Cost Effective Satellite SCADA Communication

Satellite Communications is used in SCADA Applications where highly reliable connectivity is required over a wide area. Within the wide area there may be areas with limited or no terrestrial coverage. Satellite communications offers a ubiqitious method to cover all stations using the same media.

Oil and Gas Pipeline and Production Applications have typically used VSAT based satellite communications. VSAT based systems typically have larger power draws often requiring AC or TEG power systems. These larger VSAT systems require more installation infrastructure and more specialized technical staff to install and maintain.

SatSCADA based systems with small size,  low power operation, and omni-directional antennae offer the opportunity for low cost SCADA communications in applications where higher data rates or higher polling frequency is not required.  SatSCADA may allow SCADA implementations where with traditional technologies are not previously economic or technically feasible.

Comparison

This comparison shows the significant difference in installation footprint required between a SCADALink SAT100 and a 1.8m  VSAT dish. At remote sites, the SAT100 can be powered by 25W solar panel whereas the 1.8m VSAT would require a 40 to 100W TEG (thermoelectric generator system) minimally.  The small size of the SAT100 allows field installation at sites with low risk of damage by vandalism as well misalignment due to severe weather conditions.