Biobots or PCS?

Automated Process Control Systems ( PCS ) – the must-have of modern production? Or is it better to save and entrust all control to humans?

Earlier, Bohdan Makarchuk, head of EDS Project, wrote about our individual developments for the automation and dispatching of small solar stations.

Now we want to talk about networks that are not quite electrical at first glance.

We're talking about one of the critical infrastructure objects – a water pumping station, where EDS Ukraine specialists developed and implemented PCS.

The primary task in this project was to install a high-voltage frequency converter (FC) for pump units, which would allow regulating their speed and reducing electricity consumption as a result.  And since IF is quite intelligent and not cheap, leaving the existing manual control system of technological processes was absurd.

Briefly about what was implemented:

1. The PCS system of the object operates automatically according to the specified algorithm of the pumping station's technological process. If necessary, the operator can monitor and influence the operation modes using SCADA from the dispatch center through the automated workplace (AWP) or directly from the HMI panel in the control room. The operator also retains the ability for remote control of valve positions, positions of 6 kV switches, setting frequency regulation values ​​on IF, adjusting parameters for smooth motor start-up. At the same time, the system monitors and protects equipment from incorrect actions by personnel, and all operator actions are recorded and stored on the SCADA server.
2. Additionally, a WEB-monitoring controller is installed for remote control and the possibility of using technological data by other customer services.

And now about "biobots," as one of our regular clients once gently called their dispatch center operators.

Of course, responsible qualified specialists who would become an alternative to automated systems can be found. But there are several buts:

1. Where to find such specialists? Especially in conditions of martial law and a historical outflow of specialists abroad.
2. Doesn't the economy of capital investments negate huge operating costs?

In production with complex technological processes, there is no alternative to total automation and digitization. "Manual methods" somehow survive where the competitive market does not pressure them. This is the main reason why our communal enterprises are lagging behind in these matters.

Although this is just a matter of time...