Application of PLC Intelligent Gateway in the Operation and Maintenance Management System of Heat Exchange Stations

Currently, most regions in China adopt a centralized heating model to meet the public's demand for warmth.

 Centralized heating involves obtaining heat media, such as steam or high-temperature hot water, from thermal power plants or heating companies and transporting them through heat distribution networks to heat exchange stations in various residential areas. Heat exchange stations serve as the hub connecting the heat distribution network with heat users. Their function is to regulate, convert, and distribute the heat media according to the operating conditions of the heat network and user demands, while also performing centralized metering and parameter detection.

Heat exchange units typically consist of components such as heat exchangers, circulating pumps, electric control valves, makeup pumps, water tanks, and PLC control cabinets.

 By integrating a PLC intelligent gateway, it becomes possible to achieve data collection and real-time monitoring of various parameters at the heat exchange station, quickly identify abnormal fault trends, and take prompt measures to ensure heating safety and energy security, facilitating the creation of unmanned heat exchange stations.

Functional Characteristics

1. Real-time Collection and Uploading of Operational and Process Data: Facilitates precise system control by collecting and uploading data on the operational status and process parameters of various equipment at the heating station, such as feedwater temperature, return water temperature, pressure values, heat, flow, motor frequency, valve switch status, and water tank liquid levels.

2. Collection and Statistics of Primary and Secondary Flow Data: Enables understanding of the heat exchange situation at the heat exchange station by collecting and analyzing primary and secondary flow data, providing data support for optimizing heat exchange efficiency and thereby improving energy utilization.

3. Remote PLC Program Upload/Download and Equipment Debugging: Supports remote uploading and downloading of PLC programs or remote operation and maintenance debugging of equipment, facilitating equipment debugging and parameter adjustments by maintenance personnel.

    This effectively reduces the frequency of on-site visits, enhancing operational efficiency and management levels.

4. Automated Alarm Information and Remote Control: In scenarios with heavy workloads or poor transportation conditions, managers can receive automatically sent alarm information, enabling rapid positioning, diagnosis, and response through remote control means.

    This helps prevent larger accidents.

5. Electronic Work Order Management for Inspections, Repairs, and Maintenance: Implements information management for electronic work orders related to inspections, repairs, and maintenance. It allows online viewing of the execution progress and operational logs of each work order, combined with resident feedback for review and rollback operations, achieving a closed-loop operation and maintenance workflow.