Power Company Uses SolidWorks to Design Ultra-Efficient Natural Gas Plant

Eastern Power chose SolidWorks CAD software to introduce 3D design into its development process, a capability demanded by the scope and sophistication of the project.

“I know how painful it is to work with piping in 2D,” said Orlando Linero, plant designer for Eastern Power. “On a project as complex as Greenfield South, we had to find a better way to develop every facet of the plant – from the structural steel to the piping systems to the turbines. In short, we needed faster and better 3D tools for creating, simulating, and communicating our designs.”

Linero’s team had evaluated several design software packages but selected SolidWorks because it was the most flexible. “SolidWorks is the only solution with integrated design, piping, structural, simulation, and documentation capabilities,” said Linero. “We can see, analyze, and document every design detail right in the 3D model, and easily coordinate design activities for a complex project without translating data to other tools.”

Using SolidWorks, Eastern Power compressed design cycles by 50 percent and cut development costs by 60 percent, Linero estimates.

Engineering organizations like Eastern Power are discovering the value of SolidWorks software for designing not only the machinery and equipment inside a plant, but the plant itself. Firms using SolidWorks in this area are saving as much as $20,000 on every seat of software over traditional plant design software, estimates Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corp. (DS SolidWorks).

In addition to designing the structure and the equipment inside, teams are using SolidWorks to lay out that equipment, connect it, generate documentation, and produce detailed construction/manufacturing drawings. They can also simulate stresses, fluid flows, and thermal dynamics. “Since MCAD is required to design the equipment, customers reason, why not keep using the same software to design the entire facility?” said DS SolidWorks Product Manager, Plant and Process, Eric Leafquist.

Advisory board for plant design

Ten engineering organizations that use SolidWorks software have come together to form a SolidWorks Plant Design Advisory Board to share best practices on plant design and help guide SolidWorks product direction.

At an initial meeting in October 2009, the panel explored modular design approaches that involve designing standardized, ready-made systems into their projects, saving original and innovative design work for differentiated uses. At SolidWorks World 2010 next week, the board will convene for the second time and meet two SolidWorks Solution Partners who have recently announced structural steel design products fully integrated with SolidWorks software, AMV and SolidACE.

SolidWorks World 2010 will also offer several breakout sessions for attendees interested in learning more about SolidWorks’ role in plant design including:

• Enhancing Plant Design Using SolidWorks and Design Automation Tools
• Plant Design Using SolidWorks Together with Solution Partner Products and Other Standard Industry Tools
• Plant Design at INFILCO DEGREMOUNT Using SolidWorks: A Case Study
• Leveraging the Power of SolidWorks & Weldments for Plant Design

For more information on using SolidWorks in plant design, visit www.solidworks.com/energy-process-plant.

Eastern Power Limited relies on authorized SolidWorks reseller Javelin Technologies for ongoing software training, implementation, and support.

About Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corp.
Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corp., a Dassault Systèmes S.A. subsidiary, develops and markets software for design, analysis, product data management, and documentation. It is the leading supplier of 3D CAD technology, giving teams intuitive, high-performing software that helps them design better products. For the latest news, information, or an online demonstration, visit the company’s Web site (http://www.solidworks.com/) or call 1-800-693-9000 (outside of North America, call +1-978-371-5000).

About Dassault Systèmes

As a world leader in 3D and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions, Dassault Systèmes brings value to more than 100,000 customers in 80 countries. A pioneer in the 3D software market since 1981, Dassault Systèmes develops and markets PLM application software and services that support industrial processes and provide a 3D vision of the entire lifecycle of products from conception to maintenance to recycling. The Dassault Systèmes portfolio consists of CATIA for designing the virtual product – SolidWorks for 3D mechanical design – DELMIA for virtual production – SIMULIA for virtual testing – ENOVIA for global collaborative lifecycle management, and 3DVIA for online 3D lifelike experiences. Dassault Systèmes’ shares are listed on Euronext Paris (#13065, DSY.PA) and Dassault Systèmes’ ADRs may be traded on the US Over-The-Counter (OTC) market (DASTY). For more information, visit http://www.3ds.com/.

CATIA, DELMIA, ENOVIA, SIMULIA, SolidWorks, and 3D VIA are registered trademarks of Dassault Systèmes or its subsidiaries in the US and/or other countries. Other brand and product names are trademarks of their respective owners. Copyright © 2009 Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corp.