Panelview

[maypot]

Hi,

We have a tubine driven generator set 20 MW which critical functions are controlled by an Allen Bradley SLC 500. The latter is linked to a panelview 1400e for operator interface. The panelview has started to fade out to a point that it is almost impossible to operate with it. The operator uses the panleview for remote start/stop of pumps and for viewing and acknowledging of alarm messages.
We have by-passed the panelview and we are now using our SCADA , which is now linked to the AB SLC 500 through modbus protocol ,to perfom the function of the panelview.
I want to know from experienced forum members of any possible shortcoming viz communication breakdown, scanning time, even though the scanning time is a function of the PLC.

Bob

 

[fangas]

not sure, but some a-b panel views were backlit. you might want to look around in the back of the unit for a lamp

 

[CMfgE1]

Not really sure what you are asking but I will give an opinion on both.

Regardless of the interface (i.e. panelview, your scada) the shortcomings are the same. No communications system is foolproof.

Your panelview is excellent for a remote package and is very compatible with your slc500. Its just old technology thats all.

The SCADA system is newer and will allow expansion capabilities should you need them. It is compatible with the slc500 and should not pose a problem.

What is your scada system? Are you using RSLogix for accessing and modifying you plc program?

Good Luck

Quote: "Its not what you know, its who you know" - anybody trying to find a decent job

 

[plcsavvy]

when you say fade out, do you mean that the screen is visually dimming. [Perhaps you need to change the backlight. If you mean that communications are not fast enough. (Assuming you are using data highway) you can upgrade your panelview to an ethernet unit and communicate over ethernet which is plenty fast for handling your application.

best regards, plcsavvy

 

[djs]

The panelview 1400e is a CRT based unit. It looks like the display part (CRT) is bad. You can get the unit repaired. Or as an alternative, change the unit out for one of the new Panelview+ with a LCD display.

Scan time from the PLC prespective will not change regardless of what you use. However, in general the update time (something different) of a panelview is usually much quicker than that of a SCADA system. It is simpily a matter of how much data is being transfered. Also given the poor reliability of PC hardware and software, the panelview is probably more reliable.

 

[jsummerfield]

Critical control of a 20 MW turbine is not an ideal fit for an Allen Bradley SLC 500 or Panelview. The communication issue with your SCADA linked to the AB SLC 500 through modbus pertains to the data transfer. Data transfer is optimized by loading the data of interest into contiguous 40000 series registers. In Modbus each poll obtains up to a 128 kb packet of data. Communications is slow if you have multiple polls to obtain the data.

BTW, I am not a programmer. Perpahs others can clarify the issues that I just mentioned.

John