REMOTE CONTROL
PRODUCT OVERVIEW
FlowChief GmbH
Hans-Vogel-Str. 16
D-90765 Fürth
Tel. +49 (0)911 · 23 99 39 0
Fax +49 (0)911 · 23 99 39 99
info@flowchief.de
www.flowchief.de
REMOTE CONTROL
High-performance FlowChief remote control technol-
Extensive projects are executed in diverse fields such
ogy monitors and controls globally situated structures
as water and waste water technology, energy data
and machines from a central location securely and
collection, facility management, the energy sector,
cost-efficiently.
renewable energy generators or remote service
The use of mobile data services, DSL and network
solutions for equipment manufacturers.
connections make cost-effective permanently lasting
connections between the slave stations and the control
center feasible. This enables secure bidirectional data
exchange between market-related programmable logic
Ÿ Connection of any number of remote
terminal units (RTUs)
Ÿ Secure bidirectional data transfer
controllers and a higher-level application in the control
Ÿ No vendor lock-in
center.
Ÿ Use of standard components such as PLC,
FlowChief remote control technology allows open-
Ÿ Online transfer in "real time" and historical
ended selection of the equipment for the transmission
path and in the choice of the parent application.
Investment protection and market-related hardware
prices are key benefits of this independence.
modem and router
archive data
Ÿ Open structures in terms of hardware,
communications and control center
Ÿ Cost effective operation and during
engineering
Another special feature is transfer in quasi-real time, as
well as the historically correct buffering of archive data
in the PLC in connection interruptions and the
Ÿ Maximum availability through redundancy
concepts
Ÿ All industries by using standard industrial
subsequent transmission of such data, including
timestamp.
Additional features are full cost control, mixed
Other systems (OPC-Client)
Visualizations
SCADA, Reporting
structures in any scope and a unique, easy configuration of user data from the parent application.
Remote Control System
Thanks to the option that allows designing both
communication channels and server connections to be
GPRSmanager
redundant, remote control networks can be created
with maximum availability.
The industry-neutral FlowChief remote control
technology can be used flexibly.
Mobile radio
GPRS / EDGE
UMTS
HSPA
LTE
WWW
DSL
LAN
Panasonic
ideas for life
SIEMENS
A YASKAWA COMPANY
PLC
Powering Business Worldwide
SHDSL
GeCo
Control center -
Connection level - IP communication
FlowChief GPRSmanager
For the open transmission principle to have its full
The security of the systems and data is top priority in
effect, communications may be run via all common IP-
FlowChief remote control technology. Integrated identi-
based paths. Mobile data services such as GPRS /
fication with name and password allows only autho-
EDGE / UMTS / HSPA and LTE, as well as any Ethernet
rized access. Encrypted data transfer ensures the
connections such as DSL/internet, dedicated lines or
confidentiality and integrity of the data. With the possi-
in-house networks (intranet), are equally suitable here.
bility to link the slave stations via VPN, a logical private
The connection of FlowChief remote control technology to higher-level process control systems and applications via a pure software OPC server, the FlowChief
GPRSmanager.
network can be created in a public infrastructure.
The GPRSmanager is the link between the RTUs and
The type of transmission technology is completely
the central parent applications. Data is tapped via a
transparent both to the slave station and the
standardized OPC interface.
GPRSmanager. The only thing that needs to be done is
The configuration of the software couldn't be easier.
to select the router suitable for the network. This allows
Only the login credentials and the station type need to
be specified per type of station. Additional
The GPRSmanager provides a number of different
parameterization of the process data is not required.
system parameters and variables. This way, data trans-
With this, all process variables can be accessed
mission can be controlled and adjusted from the con-
straight from the parent application.
trol center. By status signals such as the connection
status, network quality or the volume of data, the sys-
Every OPC-enabled application can be coupled with
tem connections can be continuously monitored and
this high-performance remote control technology.
alarm given or extensive communication analysis for
Parameterization of the entire remote control network
troubleshooting can be conducted.
conjunction with the FlowChief process control system.
Remote control technology becomes a “plug and play”
experience.
Ÿ Standardized encrypted OPC interface
Ÿ Secure authentication
Ÿ Direct communication with the slave stations
Ÿ Simple configuration
Ÿ Direct access to data from the control center
Ÿ Stand-alone application or integrated in the
process FlowChief process control system
Ÿ Comprehensive system analyses
Ÿ Cost control through data volume monitoring
technologies
any number of systems and machines to be transmit-
Ÿ Transparent transmission path
ted via different networks, without having to make
Ÿ Security of investment
adjustments to the configuration of the PLC and at the
control center.
