Fueling innovation: the journey of an instrumentation and control engineer in the energy sector

Liu Tian’s journey began in 2006, fresh from university with a degree in Thermal Energy and Power Engineering. Joining Siemens Power Automation Co., Ltd. (now SEAN), he quickly discovered that instrumentation and control engineering requires not only theoretical knowledge but hands-on experience. His first assignment—working on hardware assembly for the SPPA-T3000 control system (now Omnivise T3000)—was initially unexpected but became a critical learning experience.

This early career opportunity providing exposure to the physical components of gas turbine control systems deepened Liu Tian’s understanding of the instrumentation and control engineering principles behind automation, control loops, and system integration. His meticulous attention to detail and commitment to mastering the technology laid the groundwork for his future innovations in turbine control

Over nearly two decades, Liu Tian has contributed significantly to the localization and innovation of gas turbine control systems—key instrumentation and control engineering topics in the energy sector. His leadership in landmark projects includes: 

• Huadian Yizheng 3X2000E Combined-Cycle Power Project (2010-2012): Liu Tian managed the design and commissioning of the gas turbine control system, pioneering localized open-loop Technical Field Adviser (TFA) commissioning.
• CN1120 Wuxi RGE 2x4000F Gas Turbine Combined-Cycle Project (2016-2018): As the lead for Turbine Control System (TCS) localization, he oversaw the design, procurement, assembly, and functional testing of core control and protection cabinets. His team developed a localized primary protection testing system from scratch, a breakthrough in domestic instrumentation and control engineering solutions.
• SGT-8000H Gas Turbine Simulation System (2023): Liu Tian spearheaded the development of China’s first full-state simulation platform for the SGT-8000H turbine, completing this complex project within six months despite tight deadlines.

His work on China’s first full-state simulation platform for the SGT-8000H turbine and localized protection systems has helped drive efficiency and carbon reduction across the energy sector.

These projects not only showcase Liu Tian’s technical expertise but also demonstrate how instrumentation and control engineering innovations are essential for achieving the energy sector’s goals of efficiency, reliability, and carbon reduction.

Liu Tian credits his success with Siemens Energy’s collaborative environment and global reach, which have allowed him to work with experts worldwide and continuously expand his knowledge in instrumentation and control engineering. His unwavering dedication to technical excellence and detail-oriented approach remain the foundation of his and his team’s achievements.

Outside of work, Liu Tian’s passion for motorcycles reflects his professional mindset. Owning both an American high-displacement bike and a German motorcycle with advanced electronic control systems, he draws inspiration from the precision and innovation in his personal hobbies to fuel his work in instrumentation and control engineering for gas turbines.