Jürgen Grauer

OPC UA integration of 70 stormwater pump stations and IT/OT security.

This episode focuses on the modernization of 70 stormwater pumping stations for the Würzburg Drainage Operations in collaboration with Red Lion Controls. Originally operated on a 3G basis, these pumping stations were upgraded with modern communication standards and 5G compatibility to ensure future-proof, uninterrupted monitoring and control of the infrastructure. Key Topics and Challenges: Technology upgrade for critical infrastructure: Red Lion supports the transition from outdated controllers and 3G modems to a modern system that integrates 4G/5G and OPC UA. OPC UA and DNP3 Integration: These protocols enable seamless communication between OT (Operational Technology) and IT (Information Technology), a key for data acquisition and real-time monitoring. Using Crimson®: Red Lion’s low-code software, Crimson®, provides an intuitive, graphical interface for configuring and converting protocols. The software is free to download and supports OPC UA server and client functions without additional licensing fees. Data security and real-time data collection: Buffering via the FlexEdge® platform ensures that no data is lost in the event of connection interruptions. OpenVPN and other security features protect the data. Flexible Cloud Connectivity: The solution enables easy integration with leading cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and AVEVA via MQTT and REST API, simplifying data analysis and optimization. The modernization of these pumping stations demonstrates how targeted upgrades can avoid the high costs of full system replacements. With Red Lion’s recent integration into the HMS Group, more comprehensive security and networking solutions are anticipated, which are especially important for critical infrastructures.