The Argus Titan system is a user-programmable, real-time control system with dedicated distributable hardware. It has been specifically designed to accomplish three objectives within a single platform:
Argus has been a pioneer and major manufacturer of greenhouse climate control systems for over 25 years. Many of the world's premier commercial horticulture production and research facilities use Argus systems for integrated environmental control, irrigation, and nutrient delivery. Horticultural production environments are particularly demanding in the range of equipment types that must be controlled, the rapidly changing light and temperature conditions due to external weather influences, and the narrow climate tolerances required to maintain healthy disease free crops.
To meet these challenges, Argus needed to develop a control system with sufficient flexibility to handle the broad scope of equipment, structures, and climate control strategies used in horticulture production and research. This approach has proved so successful that our systems, though originally intended for horticulture, have proved their value in a wide variety of control applications. Titan represents the next step in the evolution of the Argus system by further increasing run-time programmability flexibility of control for both standard and non standard applications. For horticulture this means an unparalleled ability to fit the control system to your facility, no matter how simple of complex your requirements. This includes the capability to distribute the hardware 'close to the action' for ease of access as well as substantially reducing wiring and installation costs. As a result, the Titan system is more suited than ever for both horticulture and non-horticulture applications. It contains a suite of run-time programmable control modules that can be easily linked together to provide amazingly powerful and sophisticated control automation.
The system gathers information from sensor devices such as temperature, wind speed, tank levels, pH, vent position, humidity, light, CO2 etc. It then uses this information, in conjunction with sophisticated internal algorithms and user-defined parameters to control target processes such as air temperatures, humidity levels, soil moisture levels, and nutrients supplied by irrigation. The system is highly modular and expandable, so you only purchase the components you need when you need them. All components are linked together by simple network wiring. Since the control modules can be located nearly anywhere in your operation, you can substantially reduce the length and cost of wiring runs (when compared to more centralized control systems) for your sensors and controlled equipment.
Our system is designed to provide the highest degree of durability, reliability, and flexibility in both hardware and software while still achieving powerful control objectives. Wherever possible, critical control functions are designed to be failsafe. In cases where the physical design of the controlled equipment does not allow failsafe or fail-soft design, we provide appropriate user configurable alarms combined with a fall-back to manual control override for additional safety. In most cases, your Argus system will arrive from the factory fully preconfigured to your exact requirements complete with a custom set of navigation screens that match the names and layout of your controlled equipment and locations. One of the strengths of the Titan system is the modular building block approach that we use to configure our control applications. With it, we can construct increasingly sophisticated applications by combining simpler generic control modules. The end result is shaped into the custom applications that you use for day-to-day control. If at any time your requirements change, we can usually adapt the control logic by simply reconfiguring the underlying control programs to suit your new requirements. In most cases there is never a need to revise the underlying program code to accomplish this. This ability to rapidly and economically adapt our software to your changing requirements is what sets the Argus system apart from our competition.
The Argus Titan system has been specifically designed to provide you with these benefits:
The Argus system provides the capabilities of three full featured management systems in a single platform:
The system gathers continuous input information from sensor devices
(temperature, wind speed, tank levels, pH, vent position, humidity, light, CO2,
soil moisture etc.). It then uses this information, in conjunction with
sophisticated internal programs and user-defined control parameters to
automatically operate the equipment under its control.
Integrated control enables the coordination of multiple equipment systems, and
the possibility of a variety of control strategies for each device. Systems are
engineered to meet the specific requirements of each application while providing
automatic compensation for the effects of weather and other dynamic
environmental variables. This reduces the need for constant human monitoring and
adjustment.
Whether you need data recording for general management purposes or as an integral component for research, the Argus Titan system provides extensive data collection capabilities. Each system functions as a complete user-configurable recorder that can be used for collecting, displaying, and analyzing real-time and historical data in graphical, tabular, and summary formats. All collected data can be viewed online, from any location as well as exported to other applications for further analysis. The Titan system’s unique data filtering and compression methods make it possible to record hundreds of items at selectable sampling frequencies, including all sensor readings and equipment positions.
The word Argus is synonymous with watchfulness. It comes from the many-eyed creature of Greek mythology who, even as he slept, could always keep at least one eye opened. Accordingly, we have always included monitoring and alarm features as an integral part of our systems. You can monitor virtually any measured and controlled control condition and configure the appropriate alarm thresholds and annunciation methods. Not only can you use the system to watch over its own controlled processes, but any measurable conditions within your operation.
Your system will arrive with many preconfigured alarms. You can also configure
as many additional alarms as you need. Selectable alarm priorities and
annunciation methods enable you to set some alarms to warn you immediately of
critical conditions such as low or high temperatures, and other non-critical
alarms for management purposes, such as tracking the operational hours of
controlled equipment for preventative maintenance purposes. You can even
configure ‘smart’ alarms that warn you only when a combination of events occurs.
For example, if you lose heating and there are low temperatures outside you can
set a critical alarm where someone needs to be alerted immediately. On the other
hand, if there is a heating system problem while the temperatures are warm
outside, you might want to set this as a non-critical alarm (no need to get you
out of bed!).
