Wave and tidal power stations

Wave and tidal power stations

Producing electrical energy using the power of the sea is one of the most challenging applications for components used in the energy sector. Unplanned service calls caused by a failed component are very costly and must be avoided under all circumstances.

The X20 system is perfectly suited for this area of use. The extremely robust design, high-quality manufacturing and options for redundancy prove this point impressively.

Integrated safety technology and condition monitoring is available for controlling critical processes and performing diagnostics. Support of numerous open standards enables unlimited interconnectivity.

The APROL process control system is the optimal solution for software development. It allows the onshore and offshore components to be easily configured at one time. A MATLAB/Simulink interface is available for complex closed-loop control applications. Intelligent software update strategies and other tools for managing the entire fleet are integrated.

APROL ConMon also provides an efficient way to collect data for condition monitoring from many different sources – such as vibration measurements, temperatures or other signals.

For smaller projects, APROL can also be used on a B&R industrial PC as a cost-effective solution and then expanded if necessary.

B&R has the perfect solution for...

Robust control platform

B&R's proven X20 system is characterized by the fact that it can be adapted to any application due to its thinness, modularity and flexibility.

Huge product portfolio, all fieldbus systems

More than 250 different X20 modules allow use in any conceivable application. Interfaces to all the relevant fieldbus systems are available for integrating and connecting the X20 system with various sensors, systems, etc.

Approved for maritime use and an extended temperature range

Nearly all standard system components are certified for maritime applications. This permits their use on ships or offshore and is a seal of quality for the products due to the strict testing that must be carried out. The X20 system offers, with only a few exceptions, a continuous operating temperature range from -25 to +60°C.

Heavy duty construction

In addition to products with IP20 protection, there is also a coated version of the system available that can withstand up to 100% humidity and corrosive gases as well as the X67 system for applications that require IP67 protection.

Redundancy

Increased availability through redundancy is a fundamental building block of energy technology. With its flexible product portfolio, B&R offers an efficient solution that can meet all demands.

  • Server redundancy on B&R's APROL process control system
  • Runtime Server
  • Operator stations
  • Hot / standby server redundancy
  • Standard X20 controllers
  • Extremely fast switchover times down to under a millisecond
  • Bumpless changeover
  • Network redundancy
  • Various fieldbus systems are available
  • Media and cable redundancy
  • Ring redundancy
  • Supply redundancy
  • Redundant 24 V power supply modules
  • Redundant power supplies
Groundbreaking safety technology

The B&R safety system provides a clear technological advantage with the highest level of safety and allows intelligent safety concepts to be implemented that would otherwise not be possible. The safety system is completely integrated into the standard (non-safety) control system and fully transparent.

Simple programming

Safety applications are created with pre-certified function blocks using a safe, integrated development tool. FBD and Structured Text programming languages are available for this purpose. In addition, there will also be the opportunity to create function blocks independently, for example in ANSI-C.

Remote maintenance and acknowledgment

An open interface for remote acknowledgment of errors and service scenarios is also available in addition to a remote update function for the safety application.

Comprehensive product portfolio

Various functions and different variants exist that can be used for all types of applications: IP20, IP20 coated or IP67 protection available:

  • Digital inputs
  • Digital outputs (0.5 A, 2 A and 10 A)
  • Relay outputs
  • Switching potential groups
  • Counter module detecting pulses
  • Analog inputs
  • Temperature inputs (PT100/1000 and temperature sensors)
Intelligent vibration measurement

The X20CM4810 vibration measurement module is mainly characterized by impressive technical data that is provided at a low price and is easy to operate.

Integrated damage recognition

Complex mathematical calculations for frequency-selective evaluations can be configured directly on the module in order to detect a change without delay and react to it immediately. The raw data from the measurements can, of course, also be loaded onto the controller.

