ADECS³ [Module-RAX]
Remote Auxiliary Control and Status
The Remote Auxiliary monitor and control option for the RDM (Remote Direct Manual) control module provides operators in the control room a similar type of access to systems and components of the dock that are not directly related to evolution control.
Similar to the RDM, this custom option can provide screen based monitor and control functions for most components and controls in the control room in order to remove multiple electro-mechanical switches and control components.
In the typical ADECS³ system, the electrical inputs and outputs are distributed throughout the dock. A standard part of the RAX module provides monitoring of the various distributed processing units, including all power status, circuit breakers, etc.
The distributed nature of the system is based on a high speed redundant Ethernet network with any run between critical components via fiberoptics. The RAX sub-component also provides a means to monitor that network. Any unexpected addition to the network is logged and alarmed, in a similar manner, if a connection is lost, that is also alarmed.
The RAX sub-system typically has it's own alarming separate from the Ballast Control portion. This alarming allows the operator to deal with items that are not critical for automated operation separately. Security is also similarly divided, with specific privileges assigned for the Auxiliary system.
Becoming increasingly common, Power Management or Power Monitoring Systems (PMS) handle operation of the core electrical power on the dock. The RAX system can also be designed to provide a uniform interface into the PMS for the control room. Technologies such as Modbus and Modbus-TCP are often used for this purpose and the RAX subsystem can interface with those, and many other protocols, to provide a single point of reference for maintenance and operations personnel.
As an additional benefit, since RAX is an optional part of the RDM module, all of the RDM screens can be used as a redundant backup to the RAX screen, and the RAX screen can also be used for RDM, providing a tertiary backup for operational security.
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