NAT'L INST. OF STAND & TECH

A111Q5 ^735^2

REFERENCE

.n3S

Publications

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•"•CAU 0< *

NBS TECHNICAL NOTE 1188

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE/National Bureau of Standards

-QC

100

.U5753

1183

1984

A Modular Data

Acquisition and Display

Software System for a

Laboratory Environment
NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

The National Bureau of Standards' was established by an act of Congress on March 3, 1901. The Bureau's overall goal is to strengthen and advance the Nation's science and technology

and facilitate their effective application for public benefit. To this end, the Bureau conducts

research and provides: (1) a basis for the Nation's physical measurement system, (2) scientific and technological services for industry and government, (3) a technical basis for equity in trade, and (4) technical services to promote public safety. The Bureau's technical work is per- formed by the National Measurement Laboratory, the National Engineering Laboratory, and

the Institute for Computer Sciences and Technology.

THE NATIONAL MEASUREMENT LABORATORY provides the national system of

physical and chemical and materials measurement; coordinates the system with measurement

systems of other nations and furnishes essential services leading to accurate and uniform

physical and chemical measurement throughout the Nation's scientific community, industry,

and commerce; conducts materials research leading to improved methods of measurement,

standards, and data on the properties of materials needed by industry, commerce, educational

institutions, and Government; provides advisory and research services to other Government

agencies; develops, produces, and distributes Standard Reference Materials; and provides

calibration services. The Laboratory consists of the following centers:

Absolute Physical Quantities2 — Radiation Research — Chemical Physics —

Analytical Chemistry — Materials Science

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provides engineering measurement traceability services; develops test methods and proposes

engineering standards and code changes; develops and proposes new engineering practices;

and develops and improves mechanisms to transfer results of its research to the ultimate user. The Laboratory consists of the following centers:

Applied Mathematics — Electronics and Electrical Engineering2 — Manufacturing

Engineering — Building Technology — Fire Research — Chemical Engineering2

THE INSTITUTE FOR COMPUTER SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY conducts

research and provides scientific and technical services to aid Federal agencies in the selection, acquisition, application, and use of computer technology to improve effectiveness and

economy in Government operations in accordance with Public Law 89-306 (40 U.S.C. 759), relevant Executive Orders, and other directives; carries out this mission by managing the Federal Information Processing Standards Program, developing Federal ADP standards

guidelines, and managing Federal participation in ADP voluntary standardization activities; provides scientific and technological advisory services and assistance to Federal agencies; and

provides the technical foundation for computer-related policies of the Federal Government.

The Institute consists of the following centers:

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'Headquarters and Laboratories at Gaithersburg, MD, unless otherwise noted; mailing address Washington, DC 20234. 'Some divisions within the center are located at Boulder, CO 80303.
A Modular Data Acquisition and Display

Software System for a Laboratory Environment

NATIONAL BUREAU Lawrence Kaetzel, John Grimes, and Paul Brown of standards

LIBRARY

Center for Building Technology

National Engineering Laboratory

National Bureau of Standards

Washington, DC 20234

A'A£

r

Q

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, Malcolm Baldrige, Secretary

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS, Ernest Ambler, Director

Issued May 1 984
National Bureau of Standards Technical Note 1 1 88

Natl. Bur. Stand. (U.S.), Tech. Note 1 188, 61 pages (May 1984)

CODEN: NBTNAE

U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE

WASHINGTON: 1984

For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402
ABSTRACT

This report describes the processes involved in acquiring and

analyzing experimental laboratory data using a medium sized

computer in a multi-programming environment with a modular software

system. Research involving Phase Change Materials and Calorimetric

Performance measurements in building research are used as case

studies to describe the functional capabilities and operational

procedures of the system. The software system consists of computer

programs which allow the researcher to collect, store, and analyze

data graphically.

Key words: experimental data processing; graphical data analysis;

interactive processing; laboratory data collection;

modular computer software.

111
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors wish to acknowledge the Department of Energy, Office

of Solar Heating Technologies for supporting this investigation.

The authors also wish to thank Margaret Meixner for her valuable

assistance in running the experiments and processing the data

for the Phase Change Materials and Calorimetric research projects,

and Jeff Fossum and Scott Dukes for their programming efforts

in writing utilities for the Modular Data Acquisition and Display

Software System.

IV
Contents

ABSTRACT iii

Acknowledgments iv

1. INTRODUCTION 1

2

.

SCOPE OF THE AUTOMATED SYSTEM 2

3

.

