In a crowded city where proper infrastructure is missing, the possibility of installing fiber cable is narrow. Yet several distant locations containing pump stations, wells and reservoirs were required to have a central and unified control and monitor. It was immediately realized that a special design was needed for the communication between sites and the central station that can handle real time monitoring.
Three pump stations, each one equipped with an MCC panel that includes soft-starters, YD and DOL motor starters established. With main incomers varying and reaching up to 800A depending on pump ratings, ATS panels were employed for the standby generators in case of power failure.
Regarding the control, modular PLC panels were assembled and programmed, processing IO signals varying from 80-200 signals per station. After studying the process plan required for the operation of the system, advanced programming procedures were implemented to produce an error free, self alarming automation and control mechanism that makes it easy for the operators to handle.
The real challenge of providing fluent and reliable communications between panels in circumstances were it is difficult to install fiber cables for sites that are distant from each other several kilometers, long range 2.4GHz wireless Ethernet bridges were utilized to overcome this issue.
These wireless bridges, equipped with Yagi antennas, provided robust network over up to 10 Km line-of-sight-distance between the stations. This ensured smooth monitoring and control for the whole system from a central SCADA equipped station.
In addition to the remote control via SCADA over wireless network, local HMIs were employed on each station guaranteeing local control and monitor in emergency cases or general maintenance, giving another depth of safety and security for operators.
The overall radius of the project was estimated to be around 20Km, with 1600 IO signal being processed and transmitted in real-time.
The results were very convenient and the whole system empowered the water infrastructure in Tulkarm, providing water to additional populated neighborhoods thus expanding the total area covered by the water network. The Tulkarm Municipality was very pleased with the cost effective and well implemented solution.
Name: Pump Stations, Wells and Reservoirs
Date: July 2009
Location: Tulkarm / Palestine
Features: