Hydrocarbon Processing - April 2022 - GP-34

DIGITALIZATION & AUTOMATION
Keyboard-video-mouse (KVM) systems help separate computers
and their users. They enable the operation of multiple computers
remotely in real time, without software installation, and
independent of the operating system, thus saving peripherals.
the matrix systems, enabling the matrices'
switching equality. Therefore, all CON
modules are changed to the redundant
matrix, and cross-display switching still
works properly. This results in consistent
switching of the CON modules.
Switching equality of matrices. Two
crucial advantages of redundantly designed
matrix installations are the automatic
switching to the redundant KVM
matrix if the primary matrix fails and the
automatic switching equality between the
primary and redundant matrix.
In FIG. 5, MTX 1 connects Consoles 1,
FIG. 6. Technical room.
FIG. 4. Multi-monitor console with four
monitors.
2 and 3 to the blue, red and green computers.
If the power supply to the primary
matrix fails, CONs and CPUs switch automatically
to MTX 2. Due to the instinctive
switching states of both matrices, users
can continue their work immediately.
This is ensured by a script stored and set
up in advance in the configuration panel
of the matrix systems, which lets users
switch the matrices simultaneously.
FIG. 7. High-voltage control center.
FIG. 5. MTX 1 connects Consoles 1, 2 and 3
to the blue, green and red computers.
area and control room. KVM can provide
an ideal solution for these requirements,
as well.
What if Technical room A fails due to
a fire in the example application (FIG. 3),
and in Server room B, a KVM matrix and
a server fail simultaneously (e.g., due to
a software bug)? In the worst case, one
of the two control rooms fails, while one
of the consoles fails in Control room A.
With a complex full redundancy of all
KVM components, systems and premises,
employees could still complete their
work undisturbed-even in the case of
such an extreme scenario.
34 MARCH/APRIL 2022 | GasProcessingNews.com
Operating several computers on
multi-screen consoles. FIG. 4 shows a
multi-monitor console with four monitors,
each switched to a different computer
thanks to the implemented cross-display
switching function. This function switches
keyboard and mouse signals, whereas
the video signal remains permanently connected
to the corresponding computer.
Operators can work on multiple computers
to monitor numerous processes
simultaneously. For example, if one of the
CON-2 connections is interrupted, the
respective CON-2 module automatically
switches to the redundant matrix. Typically,
all other CON-2 modules would
remain on the primary matrix, which
would result in an inconsistent console
in which cross-display switching would
no longer work.
Thanks to a " sync workplaces " function
implemented in the matrix, the failed
CON module automatically switches to
the redundant matrix within milliseconds
and takes all other CONs along. For this
purpose, the admin sets up a script in
advance using the configuration panel of
Case study: KVM in Wiener Netze, a
leading power producer maximizes
availability and reliability. Major energy
suppliers provide millions of people
with electricity, gas and heat every day.
The flipped switches must work uncompromisingly
and error-free. In addition to
ensuring the voltage level and load distribution,
the control center employees
are responsible for using and monitoring
the equipment.
Complex control
centers
and data
management systems require large computer
landscapes and a wide variety of peripheral
hardware. Such was the case with
Wiener Netze GmbH, which provides the
basic electricity, natural gas and district
heating supply for Vienna, Austria, parts
of Lower Austria and Burgenland. With
around 2,500 employees, Wiener Netze
creates, maintains and monitors the infrastructure
and distributes electricity, gas,
district heating and telecommunications
where they are needed.
With the help of a KVM matrix switch,
it is possible to decouple the complex
computer technology from the workstations
and outsource it to a specially
equipped technical room (FIG. 6). The
distance to the remote computers is
bridged by corresponding computer and
workstation modules, which correspond
to the central matrix via CAT or fiber op
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