Quantum controller harnesses the power of ProSoft Technology module to connect to DNP3 Network
If you listen you can hear warblers and flycatchers in the undeveloped wilderness of northern Ontario. As your ears become attuned to the solitude of this beautiful area of Canada, you will also hear another sound…rushing water, in the local power generating station.
The station is a 250MW hydropower facility that provides power to northern Ontario. A while back, the power utility approached AVAD Industrial Sales for help in upgrading their SCADA system. The old GE Harris system, communicating to a remote (Ranger 10) control room, was very limited in its capabilities. It could not track alarms and give operators the information required to run the new generators. AVAD Industrial proposed implementing a Schneider Electric® Quantum™ controller that was easily able to monitor all the points of the system and log data to the Vijeo HMI. However, in order to communicate with the new generators via the DNP 3.0 protocol, the Quantum controller needed a cost-effective connectivity option.
ProSoft Technology developed an in-rack module allowing the Quantum controller direct connectivity to the DNP3 network.
“ProSoft’s protocol module for the Quantum processor was the only in-rack solution available,” said a representative from AVAD Industrial. “It was this type of quality solution that helped eliminate the need for a third-party ‘black box’ converter, thus eliminating a potential point of failure. It also allowed AVAD to provide local service and support for all of the equipment.”
With this new system, control operators receive all the information they need regardless of whether they are located on site or in the remote control room. As a result, the financial benefits will be represented in “Total Cost of Ownership.” The utility will no longer have to rely on outside assistance. This new system allows the plant to run more efficiently, and the maintenance crew can handle any issues should they arise.
“This solution has improved every aspect of the plant, i.e. functionality, speed, and convenience. We are looking at the possibility of converting three neighboring plants to this solution. This would standardize the facilities and make the ProSoft Technology interface module a very important part of the Canadian hydro electricity market,” said the AVAD Industrial representative.
Learn more about ProSoft Technology solutions for Schneider Electric® platforms here.