An Argus system can manage and monitor every aspect of environmental control. It can co-ordinate and integrate the activities of all controlled equipment ensuring that they operate efficiently and in harmony with the current control objectives. It accommodates changes in the crop and weather, monitors, records, and reports on current conditions, and raises alarms if things go wrong. When matched with the right structures and equipment, an Argus system can create and maintain a precision growing environment despite constantly changing external conditions such as temperatures, humidity and light.
For horticulture applications, the Argus system can also meet the needs of the crop by controlling CO2 levels, irrigation, chemical treatments, and nutrient supplies. It continuously monitors all growing environments and equipment operations and reports on the consumption and supply of resources such as water, electricity, heat, and chemicals and equipment operation hours. The system maintains a detailed history of your operation so you can get accurate reports whenever you need them.
The following sections explain some of the control capabilities and illustrate the direct connection between the control objectives, the physical equipment design, and the computer control strategies required. These examples are by no means complete, but should provide some insight into the approaches Argus uses to solve problems in greenhouse control.
The Argus system is very comprehensive and contains many features not found on other computer control systems. In all cases, the controlled equipment must be properly installed and serviced. In particular, there must be a good match between the capacity and response of the equipment and the tasks they are expected to perform.
In situations where other stand-alone equipment controllers are already in place, such
as boiler control packages, PLCs, and nutrient controllers, the Argus System can
often provide an interface to coordinate and integrate the operation of these
devices with the rest of your facility. This not only helps you to better manage
these systems, it also ensures maximum operating efficiency and effectiveness
while avoiding potential equipment conflicts.
Whenever you are selecting new equipment that is available with custom control
options, you should check with Argus first. We can often manage your new
equipment directly, providing convenient and coordinated central control and
monitoring, while saving you money on redundant control hardware.
Argus configures each control system to your specifications and needs. Each
controller is capable of managing several climates. However, the actual number
of managed zones depends on:
the complexity of each climate
Climate control is one of the most common applications, and one of the most
complex. The Argus system provides extensive climate control capabilities and
features including:
Argus provides several ways to schedule climate targets in advance. Diurnal (24 hour repeating) and multi-day strategies can be used individually or in combination to program your growing environment for the changing needs of the crop over time. Any climate parameters can be scheduled including heating, ventilation, and humidity levels. To control energy costs, you can also define resource rationing limits for activities such as dehumidification.
The Argus control system constantly evaluates greenhouse and outdoor conditions and grower established targets to develop the best possible strategy for control. It accurately predicts the energy balance for a greenhouse and manipulates the heating and/or cooling equipment to maintain this balance. The computer system ‘looks ahead’ and reacts to changes in conditions that will result in errors if not corrected. This is far superior to waiting until a deviation has occurred before making changes.
Climate air and media temperatures must be controlled to produce the correct
growing environment. Extensive heating and ventilation equipment control
programs are available to manage all types of systems including:
During the configuration process, we work with you and your heating system supplier to make sure that your equipment is operated in the safest, most efficient manner, according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Even if your heating plant comes with packaged controls, we can usually provide improved heating system management by interfacing these stand-alone systems with the heat distribution system.
Our flexible programs can be used for:
Air exchange strategies can be used to remove solar heat gain, to reduce
relative humidity, provide fresh air, and to provide additional moisture absorbing capacity for evapo-transpiration and
greenhouse evaporative cooling systems. Ventilation also supplies
carbon dioxide for plant growth during daylight hours. All types of ventilation
equipment are supported including:
Passive roof and sidewall vents
Capabilities include fully modulating, wind direction compensated control with safety limits and overrides for high wind speeds, and rainfall. To protect your vents, your structure, and your crop from the effects of strong winds, the control system constantly monitors the current outdoor conditions and will close or limit the vent openings in extreme conditions. To maximize air exchange and cooling precision, the system can compensate for the effects of wind speed and wind direction by managing windward and leeward vents separately. Features include:
- Full span modulating control (0 -100% opening)
- Reaction tables to accelerate or decelerate vent opening with respect to ventilation required
- Rain position opening limits
- Separate cooling and dehumidification settings
- Evaporative cooling position
- Wind speed lockout
- Wind lockout release rates
- Windward/leeward control
- Low temperature opening overrides for "winter freeze up" protection
- Time and position based vent movement
- Vent compensation settings to compensate for reduced air exchange when energy curtains are deployed
- Spray program overrides
- Minimum crack settings
- Additional overrides, limits, and operating logic as required
Exhaust Fans
Typical control capabilities include sophisticated staging and fan rotation programs for multiple fan applications. With the Argus System, you can use a variety of control strategies to operate ventilation fans. In climate control situations, the operation of the ventilation fans is coordinated with your heating system to maximize energy efficiency. For multi-fan applications, the Argus System regulates the operation of fans based on the current calculated ventilating requirement. Fans can be operated individually or in groups to achieve varied ventilation rates. Each fan can be controlled using a simple ON/OFF strategy, or with pulse width modulation (PWM). With PWM control, the control system regulates the on/off times as well as the numbers of fans operating to precisely match the current cooling or dehumidification requirements. This results in exceptional temperature control precision. Fan operation can also be coordinated with evaporative cooling pad(s) systems. Typical features include:
- Fully user customizable multi fan output grouping and staging
- On/Off control
- Multiple speed control
- Variable speed control
- Evaporative cooling settings
- Pulse width modulation (PWM) control
- Minimum on/off time fan cycling protection
- Spray program interlock settings
- Additional overrides, limits, and operating logic as required
HVAC systems (Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning)
Argus systems can provide full HVAC control of systems typically found in commercial buildings, and research facilities. In situations where other control systems are already in place (for example, providing central heating and cooling water resources), our systems are capable of signal interlinking for coordinated operation.
