What is a Vessel Monitoring System?

A Vessel Monitoring System monitors any shipboard systems, and provides configurable high and low alarms for all parameters, while providing visual status indication of all data that can be distributed throughout the vessel.

 Why have a monitoring system?

Fully automatic alarming. Critical data (engines, generators, environmental, etc.) can be monitored and high/low alarms set. Early detection of engine problems can help avoid costly repair. Monitoring of environmental systems can help to insure the comfort of all aboard. Early detection of a freezer or refrigeration problem can avoid food spoilage.

Immediate access to all critical information immediately from anywhere on the vessel. The monitored data can be distributed throughout the vessel. The computer display(s) can be connected to the CCTV system, or distributed through local area network (LAN).

Provide a clean and intuitive view of all instrumentation. All data can be easily viewed at the helm, and much greater instrument density achieved when compared with conventional instrumentation (gauges). This provides a clean, modern, "glass bridge" look to the helm.


What are the main components of a monitoring system?

Senders/Transducers. A sender or transducer converts input energy (temperature, pressure, current) into an electrical signal.

PLC Programmable Logic Controller. The PLC is a ruggedized device that can receive electrical signals from transducers, make decisions based on an algorithm (program), and output a response (sound an alarm, turn on a valve, etc.) Several PLCs can be connected on a network so that they are close to the systems that they are controlling.

Operator interface. The operator interface is the screen that the operator sees, and where the data that the PLC acquires is displayed. There can be as many operator interfaces as the application requires. The operator interface can be connected to several PLCs, shipboard instruments (GPS, radar, etc.), and directly to modern electronic engines and power management devices.

How does it work?

Data is acquired from the transducer by the PLC, from NMEA data sources, and directly from electronic engines and generators. This data is displayed and monitored by the operator interface computer.

 What is a PLC, and why use one?

PLC Programmable Logic Controller. The PLC is a ruggedized device that can receive electrical signals from transducers, make decisions based on an algorithm (program), and output a response (sound an alarm, turn on a valve, etc.) Several PLCs can be connected on a network so that they are close to the systems that they are controlling.

Why use off-the-shelf components?

Commercially available components are typically better engineered, as well as less expensive that "home-grown" proprietary components. Commercially available components from established, well known manufacturers are produced in high volumes, and the designs continuously improved translating into more customer value.

Product Availability. It is better to design a system around proven components, from established manufacturers that are available world wide. If a proprietary component of a system fails in 5 years, and the manufacturer is out of business, the system may be scrap.

What can be monitored?

Any shipboard system can be monitored. These may include ANY temperature, pressure, level, flow, current, voltage, or any other type of measurement that can be converted into an electrical signal.		  

       
       
       
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