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Introduction to SCADA for Renewables�(A Six Module Course)

�Course Learning Objectives

Describe SCADA system basics and important differences with other control systems
Demonstrate competency of the key components of a SCADA system and their functions
Describe the different communication systems used in SCADA
Demonstrate competency of the role and capabilities of operator interfaces
Demonstrate competency of implementing SCADA in real world applications, specifically renewable energy applications (install, operation, maintenance)
Identify emerging technical trends, shifts, and innovations impacting SCADA and its application in the renewable energy sector

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Introduction to SCADA for Renewables

�Course Outline / Curriculum Learning Modules:

Module 1 SCADA Overview

Module 2 Components and Functionality

Module 3 Basics of SCADA Communications

Module 4 Human/Machine Interface

Module 5 Applications within Renewable Energy Industry

Module 6 Emerging Trends in SCADA for Renewables

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Module 4 – Human/Machine Interface�Learning Objectives

Understand key elements of an HMI and its purpose for a SCADA network
Understand how HMI facilitates continuous monitoring, data collection, automatic alerts, reports, etc.
Create/configure a Human Machine Interface
Leverage HMI to address alarms and alerts
Troubleshoot faulty equipment with HMI tools
Understand data formats and database organization
Understand data sources and storage
Understand data visualization
Understand statistics and trend analysis
Leverage data collection and analytical tools to generate various reports

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References and Additional Learning Material

https://www.pas.com/resources/white-papers/high-performance-hmi

White paper titled “Maximize Operator Effectiveness Part1: Understanding High Performance HMI Principles and Best Practices”. Covers examples and discussion of current HMI design best practices.

https://www.isa.org/products/ansi-isa-101-01-2015-human-machine-interfaces-for

ISA 101 standard on HMI for process automation systems.

https://www.marinetech.org/files/marine/files/Curriculum/IROV/Module13/gruhnhmidesignreviewed-110722135448-phpapp02.pdf

White paper titled “Human Machine Interface (HMI) Design: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly (and what makes them so)” by Paul Gruhn, P.E. ICS Triplex |

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What is a Human Machine Interface?

At its most basic, a HMI is the link between a human operator and an automated process

Information is passed back and forth between the user through the HMI and the process controller (PLC, MTU, etc.) via the communication protocol (Modbus, etc.)

HMI has and can take a variety of forms

HMI continues to constantly evolve with technology

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Various HMI Examples

Local Push Button Control Panel

Source: atex delvalle

Local Touchscreen Control Panel

Source: mjk.com

Remote Workstation

Source: nebb.com

Mobile Device HMI

Source: Totally Integrated Automation

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Basic Functions of a HMI

Monitoring – display real time operating status of the equipment or system

Supervision – along with monitoring, the ability to make changes to the operating conditions directly through the HMI

Alarm – recognize unusual events and report them

Control – ability to apply algorithms to the operating process to control key variables within a desired target range

Historian – storage of operating data for analytic or diagnostic purposes

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Design intent – Who’s the Audience?

Target audience – sets design/functionality requirements

In HMI design, the target audience is the system operator

Additional layers and details can be accessible for other audiences (maintenance personnel, engineers, etc.) but in a format that does not create inefficiency or issues for the operator

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HMI Design Evolution

HMI continues to evolve with technology
From hardware controls to digital versions of a P&ID with poor/confusing style to more modern, intuitive designs leveraging IOT and cloud to make HMI mobile/wearable/etc.

Evolution of the Telephone

Source: Gulf News

Evolution of HMI

Source: Daniel Zahler

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Why is good HMI design important?

Concern: Sophisticated computer-based control systems being operated with ineffective and/or problematic HMIs, designed without adequate knowledge.

Countermeasure: Redesign these systems in accordance with proper HMI principles to greatly improve their functionality and effectiveness.

Proper HMI design Principles enable:

Improved operator situational awareness
Improved safety
Reduced likelihood of expensive mistakes
Reduced incident response time to abnormal conditions

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Early era HMI examples with poor design…

Source: ACS (Advanced Control Systems)

P&ID style with data overload and poor color scheme. Hard to use and understand.

Overdone use of “realistic” graphics but not informative or intuitive to use and understand.

Source: The High Performance HMI Handbook

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Modern HMI Design standards

With advancing HMI technology, the need arose to set standards and best practices

In 2015, the International Society of Automation (ISA) published ISA 101 HMI Design Standard

This document lays out the principles and design standards for High Performance HMI design

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…and newer, High Performance HMI designs

Source: PAS

Provides critical information rather than simply data.

Consistent color scheme and visuals.

Source: Inductive Automation

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Display Hierarchy

High Performance HMI display hierarchy

Level 1: Overall situational awareness
Level 2: Detailed view (sub-system or more granular view)
Level 3: Equipment level detail
Level 4: Diagnostics

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Display Hierarchy - Example

High Performance HMI display hierarchy

Level 1: Overall PV power plant operation
Level 2: Specific array or module operation
Level 3: Detail on a specific inverter
Level 4: Performance data and analytical tools

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High-Performance HMI

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How an HMI uses Data

Monitor and historize operating conditions and parameters over time

Establish relationships between operating variables/conditions/etc.

Enables troubleshooting, optimizing, etc. of the process

Export data for further analysis with other software – e.g. Excel

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Considerations with HMI Data

Data storage – local data historian server(s) and cloud integrated storage
Data synchronization – ability to merge and exchange data across historian servers
Speed – data collection speed, auto-archiving capability
Compatibility with open standards and new technologies
Performance calculation ability and intelligent asset technology
Data insertion capability – insert data into the historian
HMI data visualization tools – analysis toolkit within the HMI software
Extensive redundancy and system security – reduce/minimize chance of operating losses or performance issues

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Creating the Ultimate SCADA System for Solar Energy | Inductive Automation

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Trends in HMI (1)

Cloud connectivity (local, remote, mobile, etc.)

IOT

AI – big data analytics

AR/VR and haptic technology for system operators

UAV – unmanned aerial vehicle integration

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