The Argus Titan system can manage humidity levels in a wide variety of situations including enclosed environments, office buildings, and open field or shade house growing areas. All factors that influence humidity management can be evaluated for control integration including:
For enclosed crop production, control of relative humidity is extremely important. Greenhouse humidity may need to be controlled by use of heating and ventilation (to reduce humidity) and humidification systems to supplement the evapo-transpiration of soil and plants to help meet cooling temperature, vapor-pressure deficit, and relative humidity targets. The Titan system can selectively operate your heating and ventilating equipment to simultaneously manage temperature and humidity. At the same time, it can operate evaporative pad and fan systems, as well as misting and fogging equipment to achieve your humidification and cooling objectives. The control of these systems is integrated with your other climate management equipment to ensure coordinated operation of all devices.
Typical dehumidification options include:
Typical humidification and cooling control options include:
Each equipment system has operating requirements imposed on it by its design or the way it must interact with other equipment. These requirements often limit the ability of the control system to instantly execute corrective measures. However, they must be recognized and dealt with to protect the equipment. The Argus system not only addresses direct safety problems with proper equipment installation and wiring, but also includes additional settings to further protect and improve operation. These include:
The Argus system is capable of producing a coordinated response across
multiple equipment systems to a single triggered event. For example, a
system-wide spray program enables integrated management of pesticides and other
types of spray systems typically used in greenhouse compartments. Whether or not
you use automated spray systems, you can still use the power of the spray
program to automatically manage your other equipment systems while you are
spraying. For example, if you intend to use manually operated spray equipment
you can use these settings to automatically manage all of your vents, HAF fans etc.
while you are spraying, and immediately afterwards by simply setting up the
proper spray cycle times and triggering a spray cycle before you begin spraying.
Similar strategies can be employed for other triggered events.
Features include:
Natural gas is a clean, economical, reliable, and easily managed energy source, but there are other energy sources that can be used to improve the performance and economics of the greenhouse operation. Some sources such as solar energy are “free” to the extent that greenhouses naturally trap and use it. Others such as waste cooling water or alternate fuels (sawdust, waste oil, etc.) may be relatively inexpensive but not continuously available, nor in sufficient supply for all conditions. Control strategies can be optimized for energy conservation by using cheap energy when it is available and minimizing expensive natural gas usage.
The Argus control system arbitrates between the heat requirements of the greenhouse and the ability of a boiler system to reliably and safely deliver this heat. The program eliminates thermal shock and condensation problems when used with properly designed equipment. A direct benefit of this type of program is the need to only size the boiler system for average heating requirements rather than short term peak requirements.
Co-generation is potentially very useful to greenhouse growers, assuming that adequate use can be made of all components of energy output. Modern computer control systems coupled with properly designed physical systems, can handle most of the arbitration required to make the highest and best use of each energy component. The computer system can select the best use for the recovered heat and schedule operating periods for maximum benefit.
Argus has sophisticated control programs for operations that need to recover
stored heat energy produced by activities such as CO2 generation from natural
gas. Surplus heat energy can be automatically stored and recovered seamlessly,
in harmony with the primary heating source.
Heat storage systems are used in situations where the heat energy produced by a
heating plant is in excess of the current heating demand. For greenhouse
operations, heat storage is often used for daytime CO2 generation from natural
gas or propane, and in other situations such as combined heat and power
generation (cogen) where the heat energy created to produce electricity occurs
at a time when it is not needed. The reservoir of hot water that accumulates is
typically used at night when the greenhouse requires heat.
Without a managed storage system in place, the heat generated by these processes
would otherwise be wasted since it is not immediately required. Therefore, a
properly engineered heat storage system has the potential to generate
considerable energy savings.
The Argus System can manage the somewhat complex equipment configurations required to store and recover surplus heat efficiently. This includes precision management of zone heating, heat storage, & heat recovery as well as intelligent transitioning between these operational phases. Argus can configure a control design to match your specifications including:
In situations where specialized equipment systems require additional or non-standard features, Argus has a powerful set of programs that can be configured to meet the control objectives of the most demanding applications. These powerful and flexible program modules are adaptable to almost any situation and unlike many alternative systems, they are user-configurable without the need to learn a complex computer programming language. Features include:
The Equations program is the “Swiss Army Knife” of generic decision programming on the Argus Titan system. It is a flexible, comprehensive, and general-purpose control program that you can use anytime you need to specify one or more rules or conditions for controlling an output response. You can also use it to generate custom alarms and keep track of control events. It is possible to configure an entire equipment control application including alarms, and event records using just one Equations program. For more complex applications you can chain several Equations programs together, or use them in conjunction with other specialty programs such as the Diurnal Setpoints program or the Climate-Energy Balance program. With each Equations program you can:
Typical Applications
You can use the Equations program whenever you need to do one or more of the following:
Output Control - Produce an equipment control response in relation to specified changes in measured conditions: Whenever you need your control system to make decisions based on changing conditions or calculated targets, you can use the Equations program to define the rules of operation. The program can be used to operate both ON/OFF style, and fully modulating equipment, where the degree of output response is proportioned over a defined span in relation to the difference between a test threshold value and a measured value (proportional control). For example, a variable-speed cooling fan can be operated at slower speeds when the measured temperature is just above the target value, and at increasing speeds the more the measured temperature deviates from the target. This provides a proportioned output response in relation to the magnitude of the control error.
