Pumping stations' remote control
The need
The Municipal Water Supply and Sewerage Company of Sparta in Southern Greece, uses a natural filtration process and microorganisms in tanks to purify water, removing harmful organic substances. The purified water is then used for irrigation and other purposes in the surrounding area.
To monitor the status of the tanks located in remote villages without access to electricity or internet, a solar panel and batteries were already installed to power the system.
The customer required real-time monitoring of various values such as water level, flow, and voltage, as well as the recording of this data for analysis.
This data helps in:
- predicting high consumption periods
- detecting unauthorized access
- optimal system operation setting to increase equipment lifetime
- promptly addressing any system errors through SMS and email notifications to relevant staff.
KSA proposal
Through a referral from our electrician partner, the client reached out to us for assistance with their equipment. After conducting a thorough analysis, we crafted a comprehensive proposal that consisted of two main components:
1. Network Solution: We recommended implementing wireless communication via a mobile network for seamless connectivity between the tanks and the control center. This involved utilizing two routers that were interconnected through a VPN for enhanced security.
2. Imaging Solution: Our proposal also included integrating the Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) with the sensors in the tanks to gather essential data. This data would then be transmitted to the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system for real-time monitoring and stored in a SQL database for future reference.
Implementation
The process of implementation began with a thorough study of the customer’s existing equipment, which was found to be using Phoenix Contact materials that were highly regarded for their performance and reliability.
Next, remote configuration of network equipment such as routers was conducted, followed by remote PLC programming and SCADA monitor design.
The project then progressed to fieldwork, where our team worked in collaboration with our electrician partner to install the equipment and conduct tests.
Commissioning of the system was completed, followed by comprehensive training for the technical staff on how to efficiently operate the newly implemented system.
Equipment
• Router : 2 x TC Router 302T-4g, FL M-Guard 4302 Phoenix Contact
• PLC: ILC-150 ETH Phoenix Contact – ILC 151 ETH
• SCADA Software : Movicon Next
Benefits
- Immediate availability of Phoenix Contact materials
- Extensibility of materials for future applications or development of the existing one
Data logging in SQL> report export through SCADA - Immediate notification via email – sms about network errors for immediate debugging by the relevant staff
- Overall, the system has a very low current consumption, as a result of which it can be powered exclusively by solar energy (via photovoltaics)
- Technical support before and after the implementation of the application
