GSM as a Method for Monitoring and Control of Self-Contained AtoNs

摘要

Le GSM est un protocole standard mondial pour les réseaux cellulaires numériques utilisés par les téléphones portables. Les améliorations constantes apportées aux technologies et réseaux GSM et aux vitesses de transmissions des données ont fait que le GSM, d'un simple service de téléphonie et de SMS pour les portables, est devenu capable de s'incorporer à des appareils autonomes tels que les feux de navigation maritime, les enregistreurs de surveillance à distance des données, ou les systèmes de suivi des véhicules. Une lanterne de marine à système GSM intégré permet à son propriétaire de surveiller à distance l'état de fonctionnement de la lanterne et la santé des batteries en utilisant un téléphone portable, une tablette ou un PC. Ceci réduit le besoin en visites sur site (coûteuses) et permet l'interrogation et le contrôle en temps réel des fonctions de la lanterne telles que le caractère des feux, l'intensité et le mode de fonctionnement (par exemple : en continu ou d'un crépuscule à l'autre). Une information en temps réel est cruciale pour les autorités portuaires et leurs équipes d'entretien pour gérer au mieux leurs équipements et minimiser les temps de pannes subies par les feux. Une meilleure fiabilité des feux induit une meilleure sécurité du trafic maritime pendant la nuit, diminuant le risque d'accidents et des coûts associés. Des systèmes GSM qui fonctionnent maintenant avec des besoins en énergie moindres peuvent être intégrés dans des feux de navigation à LED sans modifier les sources d'énergie existantes ou affecter leur autonomie ou l'intensité de la lanterne.%Global System for Mobile communication (GSM) is the global standard protocol for digital cellular networks used by mobile or cell phones. Ongoing enhancements to GSM technologies and networks, and improvements in data transfer speeds and packages has expanded GSM from being just a voice telephony and Short Message Service (SMS) for cell phones to being incorporated into autonomous devices such as marine navigation lights, remote monitoring data loggers, and asset or vehicle tracking systems. A marine lantern with integrated GSM system allows the owner to remotely monitor the operating status of the lantern and the health of its battery using a cell phone, tablet or PC. This minimises the need for costly onsite visits, and allows for real time interrogation and control of the lantern's functions such as flash character, intensity and mode of operation (e.g. always-on or dusk-to-dawn). Timely information is crucial for port authorities and their maintenance crew to effectively manage their navigation assets and minimise potential light outages. Enhanced reliability of navigation aids also means improved safety of vessel traffic during hours of darkness, therefore decreasing the potential for costly accidents to occur. With GSM systems now operating with low power requirements, they can be internally integrated into solar LED marine lanterns without modifying existing power supplies or significantly affecting the autonomy or lantern intensity. In late 2012 Gippsland Ports, the local marine authority responsible for a number of major ports and inland waterways in southern Victoria, Australia, instigated a two-stage upgrade program for the main channels leading into Port Welshpool and ExxonMobil's Barry Beach Marine Terminal. Alan Smith, Port Manager of South Gippsland, & Assistant Harbour Master of Gippsland Ports who managed the upgrade program commented: "The channel structures of the Corner Inlet region are large and visually complex when viewed from the water level by inward and outward bound vessels.The waterways are subject to strong tidal currents and aggressive wind regimes for the majority of the year. The distances from the harbours at Barry Beach and Port Welshpool to the outer entrance of Corner Inlet is approximately 12 nautical miles direct with island formations impacting upon radio frequency transmission reliability. Knowing that the navigation aids were operational was dependent upon regularly accessing the systems. Due to the remoteness and exposed locations in a waterway that is generally subject to poor sea states, it was difficult to manage and could introduce unsatisfactory risk to staff attempting to access the systems. The introduction of GSM monitoring has given us an understanding of the system integrity from an office location whereby a response can be mobilised as soon as the weather permits. I believe GSM has the benefit of reliability as compared to radio frequency reporting". Utilising a proactive, efficient, reliable and cost-effective solution toAtoN maintenance was a priority for Gippsland Ports, and with many lit navigation aids and multi-directional channels converging in the region, the need to clearly define each channel was also essential particularly for the large vessels continuously servicing the oil and gas fields of Bass Strait throughout the night. "The benefits (of GSM monitoring and control) are that the system integrity can be accessed when opportunity allows. Having this level of knowledge at your finger tip allows greater confidence to focus on additional workloads without the nagging uncertainty following a violent storm or extended period of a maintenance regime" said Alan Smith.