Control Hardware

The dual and triple channel fault tolerant control solutions have been designed for mission critical applications using well proven hardware and software modules. Typical applications are:

  • Auto Transfer Systems (switchgear and generator control regimes for data centres/offshore facilities)
  • Dynamic and predictive load control (Load control for ensuring reduced start up load and maintaining running load)
  • Handling of sensitive materials (nuclear and military)

In our system an individual CPU controls each channel. For a dual channel solution there would be two CPUs, housed in separate enclosures usually at different locations within the end users building / structure. Each channel is effectively independent from building services and equipped with its own set of control equipment. Each channel has sufficient resources to control the process and can immediately text multiple personnel of any change of state, new alarm or departure from 100% availability.

Communication to/from each CPU is by dedicated multiple independent proven data link technology. Each CPU can project control across the client’s site by deterministic high speed distributed control communication links, each link can have a maximum of 64 modules up to 3km from the main CPU. Typically one dual or treble channel system can provide the control necessary for 4 or 5 auto transfer systems each associated with its own Tier 3 data centre. Each data centre would be controlled via its own master / slave separated deterministic high speed data links and remote i/o modules.

All available fault and status signals are collected from the control and field equipment which is time stamped and logged at the local HMI. Optional wandering iPad or Android Tablets are also available for portable visualisation and control.

Interfacing to other site wide equipment is quickly achieved with Plug and Socket by arrangement with the supplier of third party control equipment e.g. Switchgear/ Generators. This technique allows construction of switchgear to continue in parallel with the control system installation and minimises the installation time on site associated with multicore termination.