EXPERIMENTAL PROCESS 3

4. COMPUTING ENVIRONMENT

4 . 1 LABORATORY INSTRUMENTATION 4

4 . 2 TELECOMMUNICATION METHODS 4

4.3 CBT INSTRUMENTATION FACILITY 5

4.3.1 Computer System Configuration 5

4.3.2 Software Components 6

4.3.2.1 Operating System 6

4.3.2.2 Utilities 6

4.3.2.3 Applications Software 6

5. MODULAR ACQUISITION AND DISPLAY SYSTEM DESCRIPTION 8

5.1 SOFTWARE SYSTEM CONFIGURATION 8

5 . 2 OPERATING MODES 8

5.3 USER INTERFACE 9

5 . 4 MADS SOFTWARE MODULES 9

5.4.1 Supervisor Program Module 9

5.4.2 Project Select Program Module 10

5.4.3 Monitor Program Module 10

5.4.4 Acquisition Setup Program Module 10

5.4.5 Data Acquisition Program Module 10

5.4.5.1 Phase Change Materials Acquisition. .. .11

5.4.5.2 Calorimetric Acquisition 11

5.4.6 Data Prepping Program Module ..12

5.4.7 Report Generating Program Module 12

5.4.8 Graphics Generating Program Modules 13

5.4.8.1 Versatec Batch Plotting 13

5.4.8.2 Easygraphing Interactive Graphics

Module 14

5 .5 DATABASE STORAGE 15

5.5.1 Data File and Record Formats 15

5.5.1.1 Raw Data File 15

5.5.1.2 Compressed Data File 15
5.5.1.3 Peak Summary Data File 16

5.6 ARCHIVAL STORAGE 16

6. MODULAR ACQUISITION AND DISPLAY SYSTEM

OPERATING REFERENCE 17

6.1 INSTRUMENTATION FACILITY EXPERIMENTAL PROCESS

MONITORING 17

6 . 2 COMPUTER SYSTEM RECOVERY PROCEDURES 18

6.3 PROGRAM MODULE OPERATION

6.3.1 Supervisor Program Module 18

6.3.2 Project Select Module 18

6.3.3 Monitor Module 18

6.3.4 Acquisition Setup Module 19

6.3.5 Data Acquisition Module 19

6.3.6 Data Prepping Module 19

6.3.7 Graphics Generating Modules 20

6.3.7.1 Versatec Batch Plotting 20

6.3.7.2 Minitab Batch Plotting 20

6.3.7.3 Easygraphing Graphics 20

6 . 4 REPORT GENERATING MODULES 21

6 . 5 PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT AND ENHANCEMENTS 21

7. FILE SECURITY 22

8

CONCLUSIONS 23

9 . REFERENCES 24

LIST OF TABLES

TABLE 1. MAJOR OPERATING SYSTEM SOFTWARE COMPONENTS 25

TABLE 2. UTILITIES USED BY THE MADS SOFTWARE SYSTEM 26

TABLE 3 . PCM PLOTTING SUPPORT PROGRAMS 27

LIST OF FIGURES

FIGURE 1THERMAL CYCLING THERMOCOUPLE DIAGRAM 28

FIGURE 2. TIME & CONDUCTANCE SPECIMEN DIAGRAM 29

FIGURE 3. PCM & CALORIMETER INSTRUMENT COMPONENTS 30

FIGURE 4 . PCM COMMUNICATIONS CONFIGURATION 31

FIGURE 5. CALORIMETRIC COMMUNICATIONS CONFIGURATION 32

FIGURE 6. COMMAND DEVICE COMMUNICATIONS CONFIGURATION. .. .33

FIGURE 7. COMPUTER SYSTEM CONFIGURATION 34

FIGURE 8. HIERARCHIAL STRUCTURE OF MADS SOFTWARE SYSTEM.. 35

FIGURE 9. SAMPLE PROGRAM SEQUENCE OF CALORIMETRIC

EXPERIMENT 36

FIGURE 10. MADSMON MONITOR FILE ELEMENTS 37

VI
LIST OF APPENDIX

APPENDIX A.

APPENDIX B.

APPENDIX C.

APPENDIX D.

APPENDIX E.

APPENDIX F.

APPENDIX G.

APPENDIX H.

APPENDIX I.

APPENDIX J.

APPENDIX K.

APPENDIX L.

APPENDIX M.

APPENDIX N.

