Supervision software!

ARC Informatique has introduced its latest SCADA solution, PcVue 11. Released in late 2013, PcVue® 11 integrates new tools that simplify application development, maintenance and enhance data viewing and processing.

A simpler way for development and maintenance

PcVue® 11's new libraries, templating and configuration environments will significantly reduce application development time. Application developers now have access to several thousand new images and animated objects (motors, valves, pipes, conveyor belts, displays, etc.) as well as many predefined, instantiable, templates that natively integrate the behaviour of the objects they represent (variables, alarm pop-ups, symbols, processing operations, thresholds, etc.).

PcVue® 11 also features sets of libraries for specific fields such as BMS (heat exchangers, air handling systems, heating systems, lighting, etc.) and electrical distribution systems (circuit breakers, fault detectors, dynamic coloring, etc.).

PcVue® 11 integrates three configuration tools to reduce application configuration times – Application Architect (templating), Application Explorer (configuration and diagnostics) and Smart Generator (automatic application generation). In version 11, Application Explorer enhances diagnostics operations by displaying data flows within PcVue® as well as between PcVue® and external components. Smart Generator imports data from external sources (PLC programs, CAD software, etc.) so that applications can be generated automatically. Configuration data are synchronized and configuration errors are reduced in a single step.

Enhanced viewing and processing of data
PcVue ® 11 provides operators with tools that facilitate the monitoring and controlling of their processes.

Its Web-based schedule manager features a more intuitive and user-friendly interface.
The new, fully integrated, DataExport module statistically analyses data (min./max., average, duration and recurrence of faults, energy metering) and presents this data in an Excel spreadsheet.
Lastly, the TouchVue® solution enables programming-free access, through a smartphone or a tablet computer, to the process information in any PcVue® application and notifies users when alarms are triggered.

Along with WebVue®, a Web client that allows programming-free Web-based control of PcVue® applications, this module rounds out the PcVue Solutions® mobility offering.

PcVue® 11 – open and interoperable
PcVue® 11 supports more than 150 protocols. In the case of energy-management applications, PcVue® 11 conforms to the IEC 61850 standard, and its driver is DNV KEMA certified. IEC 60870-5-104 and DNP3 are also available.

PcVue® supports the BACnet® and LON® communications protocols for building automation and control networks. It also supports all standard IT technologies such as OPC Client/Server, SNMP, SQL Server, Windows Server and virtualization (VmWare® and Hyper-V®). PcVue® 11 is an ideal solution for a host of applications, including building management systems, energy management systems, electricity production and distribution, renewable energies, industry, infrastructure, transport, and water treatment and distribution.

BMS in historic Paris building

The Business Louvre in Paris (F) has selected ARC Informatique's PcVue supervisor to manage its building management system (BMS)

The building’s owner SFL (Lyon Property Company) undertook extensive renovation, especially for office accommodation. An efficient BMS was needed to enable the company to operate and monitor the 37,000m2 of available floor space. In particular, this had to be managed and optimized to allow energy consumption to be reduced by 20% to 30%.

This building dates from 1852 and is situated opposite the Louvre Museum in Paris. It was built on the instructions of French emperor Napoleon III and initially used for shops. Today, the first two levels of the Antique Dealers’ Louvre contains over 250 stands in 10,000m² and 30 artistic specialty shops with artifacts from Europe, Asia and the Middle East.  Six upper floors are dedicated to the business centre called The Business Louvre (Louvre des Entreprises) which has hosted prestigious tenants since 1990, including the Ministry of Finance, the U.S. Embassy and the Banque de France.

The company ESOPE was entrusted with project management and APILOG AUTOMATION took charge of the BMS package. The works include some for The Business Louvre and some for common equipment and supplies between it and the Antique Dealers’ Louvre.

The PcVue supervision monitors the following LonWorks© equipment:
- France Energie heat pumps with KARNO OEM regulators; in all, 1,200 heat pumps will be monitored.
- Lighting with ACELIA infrared multi-sensor modules.
- Blinds with ACELIA modules for 230V motors.
- THERMOKON remote controls for centralized control of heat pumps, lighting and blinds.
- Data acquisition from divisional panels on several levels, via JOHNSON CONTROLS FX15 PLCs.

This architecture uses LonWorks© technology and is complemented by:
- Supply equipment: air conditioning units and substations for electrical regulation and distribution, controlled via TREND IP devices.
- All of the tenants' meters and the central low-tension boards: PcVue processes and analyzes data from some 250 meters on Modbus. A TSX PLC supports management of the backup supply (GE).

Eventually this project will comprise over 2,500 LonWorks© nodes.

The BMS architecture mainly consists of 36 Loytec L-INX servers, 3 PcVue supervisory stations with WebVue thin-client access via Internet/intranet and NL Facilities from Newron System (using the Monitoring and Zoning version for surveillance and subdivision of areas).