Alarms - Define the test conditions that will produce an alarm state: For example, you might want an alarm to become active whenever the temperature in a controlled climate zone falls too far below the control heating target.
Counter Accumulator - count the number of occurrences, or accumulate the active time of a measured event: For example, you may wish to record the total hours that a unit heater has been active for maintenance and fuel consumption purposes. In the Equations program, you can configure event counters or accumulators to run continuously or reset at regular intervals. The current and last recorded counter values are always displayed for comparison purposes and you can also use data recording to preserve these values for long-term comparisons. You could choose to record the total running hours of a specified piece of equipment at daily, monthly, or yearly reset intervals. You could also record the number of ON/OFF cycles for the same intervals.
This feature emulates the functions of a PLC (programmable logic controller). It provides a general method for solving a variety of control problems without resorting to stand-alone PLCs for isolated equipment control operations such as batch water treatment, tank level management, or any process involving a series of steps and conditional branches. You can simply use the Argus system to achieve the same functions. The Sequencer program is designed to execute successive instructions. Similar to 'ladder logic', each line in the Sequencer represents an instruction and there are 78 discreet instruction types that can be selected. Whenever you select an instruction on a line, the appropriate operands for that instruction will also appear, and status messages assist you in completing the necessary inputs for each instruction. Syntax errors are prevented through the instruction selection process. Multiple 'Virtual PLCs' can be operated from a single controller.
There are several advantages when using the Argus system for PLC functions. You can integrate equipment operations that would be otherwise isolated by stand-alone hardware. You also have all of the standard data recording, monitoring, diagnostics, and alarm features that are built in to your Argus system, as well as the convenience of central and remote PC access.
PID (Proportional, Integral, and Derivative) functions are supported in a variety of programs including a stand-alone program that consists of eight independent PID Equations. They can be used as a generic 'plug-in' tuning feedback loops.
This feature provides a table of up to 32 independent filters that can be applied in control applications. They can be used whenever you need filtering to control the rate of change of a control variable or to control the upper or lower limits that a variable can attain. Most often, these filters are used to manage the behavior of inputs and outputs in control programs. They can also be used to manage intermediate values in decision-making programs. Filters can be used for a variety of purposes:
Applications include:
This program is used whenever math operations need to be performed. With the Math Matrix program, you can define basic mathematic relationships between a number of system variables such as sensor values or output responses. It allows you to manipulate up to 16 system variables or constants (locally entered values) in as many as 16 mathematical operations. You can use the operations to scale, average, sum or perform an array of mathematical functions on selected groups of variables. Up to 16 separate mathematical operations can be performed within the program, each producing a result that can then be mapped into control programs such as Equations or recorded for analysis.
This program is used for sequenced sampling applications that share one or more sensors. For example, a sampling manifold may be designed to draw air sequentially from several compartments (up to 16). Each sample may be exposed to up to four separate sensors (CO2, oxygen, nitrogen, etc).
This program is designed to provide alternate time and geographic values. It can be used for emulating the diurnal (sunset/sunrise) conditions of almost any location on the planet. For example, if you are managing an artificial climate in Ohio, but wish to emulate the conditions near the Amazon, you can use this program for regional settings. Instead of using the local time values from the Broadcast Information program, you would use these values to operate the equipment control programs needed to produce the artificial climate.
The User Scales program is used to enter linearization data to convert the
signals from non-linear sensors into a linear scale for display. For example, an
infra-red temperature sensor that produces a non linear voltage signal can be
scaled to produce linear output in degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit. This allows
you to use non-standard sensors in custom applications.
Each User Scales program consists of eight separate linearization tables.
With Argus, data logging is a integral part of automated control. Normally, your preconfigured system will arrive with with the many parameters already set for continuous recording. You can record almost any parameter on your system including:
With the Argus Titan system, you can record as many items as you need. Data recording is accomplished seamlessly by using special data logging features of each controller. The recorded data is temporarily stored in memory buffers of each controller and is automatically transferred to the Local Argus Server PC whenever the Argus Operator program is running. These buffers can store enough data to last from a few hours to several days depending on the number of channels you are recording on each controller, the frequency of the sampling, and the rate at which the data is changing. To prevent loss of recorded data should the memory buffers on the controllers become full, we recommend that you leave the Argus program running continuously on your Local Argus Server PC. It’s fine if you need to shut the operator program or the PC down for a while, as long as the memory buffers do not become full, no data will be lost. If they do become full, the oldest stored data will be overwritten by the most recent information. This way, you will always have the most recent recorded information even if some data is lost.