Ÿ The highest standards in terms of safety
Ÿ Encrypted data transmission
Ÿ Optional setting up of a Virtual Private
This makes it possible to cost-effectively switch to
other current signal transmission technologies.
Mobile radio
GPRS / EDGE
UMTS
HSPA
LTE
directly from the control system is also possible in
Ÿ Support for all IP-based transmission
WWW
DSL
LAN
SHDSL
Network (VPN)
Field level – standard PLC
The independence of FlowChief remote control tech-
The remote terminal units independently maintain a
nology pays off particularly in the remote terminal unit.
permanent online connection to the server. Through
The process data acquisition and data transfer take
intelligent connection management, connection costs
place independently of the manufacturer via standard
are monitored and bidirectional data exchange
devices. FlowChief GmbH makes a GPRS library avail-
enabled. Lengthy selection times are a thing of the
able to numerous PLC and equipment manufacturers
past. In addition, all current process information is
that is installed either as a stand-alone or in combina-
virtually available in real time in the control center.
tion with the control program in the PLC. The customer
Ÿ Support for numerous device manufacturers,
e.g. Siemens, Panasonic, VIPA, Wago, B&R,
Ÿ Phoenix Contact, Beckhoff, Eaton, Sabo, …
Ÿ System control and remote control
functionality in one device
Ÿ Reduced engineering outlay (PLC basic
knowledge)
is therefore not dependent on a particular hardware
In an ideal case, all data is transferred online. In addi-
manufacturer and does not require two intelligent com-
tion, seamless data buffering in the slave station is
ponents in the system. A reduced probability of failure,
essential for data security. If, for example, not con-
unnecessary couplings, or hardware jumpering and a
firmed data logs from the server due to communication
familiar programming environment not only increase
disorders, there is intermediate storage including a
operational safety, but reduce the engineering and
timestamp in the PLC. Once the connection to the
operating costs in particular.
control central is established again, the data is automatically transmitted with the original timestamp, being
One of the special features of FlowChief remote control
Ÿ Standard PLC with FlowChief GPRS library
also historically accurate.
Ÿ No fixed IP addresses needed
Ÿ Full connection and cost control
Ÿ Sending transfer method (no polling from the
control center)
Ÿ Cyclic and event-driven transfer
Ÿ Data volume-optimized
Ÿ “Always-on” – bidirectional online
transmission in real time
Ÿ Data buffering with timestamp on remote
technology is the type of communication. The slave
terminal unit (UTC timestamp)
station, both in connection setup and data transfer, is
Through internal UTC timestamping, system data can
Ÿ Processing of historical data without data loss
the active partner.
be evaluated on the server in the respective local time
Ÿ Emergency alerting via SMS
This means a fixed IP address or a host name is
across diverse countries and time zone boundaries.
needed only for the control center, the remote stations,
however, get the dynamic addresses of the respective
The system operator is alerted via SMS directly from
provider. On the one hand this eliminates the need for
the slave station as additional monitoring. This way, he
cost and configuration-intensive IP management and
can be certain that, for example, no undetected plant
on the other systems remain hidden behind the private
shutdowns or malfunctions occur due to the failure of
provider address field preventing unauthorized access.
the control center.
Since the data communication is not controlled by
Panasonic
ideas for life
polling from the control center, but actively from the
slave station, transfers can be event-driven and/or
cyclical. This allows the transmission volume and
hence the monthly costs to be reduced to a minimum
and at the same time the accuracy of the data collection to be increased to a maximum.
SIEMENS
A YASKAWA COMPANY
PLC
Powering Business Worldwide
GeCo
FLOWCHIEF GECO
DATALOGGER
The FlowChief GeCo (GPRS-embedded controller) is a
The FlowChief data loggers are used in all applications
complete package consisting of a commercially avail-
where data needs to be recorded, but where no power
able PLC, a GPRS modem and an antenna based on
supply is available. Using battery or solar power, mea-
the functionality of the FlowChief process control sys-
surement and meter readings, messages and limit
tem.
value violations can be recorded, archived and transmitted to a control center by GPRS. In addition to the
Ÿ RTUs with autonomous power supply
Ÿ Battery supply up to 10 years
Ÿ Solar power supply, battery and charge
controller included
Ÿ GPRS data transfer cyclic and event-driven
Ÿ Digital, counter and analog inputs
These devices can be mounted directly on the system
self-supply of energy, the data logger can supply exter-
and connected as a remote terminal unit. PLC pro-
nal sensors and measurement technology with power.
