Environmental Assessments and Mitigation of Naval Operations

The installation of Programmable Logic Controllers has become an integral part of shipboard control system. The most popular method for PLCs to communicate with external devices is through RS-232 connections using the MODBUS protocol. Newer PLCs supportDeviceNet, ControlNet, or Ethernet networks, as well as Data Highway Plus, RS-232C, RS-422A, or RS-423A networks. As the Programmable Logic Controller becomes more prevalent throughout the ship, the use of RS-232 communication techniques increases thecost of the installation. In an effort to reduce the installation costs of shipboard control system, wireless communication to and from the PLC is required. This project will develop low-cost, single-chip wireless units for inclusion into manufacturersequipment to allow direct MODBUS (as well as, other standard protocols) communication between PLCs, other PLCs, SCADA equipment, and HMI interfacesCost Reduction Opportunities Decreased numbers of PLC's¿ Decreased amount of cable¿ Decreased number of cable/LAN drops¿ Faster installation and setup times¿ Greatly reduced sensor installation cost¿ Quicker system debug and fault isolationDecreased installation of shipboard control and monitoring systemsPotential Commercial ApplicationsPotential Commercial and Military Market Opportunities¿ Monitoring and control of factory floor¿ Power plant monitoring¿ Monitoring proper curing of molded materials, cements, concrete, etc¿ Monitoring the temperature of sensitive explosives to warn of dangerous situations¿ Monitoring the integrity of sealed containers¿ Cutting tool feed mechanism control¿ Process control in refinery and petroleum industry¿ Turbine operation and state monitoring¿ Pulp and paper feedwater monitoring¿ Monitoring of machinery condition in dangerous, hard-to-reach or moving sites¿ Water/Wastewater control¿ Material handling and shuttling¿ Lighting control