18th September 2024
The goal of European Union (EU) countries to achieve zero emissions by 2050 will depend on green technologies. To this end, SCADA systems are crucial, yet frequently overlooked in sustainability efforts. Here, Sylvana van de Scheur, product designer at Ovarro, the specialist in remote telemetry systems, examines how SCADA, combined with cloud-based monitoring systems like Ovarro’s own StreamWebscada, will be crucial in helping industry achieve better resource utilisation, more resilient operations and sustainability objectives.
"Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain,” goes the old quote from The Wizard of Oz, about the powers controlling things behind the scenes. SCADA systems are primarily used in industrial settings like manufacturing plants, utilities and infrastructure management where their role in monitoring and controlling processes isn't immediately apparent to the public eye.
The systems are less obvious compared to more customer-facing sustainability initiatives like renewable energy projects or eco-friendly products. For these reasons, SCADA systems are frequently overlooked in discussions about green technologies. But, despite their lack of visibility, these systems will prove critical for ensuring operational efficiency, reducing resource consumption, and enhancing overall sustainability in various sectors. Here are five reasons why.
Remote monitoring and control
SCADA systems can help reduce the need for travel to physical sites, thereby decreasing carbon emissions associated with transportation. The systems allow for the remote monitoring and control of devices and systems from any location using laptops, tablets or smartphones. Because operators can monitor and control their systems using devices from any location, this flexibility reduces the need for travel and contributes to sustainability by lowering carbon emissions — indeed, The Guardian reports that people who work remotely cut their emissions by 54 per cent against those that don’t.
Energy efficiency
By monitoring in real-time and storing historical data, SCADA systems help optimise energy usage. For instance, they can detect leaks or inefficiencies in systems like pumps, enabling timely maintenance and reducing unnecessary energy consumption. The systems enable real-time monitoring and data storage, allowing for the creation of reports.
Additionally, SCADA systems provide the opportunity to use electricity when the price is low by using data to check the prices. This capability allows operators to adjust energy consumption patterns based on price fluctuations, further enhancing cost efficiency and energy management.
This is exemplified by leak detection projects, where customers can monitor leaks and pump activity, thus optimising maintenance and improving energy efficiency. For instance, StreamWebscada by Ovarro provided EMS, an energy management company for water suppliers, with a scalable, 4G web-enabled SCADA platform that offers real-time process insights and control over field equipment, enhancing data presentation and promoting energy savings through efficient asset monitoring and management.
Compliance with environmental regulations
SCADA systems can generate detailed reports and track key metrics related to environmental regulations. This helps organisations comply with laws and reduce their environmental footprint. SCADA systems track running hours of pumps and other devices, enabling maintenance scheduling based on actual usage. This reduces unnecessary maintenance, minimises downtime and enhances the longevity of equipment, contributing to sustainability by reducing resource consumption.
StreamWebscada helps Ovarro’s customers comply with environmental regulations by generating detailed reports and tracking key metrics, ensuring systems operate within required parameters, scheduling maintenance based on actual usage, reducing unnecessary maintenance, minimising downtime and enhancing equipment longevity; all of which contribute to sustainability and reduced resource consumption.
Predictive maintenance
SCADA systems support predictive maintenance by tracking the running hours and performance of equipment. This helps in scheduling maintenance activities proactively, preventing breakdowns and extending the lifespan of equipment. Consequently, this reduces waste and the environmental impact of manufacturing new parts or machinery. SCADA systems provide real-time data and immediate notifications in case of issues like leaks.
For instance, Ovarro helped Jabatan Air Negeri Sabah (JANS), the water department for the state of Sabah in Malaysia, to reduce non-revenue water losses. Ovarro did so by providing advanced correlating noise loggers that successfully detected and repaired significant leaks, improving water pressure and securing future water supplies. The advanced leak detection technology, which includes correlating noise loggers and the LeakHub platform, is part of a broader SCADA system that monitors and controls water distribution networks.
Rapid response to issues
SCADA systems can support rapid response by integrating with Internet of Things (IoT) devices using protocols like Message Queuing Telemetry Transport (MQTT). This enables real-time monitoring, immediate alerts and automated responses to operational anomalies and environmental incidents. Such rapid response capabilities help address issues promptly, preventing larger environmental problems like major leaks or system failures that could cause significant environmental damage.
For an example of how SCADA systems can benefit rapid response in sustainability initiatives, let’s look to the Netherlands. The Dutch Drinking Water Company Vitens utilises Ovarro's Datawatt AMR 2.0 system, which includes IoT connectors, StreamWebscada, and real-time data loggers to enhance monitoring and control of its extensive water distribution network. This advanced system provides real-time information on water usage and invoicing for Vitens' top 1,000 business customers, significantly improving customer satisfaction and service levels. By ensuring efficient and reliable data management and enabling real-time consumption tracking, Vitens is better equipped to maintain high-quality water supply standards and optimise resource use.
Also in the Netherlands, grid operator Juva uses Ovarro's Datawatt Smart Grid and StreamWebscada to enhance remote monitoring and energy management, facilitating the integration of renewable sources and aiding the EU's carbon neutrality goals by 2050. These examples show how SCADA systems support rapid response in sustainability initiatives and how, by ‘paying attention to the man behind the curtain,’ we can work towards a more sustainable future.
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