Opto 22 and POWER Engineers have co-developed , a low-cost remote telemetry unit (RTU) alternative for use with DNP3-based SCADA systems.
The latest in Opto 22's SNAP Ethernet line of intelligent I/O systems and controllers, is an open and expandable DNP slave hardware device that connects substation equipment (e.g., power transformers, motor operators, circuit breakers) and other critical utility systems to master SCADA stations over standard Ethernet networks.
represents a lower-cost, non-proprietary, standards-based way to aggregate instrumentation values; track energy consumption, monitor equipment status and other variables; control remote equipment; and otherwise bring all of a utility's most critical assets under the scope of a DNP SCADA network, without incurring the significant cost of deploying and maintaining traditional RTUs.
"The development of would not have been possible without the participation of our long time business partner POWER Engineers," states Bob Sheffres, Opto 22 Vice President. "POWER Engineers' expertise in designing DNP-based communications solutions for customers in power generation and distribution and other industries makes us supremely confident in bringing to market." SNAP-DNP I/O connects to virtually any electrical, electronic, or mechanical utility device or system via a broad array of optically isolated and guaranteed for life analog and digital modules. The hardware is therefore suitable for deployment throughout the entire SCADA environment.
"Within any utility, is appropriate for gathering meter data and logging performance data from equipment for the purposes of optimizing individual system performance, establishing maintenance schedules, reporting, and meeting regulatory compliance and Homeland Security requirements," states Scott Olson, SCADA Manager for POWER Engineers.
is also ideally suited for remotely monitoring, controlling, and managing auxiliary systems and equipment not typically included under the umbrella of SCADA, such as security and access control for substations.
Additionally, the system's modularity and distributed intelligence allows for quick and seamless expandability, giving users the ability to monitor and control newly added facility equipment without reprogramming or altering existing systems.POWER Engineers and Opto 22 will be demonstrating at the DistribuTECH automation and technology conference (www.distributech.com) January 25-27 in San Diego, California. The event focuses on automated solutions for electric, gas, and water utilities and energy suppliers.
More Information
www.opto22.com
www.powereng.com