RAW DATA FILE ILLUSTRATIONS A-l

CHANNEL LEGEND FILE CONTENTS B-l

PCM COMPRESSED DATA FILE FORMAT C-l

CALORIMETRIC COMPRESSED DATA FILE FORMAT D-l

PCM REPORT FORMAT E-l

CALORIMETRIC REPORT FORMAT F-l

PCM VERSATEC DAILY PLOT EXAMPLE G-l

PCM SEGMENT PRINTER PLOT EXAMPLE H-l

CALORIMETRIC VERSATEC PLOT EXAMPLE 1-1

EASYGRAPHING SINGLE CYCLE PLOT EXAMPLE J-l

EASYGRAPHING MULTI CYCLE PLOT EXAMPLE K-l

PCM PEAK DATA FILE FORMAT L-l

MADS STARTUP AND RUN SAMPLE SESSION M-l

MINITAB BATCH COMMAND COMMAND FILE LISTING. . .N-l

Vll

1. INTRODUCTION

An automated system, Modular Acquisition and Display Software

System (MADS) has been designed and implemented for a multitasking computer environment. MADS comprises many computer

programming modules and allows a researcher to design an

experimental process (with regard to computer interaction)

,

acquire, validate, store, and analyze data in an efficient

manner thus reducing the start-up time needed to accomplish

these tasks. Another benefit realized by MADS is the instrumentation facility staff are provided the resources to monitor

and manage data among several research projects operating

in a concurrent mode on a single computing system.

This report describes the computing environment as related

to projects involving the research and testing of building

materials and components. It addresses the conceptual aspects

essential in acquiring and processing scientific data in

an unattended and automatic mode of operation. Programming

modules are defined by function as well as their operating

procedures.

A Perkin-Elmer 1 Model 7/32 minicomputer system was used in

the development and implementation of the system with it's

associated peripherals and computer software resources.

Other minicomputer systems can be used to implement the system,

although modifications will undoubtedly be necessary to achieve

similar results.

•'The reference of equipment manufacturers in this document

does not constitute an endorsement by NBS.
2. SCOPE OF THE MADS

The scope of the automated system can be logically divided

into component parts which represent the steps necessary

to acquire and process data. The first of these components

is the acquisition phase. During this process, the parameters

of the experiment are established. These parameters direct

the computer to collect and store the data at specified intervals

using predetermined digital signals (data channels) and identifies

each experimental session by allowing the researcher to assign

a unique name. Malfunctions which may occur during the progress

of the experiment are reported to the operator through the

use of the operator command device installed in the laboratory.

The second component is the preparatory phase. During this

process, data previously stored during the acquisition phase

is verified as to format and proper data ranges. This process

is normally performed at a pre-determined time which is optionally

built into the acquisition module. In the case of a continuous

experiment for example, this process is automatically started

by the computer at the end of the day. Another important

function performed during this phase is to compress the data

by eliminating non-essential characters which may be stored

in the raw data file. This allows for maximum storage capacity

on the computing system as well as increased efficiency during

dajta analysis.

Lastly, data analysis phase. During this phase, data is

analyzed using a variety of methods, including report generation,

statistical and numerical analysis, and graphical analysis,

both interactive and batch.
3. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURES

The applicability of MADS to the automation of long-term

laboratory experiments was demonstrated in the context of

evaluating the response of a Phase Change Material (PCM)

to repeated thermal cycling. Phase change materials represent

one class of materials used to store thermal energy. These

compounds store or deliver energy, as latent heat, when they

undergo a phase transition such as melting or freezing.

A typical example of a phase change materials is sodium borate

and clay. Sodium borate is a nucleating agent which is added

to promote the phase change in a suitable temperature range,

and a thickening agent, clay, is added to minimize segregation.

The material is encapsulated in polyetheylene containers,

and is approximately 50 calories of energy per gram of material

are stored or delivered at a temperature near 30 degrees

centigrade according to the following reaction:

Na2SO4.10H2O = Na2S04+saturated solution

(solid) (solid)

The energy storage capacities of phase change storage

systems, however, tend to decrease with thermal cycling.

Monitoring the variations in the energy storage capacities

of PCM's and elucidating the mechanisms leading to them requires

the development of an accelerated thermal cycling device

and a calorimeter. The thermal cycling device is used to

simulate the thermal cycling of PCM's which occurs in service

and the calorimeter is used to determine the variations in

storage capacity with cycling.

To monitor the specific responses to thermal cycling, selected

specimens were instrumented with thermocouples as shown in

Figure 1. In addition, the time and temperature dependence

of conductance changes were measured in other instrumented

specimens (Figure 2) . The acquisition and reduction of this

data, acquired at a rate of one point per minute over a period

of several months, required automation of the acquisition

system, (as is subsequently discussed)

.

Periodically, specimens were removed from the cycling device

and their thermal storage capacities determined using isoperibolic

calorimetry. This technique required the establishment of

the calorimetric baseline, the measurement of the rate of

change in temperature in the calorimeter and the establishment

of a second baseline after the PCM specimen had delivered

the energy stored. These measurements required the accumulation

of digital data at the rate of 6 points every 10 seconds

over a period of 4 hours.
4. COMPUTING ENVIRONMENT

4.1 LABORATORY INSTRUMENTATION

Major equipment components of laboratory experimentation

include devices which measure analog signals, control experimental processes, and convert analog signals to digital data

representation. The MADS system is designed to operate in

a laboratory environment where the primary responsibility

for these functions is performed by devices called data loggers.

