Tutorial – 4
COMMISSIONING OF WirelessHART NETWORK
Sarah Bhalla (J204)
What are the problems occurred during whart network planning?
The main problem is that, when the communication to this one and only neighbor is broken for whatever
reason, the device is lost. To form a mesh network with redundant paths, each device must have two
neighbors. If one neighbor fails, the second one takes over and provides connection to the WirelessHART
network. But best practice for a really strong mesh network is to check that each device has three neighbors.
This gives an extra level of redundancy since network connection is still provided when two neighbors fail.
WirelessHART networks are too expensive
WirelessHART devices are more expensive because:
- they contain ultra low power electronics to get long battery life
- they require measures to achieve explosion protection
- they use high frequency components.
But the whole solution must be considered, not just the devices. The solution involves engineering
hours, labor hours and material.
Infrastructure for wired devices—The measurement signal of a new wired device usually must
be connected to a PLC or DCS to use the data. This is either done by system's local I/O, a remote
I/O system or a fieldbus connection. While this is easy during a new installation (greenfield), this
could rise to a challenge for an existing installation (brownfield). To add the new component, spare
capacity must exist (free slots, channels, terminals). Another issue concerns bringing the wires
from the measurement to the I/O, requiring routing and protection of the device cabling, junction
boxes, cable trays and glands, and all of their accessories. All this infrastructure must be ordered,
prepared and installed.
Engineering and labor costs—Before all this, engineers must develop a plan involving where
cables can run, which I/O makes sense, and how this work can be executed. The documentation
must be continuously updated to track the location of wires.
Hazardous areas—These areas further increase the difficulty and efforts compared with general
purpose areas. Engineers must consider local conditions and technical issues. An expert in
explosion protection must verify the planned installation, including a secure power supply and
zone separation.
Wireless device break-even points—Of course, some planning and installation is also necessary
for a WirelessHART network. The chief difference involves the effort since only the
WirelessHART gateway requires a powered installation. Local conditions will determine
affordability. The WirelessHART devices can be installed in whatever way optimizes the
measurement. And separation of explosion zones happens by default since no physical connection
exists between the zones apart from the mechanics (e.g. a thermowell).
What are the process involved in comminssioning whart network?
After it has been decided where to place the devices, the next step is the commissioning of the network.
As the access point and core element of WirelessHART, the gateway should be installed and started up
first. The minimum setup the gateway must have is the network ID and join key for the network.
The first field device which should be commissioned is the field device closest to the gateway. The
parameters can either be preset in the maintenance shop or online in the field. The minimum parameters are
the network ID and join key. Additionally, it is best practice also to set at least the long tag to network ID
and join key. If possible, it is advisable that a device be preset in the maintenance shop with all necessary
parameters including application-related ones (e. g. burst rate) and then switched on in the field.
After the first field device has joined the network, proceed with the second-closest field device to the
gateway, then with the third-closest and so on until the whole network is initiated. whole network is
initiated.