1. What is SCADA system?
SCADA (Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition) in the traditional sense is a supervisory control system and data acquisition. To support people in the process of monitoring and remote control. According to the above definition, SCADA is a system of software and hardware elements that enables industrial organizations to:
- Control industrial processes locally or at remote locations
- Real-time data tracking, collection and processing
- Interact directly with devices such as sensors, valves, pumps, motors and more via human-machine interface (HMI) software
- Log events to a log file or database
SCADA systems are important to industrial organizations because they help maintain efficiency, process data for smarter decisions, and communicate system issues to help minimize downtime.
The basic SCADA architecture starts with a programmable logic controller (PLC) or a remote terminal (RTU). PLCs and RTUs are microcomputers that communicate with a wide range of objects such as factory machines, HMIs, sensors, and terminals, and then route information from those objects to the computer using SCADA software. SCADA software processes, distributes, and displays data, helping operators and other personnel analyze data and make important decisions.
2. Basic SCADA Architecture
Every SCADA system has four main components:
+ Operational process interface: includes sensors, measuring devices, transducers and actuators.
+ Intermediate data acquisition station: is the remote terminal block RTU (Remote Terminal Units) or programmable logic controller blocks PLC (Programmable Logic Controllers) with the function of communicating with the actuators.
+ Communication system: includes industrial communication networks, telecommunications equipment, and multiplex converters that transmit field-level data to control units and servers.
+ Supervisory control system: includes software and HMI (Human Machine Interface).
3. SCADA’s Data Collection Mechanism
In the SCADA system, the data acquisition process is performed first as the RTUs scan the information obtained from the actuators connected to them. The time it takes to execute this task is called the internal scan time.
Servers scan RTUs (at a slower rate) to collect data from these RTUs. For control, the servers will send a request signal down to the RTUs, thereby allowing the RTUs to send control signals directly to the executing devices performing the task.
4. Who needs to use the SCADA system?
SCADA systems are used by industrial organizations and companies in the public and private sectors to control and maintain efficiency, distribute data for smarter decisions, and communicate issues system to help minimize downtime. SCADA systems work well in many different types of businesses as they can range from simple configurations to large, complex installations. SCADA systems are the backbone of many modern industries, including:
- Energy, food, manufacturing.
- Petroleum, export processing, recycling.
- Transportation, water and waste treatment.
Almost anywhere you look in the world today, there are several types of SCADA systems that run behind the scenes: SCADA building management, SCADA managing refrigeration systems at local supermarkets, production assurance and safety at a refinery, meet quality standards at a wastewater treatment plant, or even track your energy use at home, to give a few examples.
Effective SCADA systems can save significant time and money. Many case studies have been published highlighting the benefits and savings of using a modern SCADA software solution such as WinCC, Win CC OA, Advantech WebAccess.
5. Benefits of SCADA
With the above operating mechanism, a SCADA system will allow businesses to collect, manage data, interact and control the operation of machines and equipment such as valves, pumps or motors, as well as store all the information in the hosts file. Thanks to its superior features, SCADA systems have been applied in many modern industries such as energy, food, oil and gas, transportation, water and waste treatment, etc. with some outstanding advantages such as:
- Improve productivity: by analyzing production processes, managers can use this information to increase production efficiency and improve engineering.
- Improve product quality: also through the analysis of activities, managers can find ways to limit and prevent errors in the production process.
- Reduced operation and maintenance costs: once a SCADA system is installed, businesses will not need too many personnel to manage and monitor field devices located in remote locations. In addition, businesses do not have to pay for remote inspection and maintenance trips, so maintenance costs will also be reduced.
- Preserve investment capital: when factory owners invest in upgrading their production, they need to ensure that the upgrade has a long-term use. An open design SCADA system will allow the owner to edit and change depending on the scale of production, thereby eliminating losses over time.
