Application
Scanmatic supplies “green” hatch controls to hydropower plants. These are controls used in places with limited infrastructure ie no mains voltage available and where you don’t want to set up diesel generators to power hatches or valves. The solutions are usually based on an IED, which is equipped with the necessary equipment and digital IO. The control is often combined with water level measurements. The control is often used for existing hatches that are operated manually when needed. Sensors for door position and end stop are often included on the door to be automated. The control is galvanically separated from the door itself so that it is not affected when the engine is started and stopped. Necessary interlocking is included in both hardware and software.
Technology
The hatch can be controlled locally or from the control center. The control center sends setpoints to the control. The control moves the door to the desired setpoint according to the desired rules and also reports the condition of the door. Local alarms from e.g. power supply will be transferred to the operation center. Measurements will also be transmitted to the operations center in the same way. The control communicates with the operations center via various communication solutions including network, fiber, copper, mobile and radio. The shutter is usually powered from a DC motor. The motor is connected to the door, via a gearbox, connected to the existing crank/steering wheel that has been used to adjust the door manually. A local user interface based on pressure-sensitive graphical displays or via a classic interface based on switches and lights is often included. The control unit communicates with the operation center via standard protocols such as IEC-101/104 or via the data acquisition system (Hidacs/H2) with proprietary protocols depending on the IED used. The solutions are powered by a power supply solution based on a combination of solar panel, wind turbine and battery bank. This solution is dimensioned based on how often and for how long the door must be able to be operated. In some cases, a separate battery charger is included for connecting a mobile device to charge the battery bank, if the battery bank is discharged. The battery bank is protected against deep discharge.