Inter-season heat transfer project uses Citect SCADA
1 min read
Silchester Controls is using SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) software from Citect as part of a control and monitoring system for a revolutionary ‘Inter-seasonal Heat Transfer’ (IHT) system developed by London-based energy company ICAX.
IHT is currently undergoing evaluation trials by the Transport Research Laboratory for the Highways Agency on a service road at Toddington adjacent to the M1 motorway to determine its effectiveness in preventing ice and snow formation on roads.
“The pilot IHT project is a real showcase for the technology,” says Cevn Vibert of Silchester Controls. “To get the best from our control system, we had to ensure the highest levels of flexibility in terms of local and remote monitoring and reporting; and the highest levels of operating reliability. We’ve used CitectSCADA in many of our previous projects, and we know that the package can deliver all of these benefits.”
If successful, the pilot IHT scheme could lead to the technology being adopted on many roads that are prone to freezing. “IHT is an environmentally friendly British invention that will transform the way roads are used,” says ICAX director Mark Hewitt. “There will be no need for gritting in winter, and roads will be cool in the summer and may require less maintenance as surfaces last longer.”
