Application
Scanmatic supplies hatch controls and valve controls for hydropower plants The delivery may include sensors for hatch position and end stops on older hatches to be automated. The control is galvanically separated from the hatch or valve itself so as not to be affected when motors and units are started and stopped. It includes necessary interlocking in both hardware and software.
Technology
The solutions are usually based on a PLC, or an IED, which is equipped with the necessary analog and digital IO.
The control is often combined with water level measurements and in some cases a regulator. A PLS or IED can be used to control multiple hatches or valves. The hatch and valve are controlled locally or from the operating center.
The control panel sends setpoints to the control. The controller drives the hatch or valve to the desired set point according to the desired regulations, and it also reports the condition of the hatch or valve. Local alarms from e.g. the hydraulic unit will be transferred to the operating center. Measurements are transmitted to the operating center in the same way.
The control communicates with the operating center via various communication solutions including networks, fiber, copper, mobile and radio. Redundant communication is often included for controls that need high uptime. The hatch or valve may be driven by a hydraulic unit or by an electric AC or DC motor. It is usually included with a local user interface based on pressure sensitive graphic displays or via a classic interface based on switches and lamps.
The control unit communicates with the operator via standard protocols such as IEC 101/104. The solutions are powered from mains supply with a battery bank. For locations where there is no power supply available, we put together a power supply solution based on a combination of solar panel, wind turbine, battery bank and / or aggregate.