Executive Q&A Ovarro’s modular Kingfi sher RTUs Ovarro TBox RTUs
Q A
How do RTUs fi t in process control applications?
When it comes to process control, RTUs operate in a very similar way to programmable logic controllers (PLCs). Both have multiple different I/O types, communications modules and programming of processes, allowing them to act without operator intervention. However, if there is a communications breakdown or a failure of AC power, the RTU will continue to operate and maintain site control. In these situations, algorithms in the RTU allow it to act autonomously, keeping the production process running. Data extracted from these assets can be stored in the cloud, then analysed using customised embedded algorithms and data analytics to identify problems before they cause equipment downtime. With the RTU acting as the site co-ordinator and maintaining a full history of events, engineers have a better understanding of site conditions, both in a live environment and historically.
Q A
What are the advantages of RTUs over PLCs?
The single biggest advantage of an RTU compared to a PLC is the environmental robustness of the former, making it the stand- out choice for demanding industrial and manufacturing applications. That means RTUs can be used in environments with extreme temperatures and/or remote locations off the power grid. For instance, Kingfisher RTUs have been selected as high-availability process controllers with extensive communications capabilities for sites with temperatures ranging from -40o
C to +85o C.
Their resilient and secure nature, combined with independent communications links, redundant power supplies and redundant process controllers make them extremely robust.
Q A
Again, an RTU can perform autonomous control in real time and then report to SCADA that it has everything under control. Engineers at the SCADA interface can ‘supervise’ operations by setting new KPIs (set points) or updating instructions (open/close this, start/stop that, for example) for RTUs to then act upon and manage locally.
Q A
What are the key features of an RTU?
The key features needed in an RTU are security and resilience to the site environment, an ability to operate with minimal drain on local power resources, and the processing power to perform local control algorithms autonomously. Also beneficial are extensive diagnostics capability and a low MTTR (mean time to repair) to reduce the time required for an engineer to spend on-site, improving both efficiency and personnel safety. A challenge in remote areas is reliable
power, which is why the RTU should incorporate intelligent power consumption as well as battery or solar power sources.
Can RTUs facilitate IIoT? There have recently been significant improvements in RTU processing power and memory, which means they run and store data in the most challenging of applications. This increased processing power is helping facilitate IIoT. A significant area of opportunity is the ability of RTUs to create smart assets, even those that are part way through their lifecycle. For example, deploying RTUs with the latest processing power on an old asset can turn it into a ‘smart’ asset, making the most of ageing equipment and reducing lifecycle costs.
www.electronicsworld.com December/January 2021 19
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