The controls complexity of the multimillion-pound MITseaAH Craft is as challenging as any found in industry. This is why Pendennis Shipyard chose AS-interface technology from Telemecanique, a brand of Schneider Electric, to enable the high speed and robust transfer of data to and from over thirty devices on the vessel.
Providing a suitable control system for the motor yacht was no easy feat because a system for MITseaAH is as much about hoisting sails as it is running engines. The designers were also posed with the issue of keeping the cabling to a minimum due to the space constraints and weight restrictions on board the yacht. The equipment needed to be able to withstand the harsh ocean going environment and provide maximum reliability. On top of this, Pendennis required a cost effective, easy-to-install solution. AS-interface technology from Telemecanique presented an excellent solution because it was able to cope with the complex MITseaAH network, while keeping cabling and therefore weight, to a minimum. The two-wire AS-interface cabling was easy to install around the boat and controls the 30 various valves and pumps of the craft's hydraulic system. This practical and yet advanced approach optimised installation and commissioning times, adding to the cost effectiveness of the system. AS-interface also provided the benefit of flexibility because a laptop computer can be used to make any necessary alterations, without the need for fixed programming hardware. The built in power fault finding facilities is also extremely useful. AS-interface further excelled on MITseaAH because it is waterproof and is able to cope with extreme temperature conditions. MITseaAH boasts substantial interfacing. AS-interface connects the helm control panel to sensors and actuators throughout the yacht, including bow thrusters, winches and windlasses. The network is also responsible for a multitude of functions including control rigging, sail control, rudders, boarding ladders and doors. AS-interface links the switches, which in turn control the winches, masts, and sails. Throughout MITseaAH are AS-interface push buttons of the Harmony range from Telemecanique, providing local control for functions such as windlasses. Future expansion modifications are also catered for by the fieldbus and Pendennis plans to use it to its full capacity by interfacing even more devices in future designs. The use of AS-interface on board a yacht is a first, but the success of this project will see it find applications on more vessels and in more applications