Together with PcVue's flexibility and advanced technology, APILOG AUTOMATION has been able to achieve open systems integration of the hardware and software. The solution provides for management of all of the building's equipment and quick response times in case of emergency. It exhibits easy-to-use, effective behavior that affords quick control of each area plus dynamic reconfiguration. This application is outstanding for its management and optimization of energy consumption, with expected energy savings in the order of 20% to 30%.

World’s largest experiment with rechargeable hybrid vehicles

EDF (Electricité de France), Toyota and the Strasbourg  (F) area council have selected PcVue SCADA software, developed by ARC Informatique, for a joint three-year project titled Kléber. This is a full-scale experiment with a fleet of 70 rechargeable hybrid vehicles (RHV) and 145 charging stations throughout the Strasbourg urban area. Value for money, short lead times and industrial know-how all played a crucial role in the selection process.

They launched a joint project named Kléber for full-scale demonstration of rechargeable hybrid vehicles (RHV). This three-year programme has three main aims: to study user expectations of RHV technology and recharging infrastructure, to verify RHV performance in real situations and to develop methods for evaluating fuel consumption and CO2 emission. This experiment is vital as Toyota is now marketing a plug-in version of its well-known Prius range. The Kléber programme is part of a world-wide project rolled out by Toyota, with 600 Prius RHVs also being tested in Japan, the United States, England, Canada and Australia. For EDF it is an opportunity to test the charging facilities in practice. 

“Experiments are essential for assessing technical solutions, usage and economic models”, explains Igor Czerny, EDF’s Electric Transport and Vehicles Director. The Kléber project is the largest experiment of its kind in the world with a fleet of 70 RHVs and 145 charging stations, almost all connected via 3G, to be tested by selected users. The 145 stations are installed in all the places one might expect: at the roadside (8 stations), in public car parks (18), at the vehicle owners’ homes (44) and in the car parks of the businesses where they work (75).

One year into the experiment, the EDF and Toyota teams have analyzed the technical data by gathering the information output by the communicating charging stations, uploading the data recorded in the RHVs during visits to the dealer and analyzing user questionnaires and field surveys.

To manage the remotely metered portion of the charging data from the EDF stations, the sponsors of the Kléber project selected PcVue SCADA software developed by ARC Informatique. “This is a proven and reliable industrial tool that is used to supervise numerous devices in many large-scale projects around the world. Our choice was influenced by its meeting our specified requirements for performance and value for money.” states Thierry Meunier, project manager at EDF Electric Transport and Vehicles. Examples of recent major projects in which the PcVue solution has distinguished itself include that of Iberdrola the Spanish power utility which selected the software to monitor its wind farms that generate 3600 megawatts from 35 separate plants in the USA.

Responsive service by ARC Informatique and the service provider who installed PcVue was also an important factor for the Kléber project. “The contractor’s responsiveness was of prime importance for setting up this programme. The project was only defined in autumn 2009 and kicked off at the start of 2010, which is a very short lead time for one of this size.” stresses EDF’s Thierry Meunier.

The function of the PcVue supervisor is to collect data for transfer to a computer system for analysis. The data are processed directly by PcVue for display in animated views (with mimic diagrams) using pre-defined object symbols that can be instantiated in the mimics. The acquired data are translated into standard PcVue objects and then archived into databases for processing via analytical software such as for spreadsheets.

In the Kléber project, the data acquired by the charging stations are transmitted over a 3G network and managed by PcVue. The database compiled by PcVue using the information collected from them is shared with an EDF central server via a web service. This means that the data can be consulted over the Internet or an intranet via secure access.

The PcVue software keeps a central database for recording the behavior of the charging stations’ users throughout the Strasbourg urban area and for logging the usage of the stations. It also provides real-time management of any charging station that malfunctions, for improving maintenance of the overall system.

The Kléber project is a full-scale experiment based on a fleet of 70 rechargeable hybrid vehicles (Toyota Prius RHV) and 145 charging stations installed by EDF throughout the Strasbourg urban area.

BMS in ultra-low-energy building in Luxembourg!

This trend-setting building comprises a clinic for physiotherapy and medical muscle-building plus the offices of the builder, Steffen Holzbau. All of the efficiency systems are monitored from a PcVue 9.0 BMS system with remote WebVue access linked to BACnet controllers and communication.

As a specialist in design of wooden buildings, Steffen Holzbau planned and built the facility in cooperation with Sanichaufer based in Luxembourg – where the building is situated – and the contractor GIGA-Automation of Saarbrücken (D). GIGA-Automation is a PcVue Solutions Certified Partner which provides integrated building management systems (IBMS) in Germany and Luxembourg. The BACnet network was developed to rigorous specifications: PcVue for the operator workstation and control system, DDCs from SAIA Burgess with native BACnet communication and a Menerga Control System for the swimming pool and therapy controls.

