Smart grid is an electrical grid that uses digital communication technology to monitor the status of power consumption and power quality in real time. By using this information, engineers can adjust the power generation and the load of transmission and distribution to reduce power consumption and enhance the power grid’s reliability. In order to reap the benefits of smart grids, legacy systems need to be upgraded with minimal cost and efforts. Engineers have to integrate legacy systems into new communication networks through protocol gateways that convert between Modbus RTU/ASCII/TCP, IEC 60870-5-101 and IEC 60870-5-104.
Two common solutions for protocol conversion are available: computing platforms and standalone gateways. Each solution has its advantages and disadvantages for different scenarios.
Instead of using a computing platform, Moxa provides the MGate 5114, a standalone gateway that provides an ideal solution for medium and small power grid system upgrades. Usually, three scenarios for upgrades occur, and Moxa solutions can make them fast and easy.
Communication between a substation and power dispatch centre: in this scenario, protocol conversion is required because an upgraded power dispatch centre, which usually uses IEC 60870-5-104 protocol communication, needs to monitor substations that are still using legacy systems based on IEC 60870-5-101 protocol communication. The MGate 5114 protocol gateways can convert between IEC 60870-5-101 and IEC 60870-5-104, making it easy for operators to monitor legacy systems in substations.
Communication within a substation: in this scenario, protocol conversion is required because the scada system within a substation has been upgraded, and the protocol communication used is IEC 60870-5-104. To monitor the onsite legacy devices, such as bay controllers, relays, and meters, that use IEC 60870- 5-101 or Modbus RTU/ASCII/TCP protocols, the MGate 5114 protocol gateways can be used to make legacy devices visible in scada systems.
Communication between renewable energy systems and the power dispatch centre: for power grid systems, it is essential to ensure the power dispatch centre is able to monitor the status of renewable energy systems to ensure power quality. However, renewable energy systems, such as solar power systems, usually use Modbus TCP as protocol communication, while the power dispatch centre has already been upgraded with the IEC 60870-5-104 protocol. In this scenario, the MGate 5114 protocol gateways can convert between these two protocols, allowing the power dispatch centre to communicate with renewable energy systems.
From the above three scenarios, you can see that the MGate 5114 series features multiple protocol combinations that support Modbus RTU/ASCII/TCP, IEC 60870-5-101, and IEC 60870-5-104 protocols, without extra protocol licence fees. The gateway not only fulfils various power grid scenarios in just one model, but also requires no additional development efforts. Moreover, engineers who are not familiar with protocols always look for ease-of-use gateways. The MGate 5114 Series provides a wizard function, and just five steps are needed to finish the configuration. It also provides powerful troubleshooting tools such as diagnosis and object status and traffic monitoring functions, which make commissioning easy.
Remote I/O modules provide flexible options for distributed applications
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Dinkle International is now stocking the iO-GRID NEMO industrial-grade remote input/output modules, offering support for five leading industrial Ethernet protocols and a range of discrete channel configurations for distributed automation applications.
Read more...Daudin expands fieldbus modular remote I/O series
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
: The Dinkle iO-GRID X modular remote I/O family is now available, offering fieldbus coupler modules for major industrial Ethernet protocols, and over 20 types of I/O modules to help integrators and equipment builders create flexible, efficient control systems.
Read more...Siemens and HighByte partner to scale industrial AI Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Siemens is expanding its Industrial Edge ecosystem through a partnership with HighByte, enabling customers to connect, contextualise and transform data from operational technology and information technology sources to build AI models and applications at scale.
Read more...Automotive Ethernet media converter
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
HMS Networks has introduced its first automotive ethernet product under the PEAK brand. The PAE-Media Converter is a compact device designed to connect automotive Ethernet (100BASE-T1 or 1000BASE-T1) with standard Ethernet (100BASE-TX or 1000BASE-T) networks.
Read more...3D electrical systems design workflow for electromechanical innovation Siemens South Africa
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking IT in Manufacturing
Siemens has announced new 3D electrical design capabilities within its Capital software, enabling electrical and mechanical engineers to work concurrently in a shared 3D environment to reduce late-stage design changes and accelerate time to market for complex electromechanical products.
Read more...Long-distance signal delivery is critical to rail safety Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
A remote monitoring specialist explains why fibre optic technology is increasingly replacing copper cabling in safety-critical railway signalling systems.
Read more...Building efficiency into cement production with SCADA and IIoT Adroit Technologies
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
For decades, Adroit Technologies has worked alongside leading cement producers, helping them gain greater visibility into their operations through advanced SCADA and IIoT solutions.
Read more...Loop signature Part 2-5: Interactive control systems Michael Brown Control Engineering
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Feedforward control was explained in the previous loop signature articles. One of the examples used was feedforward control of load changes on a heat exchanger when variations occurred in the flow of the process fluid through the exchanger.
Read more...Integrated automation systems in poultry feed production Adroit Technologies
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
South Africa’s poultry industry is increasingly turning to advanced automation systems to optimise operations. Working in partnership with Adroit Technologies, leading poultry supplier Sovereign implemented the Mitsubishi Adroit Process Suite across a key feed production facility, creating a scalable, integrated system capable of supporting both current operations and future expansion.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version