Electric Power Holding Company
Kentucky Power Station
Salas O’Brien provided engineering and commissioning services for modifications to the Burner Management System at this client’s coal-fired plant on the Ohio River.
Our client
This electric power holding company is one of the largest of its kind in the country, delivering electricity to over seven million retail customers across six states. The company is committed to constant improvement—better client experiences, cleaner energy, and more efficient processes.
Their challenge
This client’s 600MW coal-fired plant relies on approximately 50 oil igniters to initiate key processes in response to generation demand swings. Just under half of these igniters had been replaced over the life of the plant, but the remaining igniters were less reliable, and the client approached Salas O’Brien for help with upgrading 12 of the igniters, modifying the burner management system (BMS) they were tied to, and improving the supporting flame scanner system.
Our solution
Salas O’Brien designed the BMS logic modifications needed to replace the igniters and added flame rod detection. Our team also provided mechanical and electrical specifications including written scope of work, demolition notes, and installation drawings. We also wrote the commissioning procedures for the new BMS and witnessed commissioning and startup as the owner’s representative.
The results
Our work increased the reliability of this process and enabled our client to more effectively respond to changes in generation demand.


