Summary of the project
Within the project we focused on the installation and configuration of the communication interface with the subsequent connection of the existing infrastructure to the network. For most of the devices, we chose the Modbus protocol with a physical layer of RS485 RTU, which allowed us to create a line network topology. However, some specific instrumentation required a more thorough approach and modification of the communication strategy. In two cases, within the substation, we therefore replaced older Schneider devices with new analyzers from the same manufacturer, connecting them to the network via an Ethernet interface.
Communication line length
Number of measured points
Number of installed devices
Implementation
The wiring also included an edge device, which is used to aggregate and store data for further processing. In cooperation with a partner company, responsible for the visualization and analytical part, we send this data to a secure cloud, where complete analytics are performed to monitor the consumption of individual machines, substations and the behavior of technological units. The equipment has been successfully connected to the corporate network, with remote management available via VPN in case of problems with the bus or edge equipment.
Nidex Technology
Automation | Smart metering
Results
An interesting feature of the project was the connection and networking of equipment in two halls, with the length of the communication line exceeding 800 metres and connecting up to 25 devices. During the installation, it was also necessary to deal with the challenging conditions in terms of electromagnetic noise generated by the operation of the different technologies. When measuring the signal using an oscilloscope, we detected induced voltages and encountered the problem of signal reflection, which we eliminated by deploying suitable terminating resistors.