These data loggers provide the link between laboratory instruments

which include calorimeters, spectrophotometers, chromatographs,

thermocouples, and pressure transducers.

Connecting the instruments and the data logger is performed

by electrical cable. Each laboratory measurement, commonly

referred to as a channel of data, requires an individual

wire to transmit the analog signal. The cables are connected

to terminal points located on the data logger. Signal sampling

is performed at predetermined time intervals set by controls

also installed in the data logger. Data loggers can record

many of these signals collectively representing a scan of

data. The researcher can suppress or skip the reading of

data channels through switches.

Analog to digital converters transform the electronic voltage

readings (channels) into digital representations and stores

them temporarily in small amounts of local memory. Predetermined

quantities of this data are then transmitted through a communications port to a remote device such as the CBT Instrumentation

Facility computer where it is collected, validated and processed.

Figure 3 illustrates the components used in the Phase Change

Materials experiment and the Calorimetric Performance experiment.

4.2 DATA COMMUNICATIONS METHODS

The transmission of data between the CBT Instrumentation

Facility and the laboratory environment is accomplished using

the EIA RS-232 standard for asynchronous data communications

interfaces. Since the data logging devices, operational

command consoles, and the computer are located in the same

building, direct cable and short haul modems are used to

interface the PCM and Calorimetric experiments. In Figures

4, 5, and 6, the communications components and their connections

are illustrated.
4.3 CBT INSTRUMENTATION FACILITY

One of the main missions of the Center For Building Technology's,

Central Instrumentation Facility is to interface laboratory

experimentation (such as the PCM and Calorimetric research)

and provide the researcher with computing resources to process

the data. A Perkin-Elmer, Model 7/32 computer system (hereafter

referred to as the "computer") and several peripheral devices

were installed during the mid 1970' s to accomplish this task.

Several major enhancements have been added to the facility

to include; installation of large capacity disk storage devices,

interactive graphics capabilities and statistical tools.

This section describes the elements of the facility which

are used by the MADS software system and the research described

in this report. Up to five experimental processes have been

supported on the computer simultaneously, along with additional

data processing applications such as graphical and statistical

data analysis, modelling and its related program development

functions.

4.3.1 Computer System Hardware Configuration

The computer system used is classified as a minicomputer

system. A configuration of the computer is presented in Figure

7. Its central processing unit processes data and computer

instructions in 32-bit word lengths. Double precision (64-bit)

scientific notation using a Fortran Language processor is

also available on the computer. These computations are processed

using software programs which are slower than the hardware

32-bit processing. The ratio of the two modes of computation

is approximately 14 to 1.

The memory capacity of the computer is one million bytes

of storage. The computer supports ferrite core memory which

is characteristic of computer memory implementations of its

time period. Unlike virtual memory systems, this computer

allows running programs to utilize the entire memory complement,

though in a central computing environment this method would

not be practical.

Storage of data is accomplished using 3 different types of

magnetic media; one-half inch magnetic tape drives, rotating

magnetic disk cartridge drives, and eight inch floppy diskette

drives. Collectively, this provides 462 million characters

of on-line disk storage, and 3 magnetic tape drives; both

for 9 track and 7 track recording.
As stated in section 4.2, RS-232 asynchronous communications

protocols are used to communicate with the computer. This

method provides the only access to the computer for terminals,

other computers, and instruments. The capacity of the computer

is currently thirty-eight ports. Although the hardware design

allows for additional port capacity, saturation of memory

and the central processor would occur if they were installed.

4.3.2 Software Components

The software components of the computer include those which

are supplied by the computer's manufacturer (sections 4.3.2.1

and 4.3.2.2), and custom software such as the MADS system

which was designed and implemented by the CBT programming

staff. In developing the MADS application software, careful

consideration was given to the overall impact on all running

programs. Design considerations for memory management and

priority scheduling were implemented to allow the MADS system

to perform within the contraints of the computer system.

4.3.2.1 Operating System

The Operating System is the nucleus of all software which

runs on the computer system. It supports a multi-programming

computer environment. Major software components of the operating

system are identified in Table 1. Operator communications

with the computer are accomplished using two methods. The

first is the Multi-Terminal Manager. It provides access to

the computer through the use of accounts and passwords, similar

to large time shared systems. The second method utilized

by the MADS software system, is through application software

control. All device communications are accomplished through

application programs.

4.3.2.2 Utilities

Several programs are available on the computer to allow for

the creation and manipulation of data sets and text. These

programs are supplied by the computer manufacturer and greatly

assist the programmer and researcher in editing, copying

and archiving computerized files. Table 2 lists the utilities

which are used in the PCM and Calorimetric experiments.

