BluePlant - How to Configure OPC UA Client for BluePlant

In this tutorial, you will learn how to configure BluePlant as an OPC UA client in order to communicate with a Nexto series PLC. You can find a tutorial on how to configure the OPC UA Server on Nexto by clicking here and a tutorial on how to configure OPC UA communication from BluePlant with Nexto by clicking here.

If you want to learn more about the importance of OPC UA, its applications in industry, and see a practical exercise of communication between the Nexto PLC and the BluePlant SCADA, watch our Webinar:

Components

Software: BluePlant 2018.1

PLC: XP3xx; NX30xx

Tutorial Sections

1. ARCHITECTURE

2. DEVELOPMENT

   2.1. OPC UA Client Configuration

   2.2. Generating Certificates

   2.3. Communication Tags

1. ARCHITECTURE

In the architecture for this tutorial, the Ethernet port of the XP340 was connected to the computer's Ethernet port using the NX9202 cable. The computer with BluePlant software installed and the Xpress XP340 must have IPs in the same Ethernet network range.

2. DEVELOPMENT

This tutorial will show the steps to configure BluePlant software as an OPC UA client.

It is worth emphasizing the importance of having the BluePlant Manual on hand for reference during the application steps. This document will guide you through the technical characteristics, programming, and configurations.

IMPORTANT: For proper operation, BluePlant must be run as Administrator and have the OPCEnum service installed, which enables third-party OPC servers installed on the operating system.

In some cases, Windows updates do not correctly install the OPCEnum service, so manual installation is important. Below is the link to the OPC Core Components installer.

https://opcfoundation.org/developer-tools/samples-and-tools-classic/core-components

2.1 OPC UA Client Configuration

First, after creating a project in BluePlant, go to "Edit->Devices". Select "OPCUA – OPC UA Client" from the Protocols menu and click "Create New...", then click OK.

Now click on the "Nodes" tab and add a new line. Select in "Channel" the OPCUA channel we just created, and in "PrimaryStation" configure the options as follows:

2.2 Generating Certificates

If this is your first time configuring an OPC UA connection in BluePlant, you will need to generate certificates for the software. To do this, click on "Certificates" and the OPC UA configuration wizard will open.

You will need to generate two certificates. The first is for the executable TManagerExe.exe and the second for the executable TRunModule.exe, both located by default in the folder "C:\Program Files (x86)\Altus\BluePlant\bp-2018.1".

To generate the certificate, follow the steps below:

• Click "Browse" and select the executable (TManagerExe.exe first, then TRunModule.exe)

• Click "Create UA Configuration"

• Click "Edit UA Configuration"

• Click "Certificates"

• Click "Create" and then "OK"

• Click "Save and Close"

• Click "Done"

Repeat the process for both executables. Once done, you can click "Test" in BluePlant and it should display "OK" next to it.

2.3. Communication Tags

When you declare the Node, you can click "IMPORT"

Clicking it will open a new window where you will click "refresh"

Once done, the OPC UA server tags will appear, where you can check the tags you do not want, right-click and select "Uncheck", leaving only those you want to work with.

After this, it will create the tags and points necessary for communication.

With all steps completed, you should be able to communicate BluePlant with Nexto through the OPC UA protocol.