PLC's in Marine applications

Does anyone know of applications of PLC's in use on leisure boats ?

Regards
Colin

Check out this thread.

Colin,

We currently have customers that use our controllers in large marine applications - http://www.entertron.com/press4.htm This is simply one example.

With regards to the smaller boats, we have talked with various boat manufacturers about using PLCs. Most of the manufacturers are still in the "if it isn't broke, don't fix it" mode. Mostly relays. Some are considering the move, but are slow to react. Is it possible to use a PLC to control various functions on a boat...yes.

What are you looking to do?

My background is in land based automation but I'm considering linking up with a Marine specialist to offer a 'special projects' service to manufacturers and outfitters of luxury motor cruisers.
Many of these craft are like floating homes chock full of isolated technology - much of which is of course very specialised and dedicated to specific functions such as navigation, engines, communication, entertainment etc; but even where a PC is onboard, this is normally used only for the Internet and not for any form of supervision / control.
It seems to me that a discreet PLC system would work well as an overall monitor and controller providing first point of reference to the Skipper as to the status of the boat.

Regards
Colin Johnson

Colin,

So, would you say that you are looking to have a "command" center for the boat.

I actually have a customer doing something like that, but for an RV / Motor Home.

Depending on the size of these ships, you may want to consider a networked set of controllers, rather than one large controller. This would allow you to reduce your wiring and use a serial networking protocol like ModBus and RS485, either back to the onboard PC or to a touch screen / operator interface.

Just some food for thought.

Stephen

Not sure what to call the system I have in mind as its role would be so diverse and every application would no doubt be different - even 'standard' models of new boats are customised to a large degree.
Think of the PLC acting as an information gatherer linking up the principal outputs and alarms of all or most of the major systems onboard, as well as directly controlling certain specialist hardware.
So whilst the Skipper at the helm can centrally monitor status and alarms in all systems from one point, the owner below decks, can find out if all the jet skis are docked, outside temperature, ETA to port etc:
So I'm not advocating total control or integration of all onboard systems - let all the current and future specialised equipment carry out their own particular functions - just to building into the superstructure of the craft a rugged distributed control system that acts as an interface to the boat - a perfect application for a PLC.

I'm visiting a major boat show in the port of Southampton (UK) tomorrow, so I hope to get a better picture of the current state of play of control systems on some luxury vessels.

Regards
Colin

There are many large cats running around Australia with PLCs on board. I have seen Omron, AB and Siemens. There are probably others.

The 2 I worked on are Omron PLCs with Citect SCADA over the top. Control and monitoring of everything including diesel engines, lighting, heating, cooling - you name it. Lots of remote I/O. Mainly Device Net.

I look forward to your report, Colin !

I helped on an application using ControlLogix, POINT I/O on DeviceNet, and RSView32 on some 120 foot cruising yachts in a Washington State boatyard. Most of the non-navigation and non-propulsion automated functions of the boat are run by those controllers; ballast, fuel, electricity and freshwater storage and management.

The guys were really tickled pink about using KwikLink flat DeviceNet cable; they think it will last a lot longer than their traditional crimped connectors because there is no saltwater vapor ingress point.

There's a lot of my Company's equipment running similar applications aboard this little dinghy.

Another marine application I saw in Sydney (Ozz), was a PLC calculating the best engine speed and propeller pitch for the most economical running of the Sydney Harbour Ferries. Lots of inputs such as wind speed and direction, water passing by speed as opposed to RPM (into or with the tidal flow), etc etc. Some pretty fancy maths by the guy that did that software I guess.

I am doing one right now, in between posts.

AB ControlLogix, RSViewME, Flex I/O and three PVPlus 1250's. About 400 Digital/100 Analog, all on redundant ControlNet and Ethernet to the HMI.

Controls and monitors engines, generators, synchronising, load control, fire, all fuel handling, water supply, electrical and smoke alarms, lighting, heating, naviagtion lights, hydraulics, extraction and waste water treatment.

Used on passenger carrying small ships with only a skipper...no engineer...so the skipper needs a system that assists him to manage all the technical aspects of the boat from the bridge. Very complete system diagnostics, alarming and help file are an essential part of the package.

Third one I have been involved in, but the first I have been able to write from scratch.

We have used PLC based systems for years, on everything from ocean going ships and military vesels, to 40 and 50 yachts using PICO Controllers for multi-station control.

A few things to note,

Power supply, shipboard power systems can have wide voltage fluctuations, both on AC and DC systems. Remember the primary goal is to keep the power on, no matter what, and PLC's don't usually like that, so surge suppressors, DC-DC convertors, dedicatd UPS's, are typically a real requirement in making those systems live.

Location, especially in smaller vessels. The temperature and humidity variations on a vessel are extreme, the bulk of our service calls are to replace components damaged by excessive heat, moisture, or RF energy (high power sonars and radars can really make things interesting).

Simplicity, most of my field work is to "clean up" programs with lots of fluff, but in reality if you want to be successful in the marine market, keep it simple and robust, and match your technology the the vessel operations and support staff.

The marine market is a great application for PLC's, and we have a long term success rate in many applications. Just remember, this is a HIGHLY critical application if you are managing propulsion systems.

Look for Lloyd's approval.