4.3.2.3 Applications Software

The MADS software system was programmed in the Fortran programming

language using the Perkin-Elmer ANSI Standard X3.9, Fortran

compiler, compatible with the 1978 standard. Several auxiliary
sub-programs and compiler features were also invoked in order

to gain optimum performance and control over the loading

of programs and to insure an efficient data processing environment. These added features do not conform to the ANSI standard

and would require replacement or modification if it is desirable

to transport the MADS software to another computer system.

The application software currently involves over 27 major

program entities which acquire and process data for PCM and

Calorimetric experiments. A significant advantage resulting

from the modular design of the system is that additional

experiments can be integrated into the system by including

modules such as the acquisition and processing modules.

In Chapters 5 and 6, a detailed description of the programming

modules and their operating procedure is presented.
5. MODULAR ACQUISITION AND DISPLAY SOFTWARE SYSTEM DESCRIPTION

This section describes the functional capabilities of the

MADS software system as related to the PCM and Calorimetric

experiments. The structure of the software system is discussed

along with modes of operation.

5.1 SOFTWARE SYSTEM DESCRIPTION

The software system can be described as one which has a supervisor

program and many sub-programs under it. These sub-programs

perform many functions relating to the acquisition and processing

of laboratory data. Performing these tasks also requires

supporting utilities such as graphics and statistical libraries.

These utilities will not be discussed in detail in this paper.

A list of references has been provided which the user may

consult for detailed descriptions of the resources. Figure

8 illustrates the hierarchical structure of the MADS system.

This will help the reader understand the relationship of

the programming modules.

5.2 OPERATI NG MOPES

Operation of the MADS software system requires two distinct

modes. The first mode utilizes the computer system through

the use of the programming modules in a real-time environment.

In this mode priority is given to the MADS system which allows

operator commands and program instructions to be executed

before other tasks which are currently operating in the computer.

Only those commands which are directed by the operator in

the laboratory are processed. The user resides in a "shell-like"

system, interacting with the operating system directly.

The second of the two modes requires the operator to gain

access to the computer using a terminal which is installed

as a port to the Perkin-Elmer Multi-Terminal Manager sub-system.

In this mode the operator competes for various computer resources

such as memory, processor time and disk access. Requests

for these resources are honored on a first-in, first-out

basis according to priority. All terminals under the MultiTerminal Manager operate at the same priority. Therefore,

many users could be requesting similar resources which could

lengthen response time. Design of the MADS system allows

its processing programs to operate in this mode. All data

acquisition programs must operate in real-time.
5.3 USER INTERFACE

Operator interaction with the computer is provided through

the use of Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) devices installed in the

laboratory. These CRTs provide command input to the MADS

software programs and act as a display device for responses

from the computer. They are non-intelligent in nature, and

provide alphanumeric keyboard entry and display only. An

exception to the CRTs are various graphical display units

which are installed in the CBT Instrumentation Facility and

in other parts of CBT. They are used by the software programs

which are described in Section 5.4.8. These units are intelligent

and have local programming capabilities. Transmission speed

is set at 960 characters per second to provide maximum response

and interaction with the system.

5.4 MADS SOFTWARE MODULES

5.4.1 Supervisor Program Module

The Supervisor Program Module is named MADSUP. The function

of MADSUP is to provide command traffic control between the

computer and the laboratory. When the MADS software system

is activated at the main computer console, it is the first

program which is loaded. Each command device configured

in the MADS system receives a message indicating that the

system is available (PCM and Calorimetric Experiments require

only one operator CRT) . Program MADSUP idles until an operator

in the laboratory issues a command to load another program

module for processing. Upon completion of the called program,

control is returned to the MADSUP program where it waits

for the next command. The user selects from a displayed

directory of available modules. As additional modules are

needed, their names are included in the directory by modifying

MADSUP

.

The result of MADSUP' s design allows maximum use of computer

memory by requiring only one module to be loaded per operator

CRT at any given time with the exception of the data acquisition

modules which are loaded and executed independently of other

modules in the system. The determined size of computer memory

requirements can be calculated by summing the size of program

MADSUP and the size of the largest sub-program which is part

of the MADS system. To clarify the operating sequence of

the MADS software system, Figure 9 illustrates a sample session

involving a Calorimetric experiment.
5.4.2 Project Select Program Module

The Project Select Program module is named MADSEL. The function

of MADSEL is to allow the operator to select a project name

which directs the MADS system to call the appropriate subprograms for processing. The project name entered by the

operator is retained until another project is specified or

until the system is restarted. Project identities are recorded

within the MADSEL program and may be modified by changing

the program.

