September 2020

Focus on: Remote Maintenance Monitoring Maintenance Matters a robust edge server. For example, Frederiksen says his company can develop an embedded server depending on the application requirements. He explains: “This might use a congatec Computer on Module (COM) — either a COMexpress type 6 module or a type 7 module with an Intel Atom C3000 series CPU such as the conga-B7AC — as a platform for the server. These modules are designed for extended temperature ranges and boast a low thermal design power (TDP) that makes them suitable for fanless, hermetically sealed and ingress protected enclosures. “The module would be supported by our expertise in rugged baseboard design, which will support an extended number of I/O connections to allow sufficient network connectivity, such as 10 Gb Ethernet connection to transmit and receive data. This, combined with the computing power of the module, allows for effective data processing in offshore environments.” Of course, just as the environmental conditions affect turbines and accelerate the need for maintenance, the embedded systems used in offshore applications must be able to withstand the harsh conditions. They must be ruggedised to withstand the turbulence of high winds and the motion of turbine blades, as well as capable of operating in extremely low temperatures and protected against water ingress and salt mist sprays. Designing and developing systems to withstand the demanding environment, as well as regulatory requirements, involves component- level considerations such as the conformal coating of baseboards, as well as ensuring the overall embedded system is IP67 rated and resistant to salt mist. Frederiksen comments that to meet these requirements in a time and cost-effective way that meets project deadlines, it’s best to partner with a rugged offshore computing expert. With increasingly high expectations placed on the UK’s offshore wind sector, operators now face the challenge of revising operations and equipment to reduce costs and improve effectiveness. Digitalisation technologies that support collection, analysis and use of data are key to this, and they rely on effective embedded computing at the edge. To ensure offshore wind remains a success story in the coming decade, system engineers must begin by ensuring success at the edge. www.fulton.co.uk +44 (0)117 972 3322 aftercare@fulton.co.uk And because Marta has recently joined the company as service supervisor, she wants to introduce herself and remind you that Fulton offers more than just heat transfer solutions and multi-award-winning steam boilers. In fact, Fulton’s aftercare portfolio includes: • steam boiler installation and commissioning • City & Guilds accredited boiler operator training to INDG436 & BG01-R2 • water treatment service provision and training to BG04 & EN12953 • boiler practical and fault finding training • boiler and water treatment service contracts • steam trap surveys • technical boiler house risk assessments • site mass balance assessments and system design • boiler spares and repair Want to know more? Then email aftercare@fulton.co.uk. The World’s Best Steam Boiler Home of the award-winning THIS IS MARTA...MARTA RECENTLY JOINED FULTON!