Fermenter Vessel Temperature Control System

Project Overview The Fermenter Temperature Control System is a software program designed to communicate to up to 31 off-the-shelf temperature controllers (actual controller is TBD) . The temperature controller maintains the temperature of the vessel by opening and closing cooling valves. These controllers communicate on a RS485 Modbus protocol. The control software communicates as a master on the Modbus network (via a RS485-to-USB adapter), and has the following tasks: - Transmit setpoints to each of the controllers - Display actual temperatures to the user Phase I of the project is to setup the serial modbus communications to each of the controllers, and develop a user interface to allow the end user to change the temperature setpoints and view the current temperature of each vessel. Overview (Main) Screen The main screen should act as an overview screen. All controllers that are actively configured should display the current temperature and setpoint. By clicking on the controller, a numeric popup screen should display allowing the user to click numbers to enter the desired temp setpoint (keyboard entry is optional for the user). There should be some alert to the user when a node that is actively being monitored has lost communication. Initialization The user shall be able to setup the system via a .TXT or .INI file that will be read upon the start of the program. This will configure the comm ports, baud rate, etc, of the system for each of the 31 modbus controllers. If a controller is not being used, then it will be disabled in this file. There should also be a description for the vessel that will be visible from the UI. Future system expansion Many features will be added in future phases. Some of these enhancements include: - Trending of individual temperatures - Data capture of a trend to a .CSV file for import into excel - Integration of Temperature profiles that the controller will be commanded to follow - Text message alarms when the system goes beyond limits - Mobile accessibility (Ipad / Android Tablets) System Requirements - The system will run on Windows 7 professional (32 or 64 bit). - System will be programmed using the latest version of Python - MinimalModbus ([login to view URL]) will be used for the Modbus communication protocol implementation Phase I Deliverables - A working program - Full source code with documentation Expectations of the Supplier - Provide weekly milestone updates - Prompt response to email (<24 hours) - Limited support via phone may be required - Submittal of samples of the User Interface screen for feedback and buy-off - Integration of company logo into the UI