5.4.3 Monitor Program Module

The Monitor Program module is named MADMON. The function

of MADMON is to display the current status of the MADS software

system. MADMON may be called by the operator from the laboratory,

or from the main computer console which resides in the CBT

Instrumentation Facility. Information relating to the status

of the acquisition tasks controlled by the MADS system is

stored in a data file. This file is catalogued under the

name "MADMON.AQU", and is updated by MADS sub-program MADSET

and the MADS acquisition modules (PCMACQ and CALACQ) . Figure

10 identifies the elements contained in the MADMON monitor

file.

5.4.4 Acquisition Setup Program Module

The Acquisition Setup Programs are named according to the

project and related to data collection and processing. The

project identifier selected in the MADSEL module is used

to concatenate the appropriate acquisition name to be loaded.

For example, selecting the PCM experiment (project PCM)

,

would result in the loading of program PCMSET and the Calorimetric

experiment (project CAL) , would result in the loading of

the program CALSET. During the process of the setup programs,

parameters for collecting data are specified through a series

of question and answers. These parameters are stored in

a temporary command file which is utilized in the subsequent

acquisition mode processing. Information such as number of

channels per scan and a unique name for the experimental

session is specified. In Section 6.4.2, detailed instructions

are given for the execution of the setup program modules.

5.4.5 Data Acquisition Program Module

The Data Acquisition Program modules are named in the same

manner described in the MADSET Section (5.4.4). The function

performed by the acquisition programs is to collect data

from the laboratory and store it on the computer's mass storage

system.

10
5.4.5.1 Phase Change Materials Acquisition

Program PCMACQ is unique because it operates on a 24 hour

per day basis. Data is collect from 31 different channels

at 1 minute intervals, resulting in 1440 individual channel

observations per day. The raw data (see Appendix A) is stored

in a holding file which is named PCMRAW.XXX, where XXX is

the current Julian day. A list of the channel identities

is provided in Appendix B. These identities are stored in

a file named PCMDATA.LEG and are used by the MADS PCM processing

programs to index channel information for report generation

and plotting.

Very little operator intervention is required except for

restarting and reconfiguring the instrumentation. Since

the PCM process is cyclic, it was desirable to provide for

automatic processing of data at a predetermined time. Hence,

automatic loading and execution of data prepping, report

generation and Versatec plotting is performed daily at 12:00

midnight. This process is initiated by the acquisition program

which looks at the computer clock and takes the necessary

actions to load the processing programs in a completely unattended

mode. The result is a processing mode which allows for the

collection and processing of data simultaneously. Errors

detected during the acquisition process are reported to the

main computer console as well and to the monitor acquisition

file MADMON.AQU.

5.4.5.2 Calorimetric Acquisition

Program CALACQ collects data for the Calorimetric experiment.

Acquisition sessions involving this experiment normally last

approximately 4 hours. Data is collected from 4 to 12 channels

(see Appendix A for format, and Appendix B for channel identities)

at intervals determined by the researcher at start time. Typical

intervals between readings range from one scan every ten

seconds to one scan every 2 minutes. Storage of the data

is maintained through a holding file named CALRAW.XXX, where

XXX is a unique file extension given the experimental session

by the operator during CALSET program execution. Information

is continually collected until the operator terminates the

acquisition program through program MADCAN. Subsequent processing

is performed through operator control at the laboratory command

console. This processing involves prepping the data file,

the generation of graphical presentations of the data and

optional printed reports. Errors detected during the acquisition

process are reported to the main computer console as well

as the monitor acquisition file MADMON.AQU.

11
5.4.6 Data Prepping Program Module

The Data Prepping Program modules are named in the same manner

as the setup and acquisition programs. The function provided

by the prepping modules is to validate the data and compress

it by eliminating unnecessary characters which are transmitted

by the data loggers. A characteristic of data loggers is

to format the raw data into lines of several channels. This

process introduces spaces between the individual channel

numbers and their values in addition to formatting characters

which are often appended to the beginning and end of each

line transmitted. The result of this procedure is increased

readability for humans but significant amounts of unnecessary

mass storage are required to store the data in this format.

An important function of the prepping modules is to generate

a new and compressed data file containing only the information

needed by the computer to process the data. In the case

of the PCM experiment a data file is processed in the format

as shown in Appendix C. It is renamed to PCMDATA.XXX, where

XXX is the current Julian day. For Calorimetric experiments

a similar process takes place, CALRAW.XXX is renamed to

CALDATA.XXX. Appendix D illustrates the format. Savings

of up to two-thirds of disk storage is common. Another file

is produced by the prepping modules. This file contains

the information found to be in error during the process of

validating the data. The operator may wish to view this

file if there is reason to believe that serious problems

occurred during the acquisition of the data. To assist the

operator, a message indicating the number of raw data records

found in error is displayed.