The building conforms to the Passivhaus standard for energy efficiency with minimum ecological footprint. The clinical and administrative areas have each been optimized for ultra-low energy usage across several kinds of heating and cooling. Two central ventilation systems provide sterilized air to both areas. The cooling and heating plant uses special convector systems built into the floors and arranged in front of the window surfaces.

The ventilation is equipped with efficient heat recovery systems and adiabatic cooling. There are approximately 50 m² of solar panels on the roof for hot water production and heating support. As backup for the solar water heating (140 kW) both the ventilation and the pool heating are assisted by woodchip boilers (100 kW) and an oil-burning system.

The therapy pool of high-grade steel has a water treatment plant installed to ensure water quality. The pool is equipped with a countercurrent feature and underwater massage nozzles. Space heating and dehumidifying of the swimming-pool area are achieved with a special air handling unit.

PcVue 9.0 combines the data from those systems and from 65 sensors at various points in the façade, roof and outer surface of the building to measure temperature and in some cases humidity. The results are sent to a laboratory for evaluation to assess the influence of external conditions on the internal environment and thus help to optimize the building’s energy performance.

For complete control of the clinical and office areas the BACnet EDE-File Import process populates the PcVue database automatically. The BACnet communication gives access to 2,000 BACnet I/O points in total. The project also includes BACnet Scheduling for the pool heating cycle. Historical data will be archived using Microsoft SQL Server 2008. Reporting is via SQL Server 2008 Reporting Services (SRSS) for data exchange with scientific institutions, including spreadsheet export for the energy analysis.

Monitoring wind power

PC VUE monitors US wind farms

Iberdrola Renewables, the second-largest energy provider in North America has chosen PC VUE SCADA system to monitor it’s US wind farms, producing 3,600 megawatts of wind power over 35 independent power plants. Each of the 2479 wind turbine supplies about 300 to 350 data points, which equates to approximately 700,000 to 850,000 I/O data points on nearly two dozen servers.

The latest operation for Iberdrola Renewables is its National Control Center. In a room that looks a like NASA Mission Control, systems analysts oversee every turbine at every wind farm throughout the
US. They monitor the performance and efficiency of every turbine, and they keep an eye on approaching storms to warn technicians of the danger in the field.

A vital element of this operation is the SCADA system. Each wind turbine has a control box containing a PLC, power converter, control boards and an I/O device at the top. Sensors for wind speed, wind direction, shaft rotation speed and numerous other factors collect and transfer data to the PLC. By detecting the wind’s direction, the control system can use a motorized yaw gear to turn the entire wind turbine in the proper direction for maximum power generation. All wind turbines are connected to a LAN, with each wind tower’s control box using Ethernet to link to the base of the tower where there is a fiber-based, redundant ring LAN connection. The LAN is connected to a remote control station running a control system that manages and collects data, adjusts turbine settings and provides intelligent alarm, troubleshooting and reporting capabilities via a central data center and control facility located in Portland, Ore. This central control station is equipped with a PcVue SCADA system that
acts as a nerve center for the wind farms. It connects the individual turbines, the substations,
the meteorological stations the bird/bat aviation radar and other wildlife preservation surveillance systems to this central control room. It provides visibility for the operator to supervise the behavior of all the wind farms as a whole. By keeping a record of the activity on a time interval basis, PC VUE allows the operator to determine what adjustments and corrective action, if any, need to be taken.

The organisation uses multiple turbine types and each turbine supplier provides their own control/
HMI system. The major advantages of using PcVue as the main SCADA system is that it is not tied to any one PLC vendor so that it operates irrespectively of turbine type. This was of particular importance to Iberdrola who have wind farm operators using multiple turbines and various PLCs.

During the implementation process, Iberdrola’s team liked how PcVue was easy to configure. Its ability to iconize animated mimics and use pop-up windows reduced the risk of overlaying crucial information helped simplify the view for Iberdrola’s team. Also, the creation of templates for contents and behavior, associated with each mimic and GUI (graphical user interface) animation, ensure consistency of the window display.
They are using OPC (and others) as the communications protocol to pull data from the various PLCs. Iberdrola uses PcVue’s OPC Data Access Client and OPC DA XML Client for exchange of real time data with communication servers, and OPC DA Server to facilitate data exchange with 3rd party applications. All of the data acquisition that occurs is routed back to the National Control Center.

“PcVue proved reliable, scalable and easy to configure. CORE had been kept up and running quite successfully. PcVue provides a single user view that allows an easy visual display and overall management of the myriad systems in place from PLC, HMI and the control system equipped on the turbines,” said Harm Toren, head of operations services - wind, Iberdrola Renewables. “As we monitor aviation migration and weather in addition to controlling and managing our turbines, we needed a system that would provide a simple, easy to read GUI so that we can react at a moment’s notice”. Furthermore, PcVue software had already proven to be user-friendly and highly functional in the Spanish operations.