Land Drainage

The Controlstar® operates reliably with no operator interaction and provides accurate automatic control, important alarms can be sent using the SMS system to alert the operator of any problems with the monitored and controlled equipment. The Controlstar combines the automatic control of the pumps with site security, and can include automatic weed screen operation and Penstock control. The control algorithms offer winter/summer pump duty cycles.

A remote video storage/ display option is available that provides a Still Frame Video (STV) which is either triggered by the security functions in the Controlstar® or manually on demand from a remote SCADA. The images display in a separate scaleable pop up window which will continue to provide refresh images for as long as the SCADA is connected to the Controlstar®. The STV provides the ultimate peace of mind that all is well at the site, and it can also be used to monitor that which is difficult to instrument such as the level of weeds in a skip associated with a weed Screen cleaner.

The Micro-Controlstar® is available to monitor small or even single remote sensor installations, this is powered by a combination of battery and Solar power. The Micro Controlstar can communicate by GSM, which means that costly cabling is unnecessary, hugely reducing installation costs. The Micro has been used to monitor tidal outfalls and Siphons. Multiple Microcontrolstars can be linked together by low powered Zigbee radio to create local networks of licence free sensors and controllers. The Witham Forth drainage board has been using the Controlstar for 7 years, reliably keeping the drains clear.

Benefits to System Managers/Supervisors  

  • Reliable, proven technology
  • Improve knowledge of system and the network.
  • Rapid roll out of automation that exploits the value of current assets

 Benefits to Pump Station Operators:

  • Reliable and robust control system with intuitive, user-friendly graphics to improve operator productivity, familiarity and confidence
  • A single straightforward interface and network wide SCADA reduces training time
  • Security levels to control unauthorised access
  • Remotely administer multiple systems through a single management interface
  • Integrated Video monitoring of remote sites to deter vandalism and identify problems

Benefits to System Integrators:

  • Reliable deployment which minimizes complexity or cost
  • Licence free ‘Fusion’ Visual Development tool minimizes algorithm design effort
  • SCADA view of ‘live’ algorithms simplifies debugging and commissioning
  • Open data connectivity via OPC
  • Inter-working with existing control systems and sensor networks
Multiple connection options from fixed line PSTN, GSM/GPRS, fixed radio, satellite, and Zigbee 802.15.4

See JBA Consulting for an extensive example of Controlstar® being used in a large land drainage site.