I/O system in research application Protecting the Great Barrier Reef with an I/O System

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The Weidmüller I/O system is being utilized by the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) in the National Sea Simulator (SeaSim) aquariums. The research conducted with this system contributes to the protection of the Great Barrier Reef on Australia's east coast.

The Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) is at the forefront of tropical marine research, focusing on the unique ecosystems of Australia's oceans, particularly the Great Barrier Reef, which is the largest coral reef on the planet. Decades of research have revealed the reef's vulnerability to large-scale environmental disruptions. Since 2016, it has experienced four significant coral bleaching events, resulting in widespread coral death

Investigating the causes of coral bleaching

To prevent further coral loss and ongoing damage to the reef, AIMS has set out to investigate the two biggest culprits for this phenomenon: climate change and the invasion of crown-of-thorns starfish. These are the two main causes of the loss of hard corals on the Great Barrier Reef.

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The world's most advanced research aquarium

To get to the bottom of these problems, AIMS conducts research using the National Sea Simulator. This facility is the most advanced research aquarium in the world. With highly automated systems, different parameters can be changed and monitored at each individual tank, thus recreating the conditions in the reef. Temperature, salinity, nutrient richness, light color, acidity, and water quality can be varied and regulated as needed and according to research interest.

The slightest change can distort the study

To obtain valid research results and insights, the technology in the aquariums must be highly reliable and functional. The slightest change in a parameter, such as the salt content of the water, can distort a long-term study. In this case, not only would years of research be nullified, financial losses would also occur.

Reducing downtime to a minimum

AIMS uses the U-remote I/O system, which meets the high scientific requirements. The modular design of the U-remote module makes it possible to replace electronics during ongoing operations. This reduces downtime to a minimum. In addition, the plain text diagnosis in the integrated web server simplifies error identification, thereby significantly shortening maintenance time. Thus, the U-remote is suitable for standard use in the aquarium's control cabinets.

IO-Link-capable according to standard IEC 61131-9

"For our facility, we need a smart system. It needs to be resilient, able to communicate with the sensors, and configurable. We have many third-party products," explains Steve Green, Senior Controls & Electrical Technician: SeaSim Facility, AIMS. With eleven different protocols, Weidmüller's I/O system can be integrated into the heterogeneous control landscape of the National Sea Simulator. U-remote is IO-Link capable according to the IEC 61131-9 standard. The system communicates with the smart sensors of the research tanks, so that researchers are informed about the values in the experimental plants at all times.

Change the parameters flexibly

Another important feature of U-remote that benefits AIMS is its flexibility. "In research, we change the parameters for different experiments. The I/O system is a product that allows us to easily change the parameters," says Steve Green.

The inputs and outputs of U-remote are configurable at any time. For this purpose, a web server pre-installed in each fieldbus coupler is provided. It can be accessed by entering the IP address using a standard web browser over the Ethernet network or the integrated USB interface. AIMS is then shown the modules installed at the facility and their current process data accurately displayed in the browser.

With just one click, the institute can reconfigure the individual inputs and outputs online. The installation can be saved and transferred to other stations as a standard. This saves the institute time and ensures uniform configuration of all tanks involved in the experiment; accordingly, it also reduces susceptibility to errors when setting up a new parameterization.

Long-term experiments with crown-of-thorns starfish

Over the past years, AIMS has gained many new insights. Through long-term experiments with crown-of-thorns starfish, the institute was able to provide reef managers with data to better understand the invasions, identify the causes, and develop innovative tools to help control their numbers and actively protect the reefs.

The I/O system is one of the many products and solutions in the fields of IIoT and automation from Weidmüller. "As an 'enabler from data to value', we enable our customers to easily automate their systems," explains Dr. Thomas Bürger, Head of the Automation Products and Solutions Division at Weidmüller.