The easiest way to keep track of the complex interactions between equipment operations and controlled climate variables is to record important parameters and study their relationships. Recording your control data over time and viewing it in graphs and tables can be very useful to help you visualize the dynamics of your controlled environments. It's important for you to understand these relationships when making changes to the settings.
Data recording provides an excellent 'check' on system changes, helping you to
see the effects of your settings and to make sure that any changes you make are
having the desired effect. Regular analysis of your recorded data can help you
to fine tune your system and pinpoint problem situations that can only be
detected by viewing your sensor readings and control data over time.
The Argus System includes comprehensive self-diagnostics and alarm capabilities.
Specific alarm conditions can be configured for almost any variable. A variety
of alarm priorities and annunciation methods enables instant notification for
critical events and failures, as well as “management by exception” alerts to
track events of lesser importance.
Some of the features available include:
High and low absolute alarms - alarmed value exceeds or falls below a set
value. Examples of this type of alarm include: the “classic” high temperature or
low temperature alarms.
High and low floating alarms - alarmed value exceeds or falls below another
value that varies, for example, with time of day. Examples of this type of alarm
include: an alarm that will activate whenever the temperature drops too far
below the current heating set point. This type of alarm will “track” the heating
setpoint automatically.
Linked alarm conditions - master alarm is raised when pre-defined combinations
of minor alarms are raised. Examples of this type of alarm include: a low
greenhouse temperature alarm that will activate only if it is also cold outside.
Deviation alarms - alarmed value exceeds a given deviation, plus or minus,
from another value. Examples of this type of alarm include: applications where
two sensors are used to “guard” each other. Excessive deviation might indicate a
sensor or equipment failure.
High and low sensor failure alarms - sensor is producing readings that are
outside of the possible range for this type of sensor.
All alarms have selectable priorities for annunciation, and programmable time delays to reduce false alarms. Alarms annunciate only while active and can be temporarily disabled to allow time to correct the problem before automatic re-arming of the alarm occurs. All alarms must be acknowledged by the operator, ensuring that no condition goes unnoticed, including those that correct themselves without operator intervention. Each control function can be programmed to take alternative action whenever associated sensor failures are detected.
Argus has drawn upon its many years of industrial control experience in developing the Titan system. It is designed to provide the highest degree of reliability while still achieving powerful, efficient control with maximum flexibility, scalability, and distributability.
The modular design of the hardware makes it equally suited to ganged panel applications or full distribution of the modules throughout the operation. Simple network wiring makes it easy to distribute the hardware to where the action is. I/O (Input/Output) modules can be located in the controlled zones and next to the equipment being controlled. In many cases this can substantially reduce the costs of wiring runs when compared to centralized control systems. System network wiring consists of easy to install twisted pair communications wire, and installation of the panels is simple and straightforward.
The distributed network of controllers is treated as a single system. The activities of individual controllers can be coordinated to accomplish cross-module control objectives such as irrigation and the efficient distribution of heat from a central supply.
Typical Hardware components include:
Titan controllers perform all of the control processing functions for the system. Depending on your needs, your Argus system will have at least one, and perhaps several Titan controllers. These dedicated, interconnected, supervisory control computers can be distributed about your operation as the need requires. The system network is self-configuring and self-monitoring. All control programs are stored in and executed from the controllers. When you use the Argus operator program to access your system, you are communicating directly with these controllers. When you are not on line, the Titan controllers automatically operate all of your controlled equipment in accordance with your settings.
For maximum safety and redundancy, these controllers operate independently, and independent from the operator access PC(s). Each controller is equipped with power failure protected memory for settings and data storage, memory data integrity checks, program execution integrity checks (hardware watchdog), hardware memory protection, and protocols to prevent inadvertent corruption of critical settings and data. All programs execute from resident non-volatile program memory.
In addition, each controller contains protection against transient electrical noise and ground potential variations. Power supply fusing and transient clamping devices (varistors) provide further protection. The system constantly monitors the state of all controllers and peripheral Input/Output modules and automatically warns you should any component become erratic or fail. Should this occur, you can quickly restore normal operation without any rewiring using our plug-and-run replacement components. All systems are designed with temporary manual operation overrides in the event of an emergency.
The extensive features of the Titan Controller include:
In most cases your controllers will arrive fully preconfigured from the Argus Factory. Each Titan controller consists of a powerful 32-bit RISC processor with a nonvolatile memory area for program storage. The extensive program features provide the most advanced flexibility and control capability in its class.
The job of each controller is to:
1. Process information from the sensor inputs located on various connected I/O Modules.
2. Execute the on-board control programs according to your current settings.
3. Make equipment control decisions for operating the physical outputs located on various connected I/O modules.
There are no on-board sensor inputs or equipment control outputs on the Titan controllers. All connections to the physical world are performed on one or more slaved I/O modules that perform the input sensing and output signal operations for each controller. This provides the highest degree of control safety, isolation, flexibility, and economy. Almost any type of equipment can be controlled, including hot water mixing valves and pumps, gas-fired unit heaters, exhaust fans, air circulation fans, modulating vents, thermal and photo period shading systems, HID lighting, CO2 enrichment, crop irrigation, nutrient mixing systems, HVAC equipment, etc.
