Reduced downtime: rapid integration of upgrades and modifications ensures minimal disruptions during maintenance or system enhancements.
• Simplified management: user-friendly control interfaces allow for streamlined operations and easier staff training.
• Scalability and future-proofing - our solutions adapt to evolving market demands and emerging technologies, ensuring long-term viability.

Today, Schneider Electric offers a wide range of turbomachinery control solutions, including turbine, generator, compressor, and drive solutions. This allows customers to choose the best fit for their specific needs without being locked into a single vendor. 

Our Triconex and Modicon platforms are designed to be modular and flexible. This means it can be easily integrated with other systems and technologies, providing customers with more options and reducing dependency on a single vendor1.

Furthermore, Schneider Electric provides mechanical retrofit solutions that modernise and upgrade existing turbomachinery controls. This helps customers extend the life of their equipment and avoid the need to switch vendors for new installations1.

And last but certainly not least, we offer comprehensive set of engineering services to support the design, implementation, and maintenance of turbomachinery systems. This ensures that customers receive expert support throughout the lifecycle of their equipment, regardless of the original vendor.