The age of IoT means organisations can start to supliment or replace traditional SCADA telemetry with much more cost effective IoT devices. This project involved using a large array of IoT devices to replace a small fleet of telemeters, providing a better view of the area monitored.

The INDICIUM DataBus not only provided the integration between the LoRaWAN service provider and the SCADA system, but also provided automation features to allow new IoT devices to be connected through to SCADA with zero human interaction required. These features prepare the system for the scale that IoT can provide.

Integrating SCADA systems with IT systems is widely known as a difficult task. Adding in sending that data to the cloud; creates a whole new level of complexity.

Indicium Dynamics helped this client connect their ClearSCADA server securely to Azure and set them up with Power BI to visualise their data.

This client now uses Azure Storage Tables in place of a historian, and now have real-time access to data for reporting and analysis, while reducing the number of users touching SCADA.

The INDICIUM DataBus has also enabled this client to embrace IoT in their data collection mix, and opened the door for future expansion of their systems to include modelling, machine learning and other cloud enable tasks.

This project involved the monitoring of several gas turbines for a client who sells the energy generated into the National Electricity Market.

The gas turbines are controlled by an 1990's era SCADA system, with data synchronised via a secure pathway to the client's energy bidding systems. The data needs to be delivered in a timely fashion to confirm generation requirements are being meet.

Speed and reliability were key in successfully delivering this project.

The INDICIUM DataBus provides a real-time feed of data from remote assets to a secure cloud based service where the data is then analysed and algorithms applied on-the-fly to produce the values to drive the real-time dashboards.

Data is then pushed to the Apps and embedded dashboards using WebSockets, providing a very responsive feed.

Analytics are perfomed on the historical data in the cloud to provide up to date access statistics about the performance of the renewable energy assets.

Obtaining and managing high level data for sensitive species is a complex, time consuming and costly task. Manual in-field observations are point-in-time based and can be inconsistent. Creating longer time-series data is very difficult due to irregular or infrequent field observations and can be cost prohibitive.

In the context of forestry and renewable energy production (wind farms etc), knowledge and understanding of eagle nest activity is critical to managing compliance and statutory reporting obligations.

EagleEye utilises IoT technology to safely and easily monitor in-nest activities for large eagles. This creates a rich time series of nest activity that is cheaper, safer and more accurate to collect than traditional management practices.

The INDICIUM DataBus was used to collate data from LoRaWAN sensors and 4G video cameras. This data was analysed to automatically flag which nests were active or not. Machine learning algorithms were also trialed to analyse the captured videos to determine when eagles were detected. This combination of techniques provides for a robust alternative to the manual checks.

In the midst of a crippling drought, Parkes Shire Council commenced an ambitious project to source water for irrigation of public spaces from reclaimed water, rather than using valuable potable water; aiming to save in excess of 600 ML of water a year. The End User Control System (EUCS) was built for Parkes Shire Council to automate the delivery of water to ensure minimal loss and maximum efficiency.

Indicium Dynamics built the EUCS using the INDICIUM DataBus to manage the collection and analysis of data from a variety of sources including water meters, tank levels and the Advanced Water Recycling Facilities SCADA system. The solution leveraged custom built CAT-M1 loggers to read the water meters and control the valves on the pipeline. LoRaWAN was used to monitor non-critical inputs such as supply tank levels and dam levels as well as weather data.

The EUCS incorporated many advanced features including automated control of pipe outlets based on usage schedules, water allocations, water quality and weather parameters. For instance, high wind or rain events could result in recycled water forming pools or being blown into sensitive locations like schools or retirement homes. Evapotraspiration levels can be calculated to better understand the amount of watering required, allowing the system to make informed decisions about irrigation schedules and requirements.