Description:

Automation of natural gas well heads using solar power to operate industrial micro controllers. These intelligent and programmable devices (Remote Terminal Units) integrate measurement, computation, control and communications in a low-power stand alone package using Siemens SIMATIC 8635 RTU's coupled to Siemens M55 solar modules.

Climate:

Semi-arid, high humidity, hot, tropical storms and occasional hurricanes.

System Components:

2 each, M55 modules
2 - 4 each, 100 amp hour batteries
1 each, battery charge controller
1 each, 8635 RTU in a NEMA enclosure
1 each, modem and radio transmitter/receiver

Comments:

Customer enjoys savings in manpower costs, improvements in production and reduction in well downtime. Payback for automation is under 3 years.