SCADA Network

A two-way flow of information between devices under test, environmental monitoring equipment and EMEC’s data centre is maintained using a sophisticated SCADA (Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition) system. This provides a safe working environment and a verifiable account of device performance. The system allows the devices to be controlled remotely, real time monitoring of their performance and round-the-clock assessment of their operating environment. The data is transmitted to the EMEC data centre via a fibre optic system. It gives the developer control of the high voltage circuit breaker feeding their device, for isolation purpose only. It also provides information on the health of the main systems, including the 11 kV and communications networks. All data is logged and archived to recognised standards.

At the Billia Croo wave test site, wave rider buoys provide data on the size of the waves arriving at the site, their frequency, direction and other key parameters. Tidal data at the Fall of Warness is gathered using Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCPs). Industry standard data on the electrical output of the marine energy converters is collected in each substation. Cameras situated at various locations monitor on-site activities. The following image shows a simplistic flow of the data through the EMEC SCADA system: