Power plants strengthen PROFIBUS reliability through an audit-focused approach in the Netherlands and Germany
Two power plants, one in the Netherlands and one in Germany, chose the same approach to make their PROFIBUS networks more reliable. At both locations, the company HMS Networks conducted a network audit, helped resolve the underlying causes of faults, and verifies network quality through recurring annual measurements. In the Netherlands, a 24/7 monitoring solution was also installed.
The Challenge
To generate and deliver power, power plants rely on PROFIBUS DP and PA. These networks connect the control system to drives, motor control centers, valve actuators, and field instrumentation. Many of these networks were installed decades ago and expanded during successive maintenance shutdowns. As a result, faults can develop over time. Defective terminations, grounding and shielding issues, damaged cabling, and overloaded segments can cause unnecessary outages and downtime!
These faults often occur intermittently. They manifest as unexplained device failures, unwanted trips, or repeated communication attempts whose cause is difficult to identify, let alone resolve. Each hour of production loss brings not only costs, but above all creates uncertainty for businesses and consumers who depend on the power supply needed. This essential public service simply cannot fail!
Audit
During an extensive network service lasting more than twenty days, HMS found de-energized segments, incorrect terminations, and communication errors. These deviations can lead to temporary communication loss and unplanned downtime.
The Result
Both power plants conduct proactive network audits to prevent network downtime. They now know the current condition of their network, have a clear improvement path, and can count on ongoing support.
Recurring measurements = reliable networks = higher plant availability.
Key points
- The same approach was successfully applied at two power plants in two countries
- PROFIBUS DP and PA were audited
- Network service performed during production
- A detailed report with prioritized, immediately actionable recommendations
- Network monitoring and segmentation
- Recurring audits and services keep the networks healthy over the long term
Water utility company strengthens PROFIBUS expertise through certified training and practical fault diagnosis to maintain their wastewater plants
For a water utility in the Netherlands, reliable industrial communication is essential to maintaining operational continuity. When a PROFIBUS fault occurs, every minute counts. Dependence on external support can delay diagnosis and extend downtime. The utility therefore wanted to strengthen its employees’ technical knowledge so they could identify, analyze, and resolve problems more quickly and with greater confidence.
The Approach
The company HMS Networks, a certified PI Training Center (PITC), delivered a combination of the Certified PROFIBUS Installer training and the Troubleshooting & Maintenance training. Through two sessions with eight participants, they not only learned the technical fundamentals but also worked through practical scenarios based on their own installation. Using HMS tools, they learned how to inspect cabling and terminations, assess signal quality, recognize communication errors, and systematically locate the root cause of a fault.
The Result
After the training, the water utility’s team can independently investigate and maintain common PROFIBUS problems using the tools provided. Faults are isolated quickly, the correct corrective action can be selected sooner, and external support is only needed in complex situations. This keeps downtime to a minimum and ensures that the knowledge gained remains within the organization.