Titan controllers are typically housed in powder-coated, white, heat reflecting aluminum enclosures, with a hinged, gasketed door that provides a dust and drip-proof seal. They may be mounted alone, or in combination panels along with input/output hardware such as Titan I/O modules, line voltage interfacing, and power distribution. The enclosures are suitable for mounting in almost any location, but should be protected from extreme heat and weather. In areas subject to frequent dripping, we recommend the installation of a protective drip shield above the enclosures.
Each Titan controller fits onto a specially designed Backplane. There are different Backplane receptacles for different applications. For example, the controller that is connected to the Local Argus Server PC is provided with a backplane containing dedicated alarm outputs. All of the wires for connecting the controller to the power supply, and various communications pathways are connected to the Backplane. Should a controller ever need replacing, it can be removed without undoing any wires other than unplugging the power connector.
Connections on the controller backplane include:
Note: Backplane connections may vary between controllers since not all controllers require all features. Generally, only the controller that is connected to the server PC will have a backplane equipped with dedicated alarm outputs.
Titan I/O Modules
Titan I/O modules are used to gather sensor information and to provide the physical outputs for equipment control. These robust modules contain a wealth of features for custom control and data acquisition. They can be located remotely, close to the controlled equipment and the connected sensors. Up to 32 I/O modules can be connected to each Titan controller via a simple, 2-wire network that also powers the modules. Each Titan I/O module has 7 analog inputs, 2 high speed frequency inputs, and 4 multi-use output connections providing up to 32 discreet outputs.
Major Features of the Titan I/O Module:
Each Titan I/O module has seven high-resolution analog inputs and two high-speed frequency inputs for connection of sensors and other input signals. Virtually any industrial sensor can be connected, although a few special types may require external signal conditioning.
With more than a million parts of resolution over a 0-5 volt span, the Titan I/O module can even accommodate direct connection of sensors that produce signals of only a few millivolts. This can help you save money on expensive signal conditioning circuitry as well as reduced wiring complexity. The Argus System provides on-board gain, offset, temperature compensation, linearization, display scaling, and other sensor specific calibrations to simplify sensor connections and allow the use of lower cost sensors. Many standard sensors used for control applications are available directly from Argus. These include:
Sensor Input Features Include:
Each I/O module contains 4 output connectors. Each of these connectors is addressable, and can be extensively configured for any type of output signal. Special output relay modules are connected to the outputs to provide the appropriate signal for the type of equipment being controlled. Depending on the application, each I/O module can operate between 4 and 32 discreet outputs. The I/O module software provides for precision calibration of each output. Once connected to the I/O Network, each I/O Module is operated by a corresponding I/O Module Program running on the Controller to which it is connected.
The Argus system uses specialized output signals tailored to the equipment being controlled. Output relay types are selected and configured according to your particular equipment configuration. All output control is designed to operate as Class-2 low-voltage equipment. This reduces wiring costs (and you can do it yourself) and is compatible with most greenhouse control equipment. Low-voltage wiring (24V, AC) is also safe, allowing you to safely open the enclosure and use the manual overrides in an emergency. Connectors on the I/O Module Backplane provide for simple configuration of output signals by using different types of plug-in Output Signal Boards. These boards include the appropriate field wire terminations, status indicators lights, and manual 0verrides.
Output Relay Module Types Include:
Each Titan I/O module fits into a specially designed backplane. All of the wires
for connecting the I/O module to the I/O Network and power supply, the sensors,
and the output relays are connected to the backplane. Should an I/O module ever
need replacing, it can be removed without undoing any wires.
Connection points on the backplane include:
Specially designed Titan power supply modules are used to provide combined module power and I/O network communications over a two-conductor twisted pair wire. These regulated power supplies feature intelligent fault detection and automatic reset capabilities. They automatically protect the controllers and I/O modules from short-circuits, faulty wiring, lightning, utility power surges, and brown-outs. This significantly enhances the overall robustness and reliability of your control system.
Each power supply module can power up to eight control modules (up to eight I/O Modules, or one Titan Controller and 7 I/O Modules). Since they also provide the power to slaved I/O modules over the same communications wire, it is possible to locate I/O modules at a significant distance from line power sources. This can greatly simplify and reduce the installation costs for managing outdoor irrigation valves and locating remote sensor arrays such as weather stations.
Power Supply Feature Include:
This is the PC that is directly connected to the control system via USB. It is
the PC used for primary access and it acts as a remote connection data server
for any other Argus client PCs connected via LAN, the Internet, or direct PC
Modem dial-up. Although your control system does not require this PC for any
active control functions, it is needed for long term data storage and for
general operator access. This PC should be left running continuously so that
there is no interruption in data collection or remote access from other PCs.
Although other applications can be run simultaneously, we strongly recommend
that this PC be used primarily if not exclusively for the Argus System.