gramming is not necessary. Configuration is completely
With protection classes up to IP68 the devices are best
conducted from the FlowChief process control system
suited for use in harsh environments.
and actively transmitted at runtime to the remote termi-
The data is transmitted with a timestamp to the
Ÿ Individual archiving and transmission intervals
nal unit. In addition to the simple initial installation, any
FlowChief process control system or other systems
Ÿ Data transfer with a timestamp per OPC
program modification and extension can be imple-
(SCADA, reports, databases) via the standardized OPC
mented quickly. The continuous parameterization of
the entire remote control network saves valuable configuration and commissioning time!
Ÿ Plug and Play
Ÿ Complete pre-configured remote control
interface.
functionality to any application program free of charge
Ÿ No programmer required on site
future extensions.
Ÿ Subsequent application assignment
pressure, fill level, ultrasound)
Server
Ÿ Protection class IP68 (waterproof in case of
Other systems (OPC-Client)
Visualizations
SCADA, Reporting
Remote Control System
flooding)
Ÿ Configuration and diagnostics via web
browser or Bluetooth
costs
ensures that the system operator is prepared for all
Ÿ Power supply of measuring equipment (e.g.
temperature, GPRS signal strength)
Ÿ Consistent configuration from the FlowChief
Ÿ Maximum time saving – minimal engineering
antenna
Ÿ Diagnostic information (battery status,
package
process control system
The possibility to extend the GeCo through the full PLC
Ÿ Integrated high-performance or external
Ÿ Free integrated PLC functionality
Ÿ Cost-effective standard components with long
product cycles
Examples of different applications:
Ÿ Water supply (meter logging, network pressure, pipe
breakage monitoring, well and elevated tank fill
levels)
Ÿ Wastewater technology (RSB logging of stormwater
overflow levels, quantities and overflow events)
Ÿ Flood protection (level measurement)
Ÿ Mobile measuring systems
Ÿ and more
REMOTE SERVICING
INDUSTRIES AND SOLUTIONS
FlowChief VPN portal
Totally free
With the increasing spread of m2m communication via
Mobile, stationary and device-independent access to
The multiple purpose FlowChief remote control tech-
GPRS, the FlowChief VPN portal provides a product
the controller is thus always possible. No complex VPN
nology can be flexibly used in various sectors.
with impressive usability. The technician connects the
configuration is necessary on the router side – in this
respective remote station and its engineering environ-
connection request this is automatically obtained from
ment with OpenVPN to a portal managed by FlowChief
the portal.
GmbH “per mouse click”.
Ÿ Cost saving by avoiding time-consuming site
visits
Ÿ Easy operation – network connection at at the
touch of a button
Ÿ No firewall – no provider IP issue, through out-
going connections on both sides
Wastewater
Ÿ
ŸPumping stations
ŸSwimming pools
ŸStormwater overflow (CSO)
ŸReal estate
ŸChannel management
ŸCity halls and gyms
ŸSmall wastewater
ŸSchool buildings
treatment plants
ŸHeating systems
ŸSelf-sufficient energy supplies
Ÿ Limiting the volume of data by automatically
disabling the VPN connection
ŸSmart metering
Water supply
Ÿ No additional costs per connection to the hard-
PLC
Building and facility management
ware
ŸElevated tanks
Ÿ Most secure connection variant through
OpenVPN and outgoing connections
ŸDrinking water storage
Remote service
ŸWells
ŸCentralized machinery
ŸCounter shafts
ŸFlood protection
and plant monitoring
ŸIntegration of existing
systems
Initial situation
Solution
ŸCondition monitoring
Internet
Internet
FC_GPRS_Router
FC_GPRS_Router
Mobile WAN
Mobile WAN
1
FlowChief
VPN portal
Central server
Application server e.g.
FlowChief SCADA
3
PLC
PLC
Control
Control
Central server
Application server e.g.
FlowChief SCADA
2
Energy
ŸLogging of process data
ŸSolar parks
ŸTransparent maintenance access
ŸWind farms
ŸExtensive evaluations
ŸBiogas
ŸProactive servicing
ŸCombined heat and
ŸOptional control interventions
power plants (CHP)
ŸPublic utilities
ŸGas distribution
Service Technician / VPN client
remote programming
e.g. TIA portal CoDeSys
Service Technician / VPN client
remote programming
e.g. TIA portal CoDeSys