FEATURE Sensors & Sensing Systemsy


The role of remote telemetry units in automation


By Matthew Hawkridge, Chief Technology Officer at Ovarro T


elemetry plays a key role in automation, allowing data from a range of assets to deliver the promised benefi ts of Big Data. This has come about over the last few years as technology has advanced and communication links improved, making the remote telemetry unit (RTU) a reliable and cost-eff ective alternative to manual monitoring and data collection. RTUs have evolved into multipurpose devices that are used for remote monitoring and control in automated systems. They are commonly found in industrial environments, and serve a similar purpose to programmable logic circuits (PLCs) but off er additional benefi ts, such as greater resilience, for example. They are capable of automating part or whole of an industrial process or assembly line.


RTUs within telemetry systems A typical standalone telemetry system is made up of three main parts: an RTU, acting as transmitter; a base station or receiving unit; and a communications channel that connects RTU to receiver. Within an automated process, multiple RTUs can be used with the information transmitted back to a base station where it can be monitored, logged and analysed. Latest RTUs have advanced capabilities that support data-processing within automated processes, collecting data from a vast array of assets and applications, some of which in remote locations. RTUs provide a practical way of doing this, making them a critical part of industrial processes. In simple terms, they convert vast amounts of digital data into eff ective management information, whilst autonomously monitoring and controlling critical assets. RTUs can be used in locations with


extreme temperatures and/or off the power grid. For instance, Kingfi sher RTUs have been selected as high-availability process controllers with extensive communications capabilities for sites with temperatures ranging from -40o


C to +85o 18 November 2020 | Automation


TBox MS32S2 RTU


Their resilient and secure nature, combined with independent communications links and redundant power supplies and process controllers make them an extremely robust choice. RTUs perform autonomous control in


real time and then report to SCADA that everything is under control. Engineers at the SCADA interface can supervise the operations by setting new KPIs (Set Points) or updating instructions (open/close, start/stop, etc.) for RTUs to then act upon and manage locally. The RTU sits between the control room and the fi eld instruments, which provides a low latency response to changing site conditions, as well as performing data fi ltering. RTUs ensure that only key, critical information is passed securely via the narrow communications links, minimising data throughput but maximising useful information received. Digitisation and automation of industrial


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processes using RTUs is happening at pace, traditionally used on remote assets, but increasingly used in other sectors where automation is required, because more engineers are realising they currently don’t have visibility of asset conditions. Collecting and leveraging data via an RTU as part of an automated approach can deliver improved operational effi ciency and better maintenance outcomes. Specifi c areas of concern can be identifi ed and appropriate measures taken, to ensure that


failure is avoided. RTUs work by allowing engineers to understand critical complex pieces of equipment – especially those off -grid in remote locations. Data extracted from assets can be stored in the cloud, and analysed with customised embedded algorithms and data analytics to identify anomalies – detecting problems before they occur – allowing operators to reduce waste and refi ne maintenance strategies. RTUs continue to evolve and become


more powerful, making them an integral part of the move to Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). Telemetry projects have a rapid return on investment, making them self-funding in the short term. Another benefi t is distribution automation since it allows assets to be controlled autonomously whilst avoiding sending personnel in hazardous industrial environments.


Automation of switch points TBox RTUs were selected by a major European rail network to provide automated heating condition monitoring, in a country with extreme weather conditions. The operator had workers on call in over 700 railway stations, for clearing snow and ice from switch points to prevent blockages.


The track-maintenance team installed automated heating systems at strategic locations, to reduce the sizeable cost of manpower. In addition, hundreds


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