5.4.7 Report Generating Program Module

The Report Generating Program Modules are named PCMLST and

CALLST. The function provided by these programs is to generate

a report of the data collected during the acquisition process.

The format of the report is illustrated in Appendices E &

F. When the operator starts the programs, parameters are

requested from the operator command device. Responding to

the questions allows the operator to generate a portion of

the data file. An example would be to extract all data collected

between the hours of 09:00 and 12:00. No calculations are

performed on the data, it is displayed just as it is stored.

Each observation (scan) of data would correlate to a physical

data record stored in the magnetic disk file. The operator

may optionally direct the report to be printed on the command

12
device or the line printer in the computer facility. These

programs provide the utility for displaying data stored on

disk. This utility is often found in a text editor program.

However, the format of the stored data and the physical record

size prohibits the use of text editing programs.

5.4.8 Graphics Generating Program Modules

This section describes the graphical methods of analyzing

data for the PCM and Calorimetric experiments. The volume

of data involved in these research projects required such

methods which frees the researcher from "poring" through

large printed listings. The use of graphical display devices

allows the researcher to analyze changes in the experimental

processes. These changes can occur on a daily basis or span

the length of the project. The ability to compare curve

plots of related measurements greatly reduces the amount

of time required to form a hypothesis and helps the researcher

make required changes in laboratory measurement techniques.

5.4.8.1 Versatec Batch Plotting

The Versatec Batch Plotting program for the PCM project is

named PCMPLT. The function provided by PCMPLT is to generate

a plot of Time (X axis) versus Engineering Unit (Y axis)

for each measurement collected during each day in which the

project runs. There are several sub-programs which support

PCMPLT. These programs are identified in Table 3 along with

their supporting function. The main output from PCMPLT is

provided on a Versatec Electrostatic Plotting Device. Additionally, sub-files are produced which are used by the sub-programs

to produce summary data reports and graphics. Appendix G

illustrates a PCM daily plot for one channel of data. Thirty-one

frames are normally produced for each day. A file containing

the channel designations is used during the processing.

Section 5.5.1.3 describes the format of this file.

There are two additional processes which result from the

execution of program PCMPLT. The first process requires

the use of a set of sub-files which are for several selected

channel measurements. These files are called worker files,

that is they are regenerated each time program PCMPLT is

run. They contain Time (X axis) and Measurement values (Y

axis) for selected data collection times occurring during

an experimental day. This segment of data is referred to

as the "phase change segment" and provides important information

to the researcher by identifying the exact time and value

13
for the phase change. A statistical utility available on

the CBT computer called Minitab was utilized to generate

the plot. Appendix H illustrates a sample Phase Change segment

plot.

The second process involves the plotting of maximum and minimum

peak values for selected measurements. These values and

their time of occurrence are stored in a data file which

is updated during the course of executing program PCMPLT.

An entire year of peak information is kept in the file for

future processing. Two programs are available which allow

graphing of measurement values. They are described in Section

5.4.8.3.

The program to plot Calorimetric experimental data is named

CALPLT. The function of CALPLT is much less extensive than

that of PCMPLT. CALPLT simply graphs each channel of measurement

data collected during a specific experimental session. The

session is identified by the name given by the operator during

the execution of CALSET. A data file containing the channel

identification is utilized to generate each plotting frame.

Appendix I illustrates a sample Calorimetric Versatec plot.

5.4.8.2 Easygraphing Interactive Graphics Module

Two programs are used to generate Easygraphing graphics,

PCMPEAK and PCMPEAKA. The function of PCMPEAK and PCMPEAKA

is to allow the researcher to plot peak values from the data

file generated using program PCMPLT. Easygraphing is a graphics

utility produced by Tektronix, Inc. It has a easy to use

command structure and is used to generate graphics on Tektronix

Model 4014 and 4027 computer graphics terminals.

PCMPEAK and PCMPEAKA are very similar in the graphics they

provide. PCMPEAK produces a plot of one cycle of information

for a specified channel. PCMPEAKA produces all three cycles

of information for a specified channel. The operator specifies

the starting and ending measurement days to be plotted.

A single day or an entire year of information may be displayed

using the programs. Appendix J and K illustrate sample Easygraphing frames. A significant advantage of using this plotting

method is that the process of rescaling the data can be done

quickly.

14
5.5 DATABASE STORAGE

Storage of data collected during the PCM and Calorimetric

projects involves the use of a large 300 million character

storage magnetic disk drive. All data is stored in a compressed

format as discussed in Section 5.4.5. Once the data has

been processed it is archived to magnetic tape for permanent

storage and later processing if needed. The following sections

briefly describe the purpose of each file of the database.

Appendices illustrating database record formats are provided.

