Project Introduction
As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, the use of renewable energy sources has become increasingly popular. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has long been known for its abundant sunshine and as such, it is an ideal location for the use of solar energy. However, while solar power has become increasingly popular in residential buildings in the UAE, there are still challenges that need to be addressed in order to make it a truly efficient and effective source of energy. One of the key challenges is the need for better hot and cold water monitoring, which can help ensure that the solar panels are functioning at their optimal levels and water waste is kept to a minimum.
Project Requirements
A primary goal of this project was to create a more energy-efficient solution that could optimize the use of legacy solar power, reduce water wastage, and provide more control and convenience to the building's residents and which translates into significant cost savings. To achieve this, a smart monitoring and control system was designed and integrated with the building's existing solar energy system, which allowed for real-time monitoring and control of hot and cold water usage with all the additional benefits and convenience.
System Description
The project utilized several Advantech products including the TPC-1051WP-E3AE Thin Client Terminal with WebAccess/HMI software (300 tag license), and the EKI-1242 IBNMS gateway. A Schneider PLC was chosen to oversee the control and monitoring of various components such as pumps and valves. The TPC-1051WP-E3AE, in conjunction with the Web Access/HMI software, was responsible for collecting and monitoring the data. Additionally, the EKI-1242 IBNMS gateway facilitated the conversion of the data from Modbus TCP to BACnet.
Project Implementation
The following Advantech products were used:
Advantech TPC-1051WP-E3AE Thin Client Terminal
- Industrial 10.1 TFT LCD with 25K lifetime LED backlight
- Intel® Atom™ E3827 1.75 GHz processor with 4GB DDR3L SDRAM
- 16:9 wide screen with PCT multi-touch
- IP66 approved front protection & panel mounting
- Built-in intelligent home key and i key for an intuitive user interface
Advantech EKI-1242 IBNMS Gateway
- Seamless integrates Modbus RTU/TCP and BACnet IP/MSTP communication
- Modbus client mode supports 64 connections
- Dual power input for power redundancy
- DIN-rail and Wall Mount support
Advantech Web Access /HMI software (300 tag license)
- Manage multiple HMI applications in one project
- Switches to multi-language UI dynamically, with unicode and multilingual screen text support
- Password protection, macros, upload/download operations
- Open platform supports different OS - RTOS/WinCE and Windows
- Links automation controllers directly from platform
System Diagram
Conclusion
This discerning customer was looking a building water management solution that would not only accommodate renewable solar energy but also offer cost-effectiveness, reliability, robustness, and low maintenance. It was clear that they were looking for a supplier that could seamlessly deliver an end-to-end solution, encompassing not only products but also integration. And that's where Advantech rose to the occasion, as the clear choice for the customer. With a commitment to excellence and a dedication to customer satisfaction, Advantech offered the perfect combination of industrial-grade technology, unmatched expertise, and exceptional customer service, making it the ideal partner for this particular customer's needs.
