Grid automation gets smart

The WAGO-I/O-SYSTEM 750/753 is characterised by its scope for universal application and extensive product portfolio. With more than 500 different modules, the versatility and flexibility is so great that virtually every requirement within the broadest range of industries is covered. Whether it’s industrial, process or building automation, sensitive safety applications, telecontrol or in hazardous areas: The WAGO-I/O-SYSTEM 750 provides the decentralised periphery required. International certifications such as IECEx, UL61010 or ABS, as well as several additional marine approvals mean that the WAGO-I/O-SYSTEM can be used worldwide for virtually any industry.

The WAGO-I/O-SYSTEM 750 XTR is instantly recognisable by its dark grey housing. Extremely temperature resistant, immune to interference, as well as unfazed by vibrations and impulse voltages — the WAGO-I/O-SYSTEM 750 XTR’s unique features make it ideal for extreme environments. WAGO meets all relevant guidelines in the area of IT security. The PFC100 and PFC200 are characterised by cross-platform real-time Linux. The PFC controllers use an open-source operating system that can be scaled, updated and support tools such as Rsync. The Linux foundation supports essential security protocols and is constantly being enhanced.

Other advantages include the support for CODESYS PLC runtime. Interface and fieldbus diversity: CANopen, PROFIBUS DP, DeviceNet, MODBUS TCP, RTU, IEC 60870, IEC 61850 and DNP 3.0. Maximum security requirements per ISO 27000 series. On-board VPN tunnel is also possible via IPsec/OpenVPN directly.

Furthermore, the controller encodes data directly via SSL/TLS 1.2 and support parallel data access via OPC UA or Cloud via MQTT.

Case study: WAGO technology increases efficiency in wastewater treatment

Using the WAGO Telecontrol RTUs, a controller module can be developed that gives operators of wastewater treatment plants need-based control of the blowers in their aeration tanks, depending on the degree of contamination in the wastewater. This type of control saves electricity, lowers nitrogen concentration in the discharge and increases operational reliability. Practical experience shows that in many cases, plant operators can recoup the investment through the waiver of the wastewater discharge fees alone.

Case study: Hydropower — forces firmly under control

Renewable energy from hydroelectric plants is an important part of the global energy transition. A high level of automation is required to operate hydroelectric plants economically. Among other things, WAGO solutions can be found in turbine controls that are connected to a higher-level SCADA system for monitoring and power station control.

Case study: Water resource management — intelligently networking measurement values

Using the right measurements is vital when optimising processes. This may sound easy, but usually it is anything but. Using the right measurements means determining that the data are actually relevant for the process analysis, evaluating the data using suitable mathematical models and bringing it into a targeted context. If this succeeds, then measures can be derived that have the potential to sustainably increase the efficiency of the process.

In wastewater treatment, data is primarily recorded in the sanitary sewer network or at wastewater treatment plants. Using WAGO RTUs, a solution that links data from geographically distant stations into a network can be established in a comparatively easy way.

Advantages of the above also include convenient measurement and monitoring of generation or consumption rates (eg, voltage, reactive power, active power, current, cos ᶲ, frequency and energy flow direction).

Cybersecurity: PFC100/PFC200 Controllers comply with current IT security regulations for grid operators and can be hardened as described in the BDEW white paper. Communication via telecontrol protocols per IEC 60870-5-101/-103/-104, 61400-25, 61850-7-420, MODBUS, DNP3. Separate ETHERNET interfaces permit the creation of parallel networks.

Cybersecurity: Encryption that follows Europe’s most stringent energy and security guidelines per BDEW and BSI. Cloud connectivity: Connection to the cloud thanks to an MQTT software upgrade. Password-protected web-based management prevents unauthorised users from changing system settings.

Image supplied by WAGO.