HE) over Plane inserumentation 4. Speed of transmission: tis expressed in the number of bits per second (bps) that the system can handle. 5. Bus powered: This feature is regarding carrying of DC current along with communication signals to power the devices. Comparison of fieldbuses: Table 4.4 shows some of the fieldbuses in use in power plant fot ‘comparison purposes. Table 4.4 Comparison of fieldbuses. ‘of the bus Category Physical Number of Distance Speed Power from ct media devices Profibus-DP Fieldbus 1. Twisted pair 127 nodes 1.100 m 50 Kbps No 2. Fiber optics 224 km Foundation-H1l Fieldbus 1. Twisted pair 240/segment 190m ~—-31.25Kbps_ Yes 2. Fibre optics 65 K segments Foundation-HSE Fieldbus 1. Twisted pair Unlimited 1.100m — 100Mbps_—No 2. Fibre opties 2.2m Industrial ethernet Fieldbus 1. Twisted pair Unlimited with 1.100 m 50 Kbps No 2. Cos routers 2.500m 10 Mbps 3. Fibre optics 3.2.5km 100 Mbps Device net Device bus Twisted pair 64 500m 125Kbps_ No ASI Sensor Twisted pair. 31 100m —150Kbps Yes. CAN ‘Sensor Twisted pair 127 modes 2Smto._—-10Kbpsto.-—-No km Mbps 4.9 DISTRIBUTED CONTROL SYSTEM (DCS) ‘The direct digital control (DDC) came into picture for thermal power plant operation sidelining analog control system due to the following advantages: Easy configuration, re-configuration and parameterization of control loops . Easy self-tuning of controller parameters |. Simple introduction of new control loops Possibility of realization of advanced control algorithms Model-based optimization of optimal set point values Comprehensive data acquisition and presentation ‘Though DDC took care of many things required for power plant control, realization of logic and ‘sequential control functions were missing. Operations like start-up and shutdown of boilers were ‘traditionally automated using relay systems, which are separate from control systems. These systems executed both logic and sequential control. Hence the overall systems became expensive and the reliability suffered. To overcome these problems, programmable logic controllers (PLCs) are introduced. They took care in addition to logic and sequence control functions, the functions of timers, counters, registers, etc., besides diagnostic features. ‘The operator communication through graphic CRT terminals was improved so that the operator was able to use the familiar “ladder diagrams” for programming of sequential control on the new programmable controllers. Also using modem data communication links, programmable controllers ‘could be easily integrated into complex automation systems.