Design and Development of Wireless Control System Architecture for ITER-India Gyrotron Test Facility

Abstract

Background & Objective: Wireless networks are making its way for use in industrial control system applications. The installation of Wireless networks naturally provides a reduction in cable and its maintenance related costs, provides increased flexibility and mobility to enhance the performance of industrial control system. Method: This paper attempts to show the suitability of a wireless network in control system application of ECRH system at IIGTF. IEEE 802.11n network is implemented to interface field instruments with PLC based control system in an industry like environment. The two case studies with different control architecture are implemented with satisfactory test results. The first case demonstrates the use of a wireless network for monitoring and data acquisition of cooling water process parameters. The second case implements the control and monitoring of the DC power supply over the wireless network through a serial ASCII protocol. The performance of wireless communication alone in is evaluated using theoretical analysis, simulation and actual field measurement. Then overall performance of the case studies including field signals and PLC system is evaluated. Conclusion: The PLC application logic is developed for the implementation of logic functions to interface various field instruments and power supply. The DC power supply is simulated using Labview ™ for serial ASCII communication. The above said concept is proposed for the Local Control Unit being developed for ITER-India Test Gyrotron Facility.