By standardising on a common platform and control architecture, it could more easily manage multiple sites, while making it far simpler to expand and scale its solutions into other markets and applications. Standard platforms also allow for the creation of common HMI and visualisation templates for control solutions, making life easier for operators and maintenance engineers alike.
For this new approach at a pool/spa facility in Stenungsund, on the south west coast of Sweden, it turned to Automationsteknik Lidkoping AB (ATLID), a Swedish system integrator with many years’ experience in electrical and automation applications, from initial consultation through to finished systems. ATLID recognised that a fully integrated control solution from Rockwell Automation would deliver precisely what Enwa required and set about designing the new architecture.
Challenge
There are many challenges associated with building a modern swimming pool. First, stable and safe water quality is paramount, and that is achieved by monitoring temperature control, chlorine dosing and PH levels. Present-day demands also require that controlled purification processes are deployed to reduce environmental impact and save energy.
According to Gunnar Wikstrand from ATLID, “For this particular solution, Enwa requested a high performance, energy efficient single-network SCADA-based system that incorporated robust IT security.”
Using smarter sensors, the new solution had to offer:
- Error diagnosis of all components (to Industry 4.0 standards)
- A simple-to-use SCADA-based weekly planning tool for operation and maintenance staff
- Full traceability of events and alarms in the SCADA solution
- SMS/email error reporting
- A flexible interface for operators that also delivered information for visitors, and
- Secure external connectivity to Enwa’s remote support, process and technical support team
Traditional pool-water-treatment solutions are based on simpler control systems, with basic sensors and transducers and, as a result, do not have the capacity to meet the demands of a modern facility. In addition, a mix of suppliers also hinders programming and configuration and, typically, these legacy systems provide no opportunity for remote technical support. Targeted energy efficiency is also lacking in many instances, as pumps are rarely deployed with inverters.
