Electronics > Beginners

Arduino-based SCADA guidelines

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rstofer:
If anything is reported to the master as a failure, the master should send an SMS to the appropriate group of people.  This is done all the time in computer facilities.  IT specialists are notified immediately when an error is detected.

The HMI is pretty, the HMI is cool, but if nobody is watching the blinking lights, what good is it?  First there is an alarm, then somebody has to go to the HMI and then figure out how to deal with the problem.  An SMS could include the description of the problem as well as an anticipated solution (bring something special to the site).

There's an opportunity to add real expertise to what would ordinarily be a monitor stuffed in a corner.

Control loops are boring, some amount of machine intelligence is much more interesting.

Dannyx:
Ok, let's dig deeper: the idea behind this project of mine is, first of all, of course, to gain some credit for coming up with a solution to a problem. Ok, it's not a BIG problem, but the only way to start is to start off small and this is a perfect project, since it doesn't involve dangerous machinery or high voltages (well, 230v at most). The "problem", as you pointed out, is just that: someone has to go visit each station at semi-random to see if there's anything wrong with them - if they had a way to report their status, the tech would only need to go there if needed (dead pump)...that's the way I see it.

I know that particular vid - came across it myself. Actually, monitoring the temperature of the station is entirely optional - it's just a bonus I came up with, since it's probably the most basic thing you can do - it's the pump's output that's important, to know if it's decreased due to broken hoses, clogged intake filters or worn out membranes, or if it's died entirely (torn membrane - happens all the time since it runs continuously).

Sure, an Arduino project doesn't instill too much confidence in the grand scheme of thing, but nobody really cares as long as it performs good, right ? I'd certainly make sure to make the final project "look good". Like I said, confidence in something like this is low because there's no doubt in my mind that there already exists professional equipment specifically designed for stuff like this, but that's just it: the price ! The lower the price of the parts and the cost of the whole project, the bigger the profit can be ! I know what my boss wants and how he "operates" ! Take the money and run ! Who cares as long as it works ?! :D

RoGeorge:
At first, you'll need to define a minimum of specifications:
- how many parameters to you want to monitor, and what are those parameters (on/off motor state, RPM, level or debit analog values, etc.)?
- how often?
- what type of sensors do you already have, if any?
- distance matters, how widespread are those sensors, and how many?

Make a block diagram of the plant/system.  Put some distances on it.  You need to know data throughput and distances.  If you don't have the exact values, then put some ranges.

You need to know what is already in place up and running.  Are there any other data systems (or maybe local automation loops), etc.?

Ground_Loop:
If this is a learning opportunity for you and/or a cost saving effort for your company, great.  But you realize that you're reinventing the wheel here.  All this capability exists in the world of industrial controls already.  Sensors, controllers, SCADA packages, wireless telemetry all exist as now mature technologies and are well established in the water/waste water industries.

Renate:
It seems that everybody is taking a different approach to all this.
This is mine.
The big/important question is getting data from the remote site to the central site.

Not to be a spoil sport, but a system of putting a big red light on your box and a sign saying,
"If this light is on please call 800-555-1212 and report site #1234."
You'd be amazed how often this technology is usage in water/sewage infrastructure.
Oh, it's not the most reliable solution.

Have you figured out what GSM/CDMA/GPRS/UHF modems will cost? What the service will cost? X 12?

I am a big fan of MODBUS and I'm running 10 ATMega328P custom boards on an RPi,
but you're talking about a small area at each location, so I'm not sure that MODBUS is the best fit.
My little boards have the RS-485 built in, I wouldn't want to use an Arduino with a separate add-on.

Once you have the data connection planned you can add your sensors.

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