Siemens improves reliability and flexibility of control center software

Siemens has expanded its TeleControl Server Basic software in Version 3 to include numerous functions for even greater flexibility, reliability and security. The new version makes it possible to monitor and control remote stations around the world not only using a cell phone, but also via Ethernet/Internet. This enables plant operators to gradually increase the number of connected systems. The integrated Teleservice Gateway permits the diagnosis of remote stations from any PC with Internet access. The servers can be operated redundantly to increase plant availability. The standard OPC UA interface that is additionally supported in Version 3 offers users new functions for optimizing data availability and archiving. Extended tunnel mechanisms increase security during data transfer. The software is suitable for widely distributed plants, for example, in water treatment, power distribution or traffic monitoring.

TeleControl Server Basic helps to monitor and control geographically distributed systems from one control center (remote control). The controllers of the connected remote terminal units (RTUs) are directly linked to the cell phone network by communications processors. The new version also offers the option of connecting RTUs to the wide area network (Internet) on the basis of the modular Simatic S7-1200 controller via the CP 1243-1 communications processor and external industrial routers (e.g. Scalance M). The control center software supports up to 5,000 Simatic S7-1200, Simatic S7-200 or S7-300 controllers. Plant operators can gradually increase the number of remote terminal units by using software packages called Powerpacks and thus adapt flexibly to rising demand.

For access by HMI (Human Machine Interface) or SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) programs, Version 3 now supports the OPC UA interface in addition to OPC DCOM. Integrated OPC UA functions help to optimize data archiving and availability. This enables the process data to be buffered in the TeleControl Server Basic in the event of short interruptions and then transferred back again seamlessly. To boost plant and process data availability, users can also operate the servers redundantly with the new version. Extended tunnel mechanisms ensure even greater data security during communication across public networks.

Easy and cost-effective diagnosis of remote stations

TeleControl Server Basic offers extensive diagnostic functions that range from the checking of temporary GPRS connections to the PLC status of all remote stations. Users can monitor the Simatic S7-1200 stations with the Simatic Step 7 engineering system from any PC with Internet access, even in the case of dynamic IP addresses. Thanks to the “wake-up function”, the RTUs do not have to be permanently online. If necessary, however, the RTU is reactivated by a text message and an Internet connection is set up between control center and remote unit. In this way, operators can interconnect globally distributed systems with low data volumes and using low-cost standard cell phone contracts. And because billing is based on data volume rather than connection time, operating costs can easily be calculated.

TeleControl Server Basic is particularly suitable for distributed systems such as those used in wastewater treatment plants, district heating networks and pumping stations. Other important areas of application include energy distribution, traffic control, and oil and gas supply grids.

More information about TeleControl is available at www.siemens.com/telecontrol

Siemens AG (Berlin and Munich) is a global technology powerhouse that has stood for engineering excellence, innovation, quality, reliability and internationality for more than 165 years. The company is active in more than 200 countries, focusing on the areas of electrification, automation and digitalization. One of the world's largest producers of energy-efficient, resource-saving technologies, Siemens is No. 1 in offshore wind turbine construction, a leading supplier of combined cycle turbines for power generation, a major provider of power transmission solutions and a pioneer in infrastructure solutions as well as automation, drive and software solutions for industry. The company is also a leading provider of medical imaging equipment – such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging systems – and a leader in laboratory diagnostics as well as clinical IT. In fiscal 2014, which ended on September 30, 2014, Siemens generated revenue from continuing operations of €71.9 billion and net income of €5.5 billion. At the end of September 2014, the company had around 357,000 employees worldwide. Further information is available on the Internet at www.siemens.com

Reference Number: PR2014110057PDEN

Contact
Mr. David Petry
Process Industries and Drives Division
Siemens AG

Freyeslebenstr. 1

91058 Erlangen

Germany

Tel: +49 (9131) 7-26616

david.petry​​@siemens.com