Edinburgh Designs Limited

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Wavemaking interface

Edinburgh Designs Interface Box

The Edinburgh Designs interface box is a robust junction between the computer and the outside world. It is designed to simplify the experimental connections by providing a neat box with signal conditioning and power supplies for experiments. It amplifies and filters the input signals and provides convenient connections to transducers. All signals to and from the interface card in the back of the PC run through the interface box. Each interface box can control up to 10 wavemakers, with each wavemaker port having 12 data collection lines with input filters, 4 relay drives and visual indication of wavemaker status and power supply.

The interface box will drive the wave paddles using a token passing multiplex signal running down a 25 way ribbon cable. The cable will also carry diagnostic information about the individual paddles and return the force, position and demand signals from each paddle, which are decoded by the interface box, and feed these to the computer.

The inputs consist of up to 128 buffered analogue inputs with filters,32 digital input circuits. The analogue inputs can be monitored on a PC.

Outputs

Up to 128 analogue outputs, 32 digital outputs, from the PC run through the interface box which amplifies the signals. The wavemaking signals pass through a digital potentiometer to control the overall gain. A built-in power supply provides an independent supply for experiments running in the tank. Status of the wavemaker and power supply is returned to the computer. Digital outputs are buffered by relays

Controls

Front panel switches control power for the wavemaker and allow the power supply to be controlled from the control room. LEDs display the wavemaker status. Wavemaker control boxes return force, velocity and drive signals to the interface box so the operation of the wavemakers can be monitored.

Wide and narrow tank versions

Two type of interface box are available for single and multiple banks of paddles. The wide tank version buffers all output signals and uses differential line drivers.

Pelamis control systems

Pelamis is the result of the collaborative efforts of Edinburgh Designs and Ocean Power Delivery and is at the cutting edge of wave energy conversion. An offshore alternative energy solution, Pelamis is capable of an output comparable to a modern wind turbine. Edinburgh Designs' control system is key to ensuring the safety, efficiency and reliability of the Pelamis prototype. As well as managing Pelamis' hydraulic components the system allows remote configuration and monitoring of Pelamis. This functionality is provided through a GUI which presents interactive controls and delivers critical data to the operators.