Remote controller has easy web-based interface

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Aug 14, 2006

Web based application platform delivers greater functionality and enhanced management of remote monitoring systems.

A new web based application platform that delivers greater functionality and enhanced management of remote monitoring systems is now available from Cirencester based Dexdyne.

Making use of web telemetry, the revolutionary Netrix family of scalable remote monitoring systems can web enable any remote monitoring device or process over the Internet while offering full security via comprehensive password protection.

The fit and forget Netrix 7000 controller at the heart of the system replaces traditional telemetry systems that can be cumbersome and slow to collect data.

Netrix is intuitive and allows all authorised personnel to access the system using passwords and lap top or handheld computers from any web enabled location.

Extensively trialled and with successful pilot implementations by key players in the utilities, construction and alternative energy environments, the Netrix concept offers, in the words of Dexdyne Managing Director Bharat Gupta "low cost of ownership combined with ease of use for real time monitoring of processes".

"Furthermore, Netrix enables a user to easily create a tailored web based graphical interface to the system to provide further distinction to this product", he adds.

The Netrix 700x controller has a number of built in analogue and digital connections to the "real world".

These can be easily extended using Modbus-enabled I/Os.

The connection to the Internet can be via Ethernet LAN, broadband, GSM/GPRS or PSTN modem.

The built-in web interface allows the system to be configured locally or remotely by authenticated users over the Internet.

The Netrix is scaleable and designed for a physically diverse and geographically dispersed architecture.

The Netrix Gateway server provides a central point of access to the monitored device network.

Data is stored and manipulated within a single SQL database from where it can be easily integrated with existing reporting tools and applications in use within the organisation.

There are a number of Netrix installations already in use in energy and energy related applications.

At Western Hydro's Trelubbas hydro electric scheme on the River Cober in the Lizard peninsular, a Netrix remote monitoring system has been successfully operating since 2004.

Pursuing its policy of developing small scale (50-1000kW) hydroelectric projects, Western Hydro has constructed a fully automated power plant on the river which is monitored and controlled via a Netrix link.

The system has been configured to provide remote monitoring of the plant's kilowatt output and water level and it also enables control of how much water enters the turbine.

Using a web browser the plant engineer can access the site at anytime and view - in real time - the plant's performance.

Alarms are configured to send alerts (SMS messages) directly to the engineer's mobile phone and within seconds, he can log on via the web browser, assess the nature of a problem and if a site visit is required.

In many cases only adjustments to site controls are necessary and these can be undertaken online.

As well as time monitoring, the Netrix system also allows for data logging and trend analysis.

A further function is the monitoring of power output from the plant that is purchased daily and put onto the grid by the regional power utility SWEB.

"SWEB already has a monitoring system which enables them to measure how much of our electricity they were putting on the grid but for obvious security reasons we were not able to access that system", explains Western Hydro founding partner Jason Goodden.

"As such it was necessary for us to have our own monitoring system and we have found with its all round capabilities, the pro active Netrix system has bought us huge cost saving in time and money and that we are always in control".