Substation monitoring made easy
May 2003
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Spectrum Communications recently completed a turnkey monitoring project for one of the large electricity users in the Western Cape comprising of nine substations (11 KV) and scada central station. The work involved creating a high speed communication backbone between the scada and all the RTUs as well as interfacing to the substation IEDs - these being ABB Reyrolle DCD protection relays, energy meters, quality of supply recorders and other standard sub-station digital and analog inputs. The master station scada software is Wonderware, with proprietary software packages for protection relays, QOS recorders and energy meters.
Spectrum's teleFLEX RTU
This was developed by Spectrum to enhance and complement its teleRANGER product range and ensure its place as a leader of South African produced telemetry products. Initially developed to provide Eskom substation with communications to various field IEDs on various protocols, it has now grown to be a market leader in multiple disciplines namely: telemetry (electrical, water and sewage), industrial I/O interface on existing backbones, data logging, PLC interface, building management, ocean going vessels (engine monitoring), etc.
Spectrum's R&D division's ongoing teleFLEX development is ensuring that the product will continue to cater for the expansive market needs.
Advantages
The teleFLEX communication backbone allows for high-speed communications to a variety of field IEDs. The backbone is a combination of various communication methods (from radio to optical fibre) and communication protocols (ie, Modbus, Modbus RTU, DNP3 protection relay, QOS, scada, energy meters, flowmeters) this compatibility allows for the optimal combination to be used to suite the site conditions and existing networks. Various advanced proprietary software packages may be used, which means that the implementation is not limited to scada software driver derivatives. Use of the IED's communications backbone, ie, DCD via fibre, so only one teleFLEX serial port is needed to connect to multiple DCDs. Remote switching can be performed as complete secure substation monitoring is in place.
The Spectrum projects sales manager, Kevin Clack, says, "The teleFLEX RTU has proved to be the leader in substation monitoring and therefore has been chosen for many similar applications where communications are required to various IEDs via various communication backbones." Spectrum is now also offering accredited training courses on all its telemetry hardware. The company has branches in Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth and East London.
For more information contact Kevin Clack, Spectrum Communications, 021 551 5800, [email protected], www.spectrumcom.co.za
Further reading:
PCS Global
PCS Global
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Project and industry:
PCS Global led a digital infrastructure initiative in a southern African data centre setting, aiming to merge several essential operational systems into one cohesive platform.
...
Read more...
Seamless migration from ET 200M to ET 200SP HA for future-ready automation
Moore Process Controls
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Project and industry:
Moore Process Controls undertook a modernisation initiative spanning the mining, petrochemical, and oil & gas sectors. This project involved upgrading legacy Siemens ET200M I/O
...
Read more...
Proconics Modernises Refinery Tank Automation with Compliance-Focused, Brownfield Upgrades
Proconics
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Project & Industry
Proconics was engaged to modernise automation and SCADA systems across a refinery tank farm. The project involved complex brownfield integration, aligning new automation with existing
...
Read more...
Project & Industry
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Project: Upgrading essential automation and SCADA systems at a coal mine.
Outcome: A modern, stable automation and SCADA environment with reduced technical debt and easier support, ready for expansion.
...
Read more...
Major digital transformation project for Isuzu Motors
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Isuzu Motors South Africa, in partnership with NoMuda and S4 Integration, has kicked off a major two-year digital transformation project to modernise its production environment.
Read more...
Modernising Vertical Filter Press Machines with Future-Focused Control Systems
Scibotron
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Project and Industry
Pressure Filter Specialists approached us to modernise vertical filter press machines for the Minerals and Metals industry. The goal was to improve reliability, reduce downtime,
...
Read more...
Project & industry
Abacus Automation
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Project and Industry
This project involved delivering a complete electrical, instrumentation, and automation solution for a new OEM drum-twister machine, replacing an ageing unit in a major cabling production
...
Read more...
It’s a risky business not to challenge standard language
System Integration & Control Systems Design
On the surface, contracts all look alike. Once you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all, or so it seems. Maybe so, but hidden within the standard language can be language that shifts the other party’s risk to you.
Read more...
Containerised Electrical & Control System Powers Paste Plant in Botswana
PCS Global
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Delivering a complete, containerized solution for a mine’s paste plant in Botswana, this project stands as a model of modern EC&I execution — integrating electrical, control, and automation systems into
...
Read more...
Control system upgrade: Smelting
SAM Systems Automation & Management
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Systems Automation & Management recently completed a major control system upgrade in the smelting industry. The project was delivered on budget and achieved a positive ROI for the client.
Read more...
printer friendly version