ICP DAS 4G Networking Solution for Solar Street Lighting Systems
ICP DAS provides customers with a 4G networking solution for solar street lighting systems. The GTP-541M 4G Multi-function Controller, which supports the Modbus RTU communication protocol, collects data from the streetlight main control system and transmits it remotely via 4G. The control center utilizes M2M RTU Center software for real-time remote monitoring of the solar streetlights’ operational status, improving maintenance efficiency.
Introduction:
The existing solar-powered streetlights had a built-in 4G gateway; however, it was only compatible with the proprietary system platform provided by the equipment vendor and could not connect to the customer’s independently developed platform. This raised concerns about data security. As a result, the customer required a data transmission device with 4G communication capabilities that could reliably transmit data from the streetlight main control system to the private cloud system in the control center. The specific requirements are as follows:
Antenna Extension Outside the Explosion-Proof Enclosure: To comply with explosion-proof regulations, the streetlight control system must be installed within an explosion-proof enclosure. Therefore, the device’s antenna must be extendable outside the enclosure to ensure stable data transmission and reception.
Remote Read/Write Capabilities: The device must support remote reading and writing of equipment status to ensure that commands can be successfully executed on the on-site streetlight system.
Support for Modbus RTU Communication Protocol: The 4G data transmission device must support the Modbus RTU protocol to receive data from on-site equipment.
Seamless Software Integration: The server-side data acquisition software must be able to integrate seamlessly with third-party application development platforms, allowing for flexible data utilization.
To meet these requirements, ICP DAS’s professional team conducted a comprehensive evaluation and recommended deploying the GTP-541M 4G Multi-function Controller in combination with the M2M RTU Center Management Software. This solution helps the customer establish a stable and reliable remote streetlight monitoring system, effectively addressing their remote monitoring needs.
4G Smart Networking: Upgrading the Remote Monitoring System for Solar-Powered Streetlights
The architecture of ICP DAS’s solution is as follows:
ICP DAS’s GTP-541M 4G Multi-function Controllers read critical data from the solar-powered streetlight control system via the Modbus RTU communication protocol. The data includes the operational status of controllers, the charging and discharging status of solar panels, equipment temperature, current, and voltage. Additionally, it supports both reading and writing of streetlight load and operational control parameters, such as sleep mode control, lighting duration, and lighting mode.
Subsequently, the GTP-541M 4G Multi-function Controller transmits data from the streetlight control system to the M2M RTU Center Management Software on a PC via a 4G wireless connection. The collected data is then stored in databases such as MS SQL, MySQL, and MariaDB. Additionally, the M2M RTU Center supports multiple communication interfaces and APIs, allowing seamless integration with other software platforms. The system architecture is illustrated below:
The GTP-541M is an intelligent 4G remote terminal unit with multiple functions, including logic control and monitoring notifications, making it ideal for IIoT applications. No programming is required—users can easily configure the GTP-541M‘s logic settings through ICP DAS’s Utility software using simple mouse clicks, significantly reducing system development costs. The GTP-541M can transmit Modbus device data and I/O signals to the remote M2M RTU Center Management Software. When the M2M RTU Center detects abnormal data, it automatically notifies relevant personnel for on-site inspection and maintenance.
The M2M RTU Center is the management software for ICP DAS’s M2M RTU Series, providing robust remote terminal unit (RTU) management and I/O data processing capabilities. It can monitor the built-in I/O, GPS data, and connected Modbus RTU devices of ICP DAS’s M2M RTU products. The software supports simultaneous connections for over 1,000 M2M RTU devices, including the G-451x RTU, GTP-5xxM RTU, and other M2M RTU Series products, significantly enhancing the efficiency of remote RTU management.
Administrators can integrate the M2M RTU Center with any SCADA system using the M2M OPC Server or directly utilize ICP DAS’s EZ Data Logger software to easily establish a remote equipment monitoring system.
Benefits:
GTP-541M 4G Multi-function Controller:
Supports the 4G communication interface for easy deployment.
The antenna can be extended outside the explosion-proof enclosure, ensuring smooth data transmission and reception.
Enables Modbus device control and status reading, ensuring that commands from the control center are successfully executed on the on-site streetlight system.
Equipped with an RS-485 communication interface, allowing seamless integration of multiple Modbus RTU devices and scheduled data transmission of both Modbus RTU device data and built-in I/O data.
Previously, modifying solar panel control system parameters required on-site operations. With the GTP-541M Multi-function Controller, key data and corresponding Modbus addresses can be accessed remotely, allowing personnel to modify parameters without visiting the site.
M2M RTU Center Management Software:
Supports remote management of up to 1,000 M2M RTU devices.
Provides multiple software development options:
OPC DA Server – Ideal for SCADA applications.
Modbus TCP Server – Suitable for SCADA, HMI, and PLC applications.
RTU API – Designed for C# development or use with ICP DAS’s EZ Data Logger software.
RESTful API – Enables web-based application development.
Why Does ICP DAS Recommend the GTP-541M 4G Multi-function Controller?
Based on the customer’s requirements, ICP DAS’s professional team initially evaluated three products: RTU-140, GTP-541M, and WISE-5231M-4GC. After comparing their functionalities, field-specific needs, and cost-effectiveness, ICP DAS selected the most suitable product for the customer. The comparison results are as follows:
The RTU-140 4G Remote Terminal Unit is equipped with RS-485 and 4G communication interfaces and supports the Modbus RTU protocol, allowing integration with Modbus RTU devices. However, since its antenna cannot be extended outside the explosion-proof enclosure, it does not meet the application requirements.
The GTP-541M 4G Multi-function Controller offers RS-485 and 4G communication interfaces, supports the Modbus RTU protocol, and integrates Modbus RTU devices. It also features built-in I/O and an antenna that can be extended outside the explosion-proof enclosure for smooth data transmission, fully satisfying the customer’s requirements.
The WISE-5231M-4GC supports RS-485, Ethernet, and 4G communication interfaces. It is compatible with both Modbus RTU and Modbus TCP protocols, enabling integration with Modbus RTU/TCP devices. Additionally, it includes built-in logic control functions. However, due to its higher cost, it does not meet the project’s cost-efficiency needs.
Conclusion:
This case shows ICP DAS’s expertise and comprehensive support in IIoT applications. By implementing a 4G networking solution, we successfully upgraded the intelligent solar-powered streetlight system, significantly enhancing remote operation and maintenance efficiency.
ICP DAS continues to introduce a diverse range of solutions, covering IIoT, smart factories, smart manufacturing, energy management, building automation, smart transportation, intelligent aquaculture, and natural resources management. We are committed to working closely with our customers to create greater value.
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ICP DAS was established in 1993 and strongly focuses on innovation and the enhancement of industrial automation technology. ICP DAS continuously endeavors to develop a comprehensive selection of products ranging from remote I/O controllers, distributed I/O modules, I/O data acquisition boards, programmable automation controllers, industrial communication modules, web-related products, motion control systems, SCADA/HMI software to automation solutions for applications critical to energy management, motion automation, smart factories, intelligent buildings, and smart cities. Our ambition is to provide a wide range of high-quality products and versatile applications, together with prompt and efficient services, that can be implemented to assist in the continued success of our clients worldwide.