With its shortest definition, RTU provides central control in scada systems and fulfills the task of communication between the center and the scada system. It is formed by the combination of the initials of the English Remote Terminal Unit words. As it can be understood from its English language, the Remote Terminal Unit collects the physical equipment, sensors, inputs and outputs and measurement device data in the field and transmits them to the central unit. At the same time, it provides remote control in the field with the information in the central unit.
The Sofrel S4W RTU series is a modular range of devices for water management, telecontrol and automation applications in all areas of energy supply. This device series has been developed to meet the requirements of a wide range of applications. The most important features are: Suitable for harsh ambient conditions, thanks to the mechanically stable modules and the extended temperature range from -20 to +70 °C. It meets the cyber security requirements of tomorrow with its integrated crypto chip. The automation functions support IEC 61131-3.
These compact and robust S4W devices all have the same hardware architecture. They include a 2G/3G/4G modem and an Ethernet port. Additional communication modules (radio, RS485, RS232 etc.) and I/O expansion modules can be added to the front panel to increase the number of inputs/outputs.
The S4W’s RTU ergonomics can be operated as soon as it is installed in an electrical enclosure, with reduced size and easier wiring thanks to intuitive marking and removable spring terminal strips. Self-grounding DIN rail mounting also simplifies the installation of the S4W. The remote power supply of the 4-20mA-current sensors takes place directly via the S4W’s Analog Inputs (AIs). I/Os are fully software configurable.
The S4W-Tools utility provides extremely simple and user-friendly configuration. A highly impressive graphical environment represents the product and all its modules. Numerous software wizards (self-parameter monitoring, dynamic error band, etc.) guide the user step-by-step. Configurations can be imported or exported via an Excel compatible file.
The main distinctions of RTUs relate to the number of I/O available in the chassis:
SOFREL S4W Small : 8DI, 2AI, 2DO
SOFREL S4W Medium : 12DI, 2AI, 4DO + 2 I/O expansion modules can be installed.
SOFREL S4W Large : 16DI, 4AI, 4DO + 10 I/O expansion modules can be installed.
SOFREL S4W Dual: 8DI
Operators have two graphical advisory interfaces to facilitate the use of data managed locally or remotely by S4W.
S4-Display is a color touch-sensitive display that can be integrated into the front panel of the control cabinet. It provides in situ visualization of mimic diagrams, data and curves. There is nothing to set in S4-Display. Completely “plug and play”, the checked data is displayed as soon as the S4-Display is installed in the cabinet.
S4-View is Windows based software to view data managed by S4W. It also allows remote diagnosis of its equipment (hardware tests, logs and process monitoring).
The configuration is very simple to perform via a view representing the lift station. The pumping automation (2 or 3 pumps) is fully managed by the S4W (pumping control, pump sequencing, grease ring and anti-sludge offset). The S4W monitors pumping efficiency by recording the run times and average flow rates of each pump. Based on these calculations, it detects clogged or worn pumps and notifies the operator of any overflow.
A built-in HTML5 web server
Plug and Play web server (HTML5 and responsive) allows users to securely access S4W data from any terminal (smartphone, tablet or PC).
They can monitor and acknowledge alarms and set setpoints remotely using their web browser.
Animated mimic diagrams can be defined in each S4W, there is a feature to navigate between mimic diagrams. The web server provides access to dynamic, zoomable information curves to facilitate data and event visualization.
You can contact Aykome Engineering for detailed information.