What?
The system was designed to mix basic powder with ocean water and dose it into the outflow from the Nova Scotia power plant. The system consisted of a Dose tank, for accurately measuring and mixing the solution, and a mix tank, for storing the solution before it is released into the outflow from the plant. I was responsible for the design of the electrical control panel schematics, along with the networking, drive configuration, and PLC/HMI programming. The control system was implemented successfully!
How?
Electrical: The electrical design was complete on AutoCAD electrical, to CSA electrical standards. The system has a specific safety system with E-stops and drive-error feedback. A PLC is wired to control 5 VFD(variable frequency drives), 2 Valves(via relays), and provide status output to a HMI. The PLC is wired to receive input from the drives, water level sensors, HMI(user input), and valve status. The system runs on a 208V 100A service.
Software: All PLC programming was done with sysmac studio and was designed to provide a user full control. The HMI programming was done on CM5 software, and was designed to display status of the system as well as LOG data and provide complete system control.
Why?
Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement (OAE) is a technique inspired by natural processes, designed to enable oceans to effectively absorb and store excess atmospheric carbon for up to 100,000 years.
This method involves the addition of a substance similar to an antacid to seawater, which neutralizes carbon dioxide (CO2) and mitigates harmful ocean acidity. This process accelerates the natural geological carbon capture but operates over months instead of millennia.
Planetary’s approach to OAE utilizes widely available materials that have long been employed in water treatment. These materials are incorporated into current water systems, and the treated water is then discharged into the ocean.
The outcome of this process is the safe and enduring removal of CO2 from the atmosphere, contributing to the fight against ocean acidification and climate change by restoring the ocean’s essential chemical balance.
Learn More: https://www.planetarytech.com/
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