PC System Requirements:
The Argus System is connected to the local Argus Server PC via a USB connection. Serial link options are also available. Other client PCs communicate with the control system through the Local Argus Server PC. Communication pathways for remote PC access include Ethernet LAN, Internet, and direct modem dial-up
The
Titan System Network is used to connect Titan controllers. When installing the
system network wiring, follow your installation wiring diagrams for wire
specifications and layout. This network uses simple two- conductor unshielded
cabling. The wiring scheme uses a bus topology, so you can connect a controller
as a branch from any other controller. For longer networks, inexpensive active
and passive repeaters can be used to extend the network length to several
thousand meters.
In rare cases where a system network cannot be wired contiguously with dedicated wiring, the system is capable of domain bridging through wired or wireless standard protocols such as Ethernet or serial RS-485.
The Titan I/O network connects an array of Titan I/O modules to each controller. Titan power supply modules are used to provide network power and communications. Consult your installation wiring drawings for details. The network uses inexpensive unshielded two-conductor cabling. The wiring scheme uses a bus topology, so you can connect an I/O module to any other I/O module (in-line power supplies are used to power and link additional modules). For longer networks, inexpensive active and passive repeaters can be used to extend the network length to several thousand meters.
Argus Titan Systems are compatible with hardware modules of previous Argus
systems. If you are upgrading from a previous Argus system to the Titan system
you may be able to continue using most of your original hardware. A Classic I/O
Device Network Port on the Titan controller facilitates this type of connection.
On new installations and upgrade expansions, these hardware modules have been
superseded by the newer Argus Titan series I/O modules.
Commonly supported ‘Classic’ equipment includes:
The ‘Classic’ Device Network is used for existing installations as a means of
reusing existing hardware on the Titan system. Each controller can support up to
32 ‘Classic’ Expansion Boards in addition to its standard I/O Network. This
network is a differential RS485 "daisy chain", operating at 9600 baud. A
2-conductor, 22 gauge, shielded cable connects the modules on the ‘Classic’
Device Network.
Argus has always endeavored to make its control systems as flexible as possible without requiring users to learn programming languages. We try to provide the best of both worlds by offering a suite of pre-built control applications that have been designed to control specific equipment types such as mixing valves, shade curtains, and ventilation systems. These applications contain a large number of options for tuning the control responsiveness to the capabilities of your equipment. They also contain many safety limits and overrides to protect your facilities from improper operation.
In addition, we use an array of highly configurable generic programs for creating custom applications. If you have special control requirements that are beyond the scope of our standard modules, we can create custom applications from these generic programs.One advantage to using the Argus system for custom control applications is that all program setup and configuration is performed at run-time using our pre built, pre-tested logic modules. There is no need for off-line compilation and debugging. We can rapidly create custom control solutions with our software saving you money compared to the custom programming of PLCs and other control options. ‘Power Users’ can even create their own custom control solutions without needing to learn complex programming methods.
Although most customers may never need these do-it-yourself programming
capabilities, you can take comfort that, should your requirements change, Argus
can reconfigure your existing system quickly and economically using these same
application development tools. In keeping with the flexibility of our control
programs, the Argus Operator Program offers complete user customization
capabilities. Unlike other systems that offer limited user customization
capabilities, you can design all of your own overview screens and a navigation
system that best suits your needs. Each user of the system can develop a
personal screen system for managing the entire control system or their own
sections of the controlled operation. In addition, a pre-built Factory screen
menu system is always available to display all programs and parameters that are
currently in use.
The software responsible for real-time control resides in the Titan
controllers. It includes standard, comprehensive modules for managing
environments, irrigation systems, and nutrient control applications, as well as
a powerful suite of generic programs for configuring custom equipment control.
All our systems feature quick and easy configuration to match your requirements.
The system is self-monitoring with an extensive array of fail-safe and fail-soft
features for maximum safety and reliability.
Our equipment control applications are loaded with options such as alarms, and
conditional safety limits and overrides to suit your situation. All programs are
managed and continuously monitored by their respective controllers for the
highest reliability and safety. Unlike PC based applications, program execution
never degrades as a function of system load. This ensures that all time-critical
sensor readings and output responses are performed instantly.
In most cases your system will arrive with the control programs already fully configured for your applications. Your system ships with a full set of control programs, including many that you may not currently need. Other than the labor for new or special configurations there are no piecemeal charges or licensing fees for individual control program use. Should your needs change, we simply adjust your program configuration on-line using the program set already provided with your controller.
The unique architecture of the Argus hardware and software provides unparalleled flexibility in configuring custom control applications. Aside from the standard equipment control capabilities available in many competing systems, the Argus system contains a suite of generic control modules that make it easy to provide custom control logic and custom sequences of operations. Unlike other systems this can usually be accomplished on-line and at runtime without the need to recompile any code or understand arcane programming languages and no possibility of syntax errors and other program coding problems. With this ‘second tier’ programming architecture, real-time configuration and testing is possible, greatly speeding up applications development all in a plain language format.
Minor revisions and bug fixes are always provided for free. Occasionally, Argus will release a major revision to our control program set. These upgrades are reasonably priced, and are always optional. We will update your entire control system using our on-line flash update procedures. This completely eliminates the need for changing out EPROMs and other hardware memory components.