  • Technical features of the X20CM4810:
  • 4 IEPE channels
  • 24-bit resolution
  • 51.6 kHz sampling frequency
  • Evaluation of frequency-selective broadband parameters
  • Evaluation of frequency-selective envelopes or amplitude spectra
  • Evaluation of frequency-selective parameters for changing signals
  • Raw data memory on the module
Open standards

The only future-proof solution is an open solution. Openness allows you to work with the tools you are most comfortable using. It allows machines to communicate effortlessly with external systems, and by facilitating the reuse of existing software for future solutions, it frees up valuable time to get your product to market faster. B&R offers openness on all levels and in all products.

SCADA and process control systems

The APROL process control system is mainly characterized by universal use. This is due to its unique scalability, modularity and flexibility.

As a reliable solution in over 3000 installations in the field, it offers the following important features:

  • Openness through a large number of standardized interfaces for connecting field devices, lower level or higher level systems
  • Secure data transfer
  • Manipulation-proof data storage
  • Audit Trail FDA conformity (traceability of all changes)
  • Generating alarms
  • Trend system (implemented using a database)
  • Integrated business intelligence solution
  • Further information:
  • APROL Process Automation brochures
Automatic code generation

Algorithms and control loops developed in specialized tools can be very quickly and accurately implemented in control programs with automatic code generation. B&R offers a number of certified interfaces e.g. to MATLAB/Simulink or MapleSim.

The interface to Simulink is very simple to use. The input/output variables on the controller are simply defined in Simulink. The full power of Simulink is then available to the control program and also the controller component.

Acquiring measurements for Condition Monitoring

APROL ConMon is B&R's solution for measuring, recording and evaluating all relevant condition parameters to provide optimal support for the continual improvement process.

  • Measurement, storage and compression of condition parameters
  • Online monitoring of parameters
  • Online linking of parameters
  • Evaluation of measurement data
  • Incorporation and processing of additional data

Flexible integration into existing automation solutions

APROL ConMon can be used as a standalone solution, independent of any existing management systems, SCADA systems, process control systems and PLC solutions, or it can be integrated into an existing APROL process control system.

High-performance industrial PCs

Powerful

Automation PC and Panel PC systems from B&R pack plenty of power. Using the latest technology, including the latest generation of Intel Core i-series processors, the Automation PC 910 and Panel PC 900 are the perfect choice for mastering highly demanding applications. The Automation PC 2100 and Panel PC 2100 are based on the latest Intel Atom technology. These systems have minimal size, but can deliver performance up to the Core i-series range.

Energy efficient

Another advantage of the latest generation of Core i-series and Atom processors from Intel is their considerably higher performance yet lower power consumption – maximized energy efficiency across the board. This makes it possible to do away with internal fans in many cases, an advantage already exploited by the passively cooled Automation PC 2100 and Panel PC 2100 systems.

Rugged

The robust design of the Automation PC and Panel PC is perfectly suited for operation in the harshest environments – even continuous 24-hour operation is no problem for these workhorses. Many variants of the PC systems have no internal cable connections whatsoever, let alone rotating parts.

Reliable

Each PC and panel undergoes comprehensive function testing prior to shipping. All system properties and interfaces are fully inspected. After years of reliable operation, your bottom line will notice the difference.

Customized

Automation PCs can be adapted perfectly to each application's unique requirements. This starts by selecting the necessary processor performance and housing size from within the series and then scaling everything else – memory capacity and storage media such as CFast, HDD or SSD, for example – as needed.

Ready to use

These industrial PCs are delivered completely ready to use. OEM machine manufacturers can have the Automation PC sent directly to their control cabinet supplier with all software fully installed. Upon request, B&R can freeze versions of BIOS and firmware for guaranteed long-term consistency – a huge advantage for individually certified machines and systems.

Long-term availability

Both the Automation PC 910 and Panel PC 900 as well as the Automation PC 2100 and Panel PC 2100 will be available over the long haul. Once the PC has been integrated into a machine, no additional maintenance work is necessary for the machine manufacturer. The machine enters series production and can continue to be manufactured for over a decade.

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