Connection of operating facilities via existing copper infrastructure and public networks – BASF AG
The challenge
A great deal of energy is required for chemical production, which is generated particularly efficiently by three of the plant’s own power stations. Many thousands of kilometres of mostly underground cables distribute the electricity at the site. Numerous transformers distributed throughout the plant bring it up to the voltage required by the plants. The transformers must be monitored and controlled to ensure grid stability. The existing fibre optic and copper cables can be used for this purpose. However, the copper lines have lengths that cannot be bridged using standard Ethernet protocol technology. In order to protect existing investments, a technology is needed that fulfils these requirements. The TCP/IP protocol is now used for this purpose.
Solution
The SHDTU Ethernet modem and ISD fibre optic switches for top-hat rail mounting are suitable for transferring data from the branch offices to the control centre. A rack solution is used in the control centre, where all data converges.
Benefit
- By permanently recording and analysing the data, resources can be saved if necessary, thus improving economic efficiency. The existing copper and fibre optic cables can continue to be used.