The Argus operator program is used to access the control system from a local or remote PC. The program contains a wealth of features for managing your control system and the equipment and environments that it controls. Whenever you launch the Argus Operator programs and connect to a control system, you'll begin at a Start Screen that has been customized to reflect the controlled areas of your operation. Therefore, your start screen will be different from the one shown below:
From this simple overview screen you can quickly access all of the readings and settings for each controlled area.
Application screens are designed to provide control information and settings in the context of your applications. They are a custom view of the relevant parameters from the underlying control programs running on the Argus controllers. We design these screens to make it easier for you to visualize what the control programs are doing, and the implications of the various setting changes and readings.
These screens are designed to represent the specific equipment and processes
that you are controlling as well as the operating rules and control logic that
are in use. Where appropriate, they will also contain shortcuts to the
underlying setup screens, graphical reports of recorded data, and other related
screens as an aid to efficient system navigation. In addition, with our suite of
User Customization tools you can add your own information to these screens as
needed. See the following section for details.
Much like the Factory configured Application screens, User Screens enable you to set up your own Windows and fill them with any readings and settings you desire. If needed, each user on the system can create a personal set of custom navigation and information screens. Customization features include:
Create your own User Windows and add a custom background graphic;
You can place your own custom Shortcuts or ‘hyperlinks’ to any window, reading, or setting, displayed on your system. Shortcuts can be created as overlays onto any screens (Factory, Application or User) were there is room to place them. For example, when you make a shortcut to a reading on another screen, the value of that reading is then displayed in the shortcut parameter that you create. When you make a shortcut to another window, you can choose to have it displayed as either a menu entry shortcut that leads to that window, or as a resizable view port showing the contents of the target window.
- you can also create special windows that you can use to make simultaneous changes to a number of settings with just a single entry. For example, you could set a larger number of irrigation valves to Manual On or Manual Off with one setting. When a User Window is set to Multi-Change, all of the parameters in the window must be the same type
The Line Drawing Editor is a simple yet powerful way for you to add graphic
highlights to Argus Factory Screens, and User Windows. You can draw colored
lines and boxes onto any screen. Use them to help draw attention to important
parameters or to draw schematics of your equipment or controlled compartments.
Complete your drawings by creating shortcuts in the appropriate places and
you'll have customized graphics with 'live' information and controls.
The diagram below illustrates how the line drawing editor has been used to show
the physical network wiring layout of a control system. Shortcut menu entries to
each hardware device make it easy to see where each component is located and
provide quick access to readings, settings, and other diagnostic information.
The Argus graph is a full featured graphing utility for viewing and comparing recorded data from your control system.
The Argus Graph enables you to get the most from your recorded data.
Featuring graphical and tabular views, not only can you visualize the effects of
present readings and settings on your system, but you can see how these values
are changing over time. You can track the cause and effect relationships between
such environmental parameters as light, heat, and humidity, and the effects of
the equipment control actions that your system is taking to achieve your
targets.
Features of the Argus Graph
You can view any recorded data anytime, by simply starting the graph and
selecting recorded parameters directly from your screens.
Jump to any date by using the Time Buttons and the Data Cursor. The Daily,
Weekly, Monthly, and Yearly preset time scales have been retained.
Arrow ‘history’ buttons take you back to previous views and forward again.
Your Titan system can be configured in a number of ways:
Almost all Argus systems are delivered fully configured. We typically provide
systems for commercial and institutional applications where a specific set of
control requirements has been specified. These systems are engineered to provide
an exact fit for your needs. We supply everything required to automate your
operation. This includes all control hardware, sensors, and output relays
tailored to your equipment and applications. Line voltage interfacing is also
available in separate or integrated panels. Typically, the only items you need
to supply are the interconnecting wiring between panels, equipment, and sensors,
and one or more PCs used for operator access.
Your system arrives preprogrammed and ready to operate, and we back it up with
our legendary on-line service and support. We provide complete instructions and
detailed wiring diagrams for easy installation. Since your system is already
custom configured to match your operation, you can begin using it immediately.
All control information and settings are presented in plain language and there
is no programming required and no computer languages to learn.
Although, your system may arrive fully configured, that doesn’t mean that it’s frozen in time. As your requirements change, your system can be modified or expanded as needed. Our highly flexible modular design makes it to easy to add new capabilities in small economical increments.
We can also supply control systems with partial or minimal Factory configuration. With User Configured systems, we provide the hardware and the software ‘toolbox’ and you construct your own control applications. This is intended for ‘power users’ who wish to develop their own control applications from our precompiled suite of flexible, control programs. These are the same programs that we use to provide the fully configured systems as described above. The unique architecture of the Argus system allows our program modules to be combined and interconnected in many ways to create highly sophisticated custom monitoring and control applications.
Some systems may consist of a combination of applications, with some
configured by Argus and some user configured applications as well. This
typically occurs in situations where a fully configured system is initially
delivered, and you subsequently decide to develop your own applications. You can
either have us develop your new applications or you can do it yourself. This is
easy with an Argus Titan system, so long as you understand the capabilities of
your equipment, and the process being controlled.