Hooray! Another contract has come our way to do a custom control room console design for an energy company. This project, located in Alabama for Eagle Rock Energy, was a design challenge because the console had to be configured in a way that would allow their operators to monitor both new and old systems at the same time as they transitioned from 1960 technology. This meant that this 30’ long totally custom console had to be designed for new hardware and in a way that allows the operator to move freely around the room to operate older console systems that will be on-line for an indefinite period. This large control room console will have adjustable monitor arms for 16 monitors positioned in a manner so that a single operator can see all of the displays from one vantage point. Since the room is not on raised floor, the new console is designed so that the console acts as a conduit for the cables originating from two points in the concrete floor.

I particularly enjoyed working with the customer’s project manager on this one because of his exacting standards and attention to detail. His close involvement made it much easier as we moved through the many design iterations with each version taking us closer to what he had in mind. The control room console design had to accommodate a lot of new hardware in a relatively small footprint as well as ensure adequate aisle space to move easily around the console to reach existing control panels that surround the room. We’ve just got started on this one and I look forward to the final product. When finished, I hope to report on the results with photos. I’m working on several new projects now with consoles and video walls and look forward to sharing details that could help you plan your next control room upgrade. Give me a call if you’d like to discuss the process and kick around a few ideas.