Using PLCs and Arduino to Monitor Climate Change in the Arctic

The challenge

Climate change is a dire threat, and understanding its effects on delicate ecosystems is crucial. This case study details how our client tackled this challenge in the Arctic.

The Client and Objective

• FACE-IT: This research project aims to understand how Arctic ecosystems adapt to rapid environmental changes.
• Objective: Study the impact of global warming on vital parameters like water temperature, salinity, and turbidity.

The Threat

Melting glaciers and sea ice endanger Arctic biodiversity and threaten the livelihoods of local communities.

The Solution

Industrial Shields provided M-Duino42+ industrial Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) for this project. These PLCs offer:

• Easy programming: User-friendly for efficient system implementation.
• Sensor integration: Seamless connection to various sensors for data collection.

The Implementation

• 12 mesocosms: 3 control mesocosms (unchanged environment) 9 experimental mesocosms (modified environment)
• Individual control: Each mesocosm has dedicated valves and sensors for temperature, salinity, and turbidity.
• PLC network: Each PLC manages 3 mesocosms. A master PLC logs data to a microSD card and communicates with a control computer. PLCs connect to the computer through RJ45 ports using the WebSocket protocol.
• C# interface: A custom interface allows for real-time monitoring and control of the experiment.

The Impact

This project demonstrates the effectiveness of PLCs like M-Duino42+ in environmental monitoring. By closely monitoring changes in Arctic ecosystems, researchers can develop strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change and protect vulnerable environments.

This case study highlights the potential of industrial automation in tackling crucial environmental challenges. By providing accessible and efficient solutions, researchers and organizations cab be empowered to gain valuable insights and work towards a sustainable future.