5.5.1 Data File and Record Formats

A data file as defined by the MADS system is one with which

a unique name is associated. PCM data files are named PCMDATA.XXX

where XXX is the Julian day for the data being collected.

Calorimetric data files are named CALDATA.XXX, where XXX

is a unique sequence number given by the operator at the

beginning of the experimental session. Other data files

are given preassigned names and are never changed.

A data file record is a group of information contained in

a data file. A record is synonomous with a scan. Many records

make up a data file. For example, there are a maximum of

1440 data records contained in a PCM data file. Calorimetric

data files vary in length depending on the length of the

experiment.

Within each data record there are a number of record elements.

These elements are the smallest pieces of a data file record

which are accessed through program control. Examples of record

elements are measurement values and time of occurrence.

5.5.1.1 Raw Data File

Raw data files contain information in the format as it is

transmitted from the laboratory to the computer facility.

As stated in Section 5.4.5, much of the contents of the raw

data files serves no purpose except for readability. Once

the prepping process has been completed, raw data files are

erased from the disk. PCM raw data files are named PCMRAW.XXX,

where XXX is the Julian day for the data being collected.

Calorimetric raw data files are named CALRAW.XXX, where XXX

is the unique sequence number given to the experimental session.

Appendix A illustrates examples of raw data file records.

5.5.1.2 Compressed Data File

Compressed data files are generated from raw data files using

15
the prepping program modules. They contain the information

used to generate all report and graphical output for the

PCM and Calorimetric experiments. Compressed data files

are designed to accommodate a maximum number of channels

per data scan. For example, the PCM data file can store

up to 100 channels of PCM data per record. By indexing within

a record using the channel number to store or retrieve the

measurement value, it is not necessary to include the channel

number as part of the data file record contents. This method

reduces the size of the record significantly. Appendices

C and D illustrate compressed data file records.

5.5.1.3 Peak Summary Data File

The peak summary data file is generated from the PCMPLT program.

It contains summary information used to generate graphical

outputs for program PCMPEAK and PCMPEAKA as described in

Section 5.4.8.3. A record exists for each day in which PCM

data was collected. The position of the record identifies

the Julian day for the year collected. The file is 365 records

long and is named PCMPEAK. DTA. Appendix L illustrates the

format of a record.

5.6 AfiCSIVAL STORAGE

Storing data on backup or archival magnetic media is important

for file security and eliminates the need to keep unnecessary

data files stored on resident disk volumes. The process

of storing data for archival purposes involves the use of

a Perkin-Elmer utility known as OSCOPY/32. This utility

allows the operator to copy a file from disk to tape or tape

to disk. It is not performed through MADS and must be executed

from an MTM terminal. The reader should refer to the Perkin-Elmer

OSCOPY/32 user manual for detailed instructions on its operation

and commands.

16
6. MODULAR ACQUISITION AND DISPLAY SYSTEM OPERATING REFERENCE

This section describes the operational procedures for the

MADS software system as related to the PCM and Calorimetric

experiments. The format of this section is presented in

a "cookbook" approach. Each program's environment, starting

parameters and operator queries and responses are presented.

A sample session of a MADS system startup and program run

sequence is presented in Appendix M.

A terminal device which acts as the main operator command

console for the computer system is installed in the CBT Instrumentation Facility. This device is unique because it is

used to issue commands not privileged by the Multi-Terminal

Manager terminals. These commands direct the computer to

perform executive tasks such as loading the MADS software

system and monitoring the system activity. For a detailed

description of the operator commands which are not part of

the MADS system, the reader should consult the Perkin-Elmer

"OS32MT Operator Reference Manual".

6.1 INSTRUMENTATION FACILITY EXPERIMENTAL PROCESS STARTUP

& MONITORING

Established operating procedures of the computer system require

that the MADS software system be operating at all times.

Since it not possible to predict when experimental processes

are scheduled and in order to relieve the researcher from

computer facility operation, the MADS system is started automatically when the computer is turned on from an outage or restarted

from a failure. A single command which activates a procedural

file has been developed to perform this function. By typing

the command "MADSUP" at the main computer console, the MADS

system is activated.

It is important for the computer facility staff to be aware

of certain computer system activity in order to maintain

a responsive and efficient computer system. Since the data

acquisition activities of the computer are given priority

status, a means for checking the individual acquisitions

status is important to ensure that the MADS system is not

adversely affecting other running tasks. A procedure has

been developed to allow the operator to issue single commands

to start-up and check the status of the MADS software system.

By typing the command "MADSMON", the computer operator can

determine the currently running MADS acquisition tasks.

17
6.2 COMPUTER SYSTEM RECOVERY PROCEDURES

Occasionally, it is necessary to restart the computer system

due to failures which may occur in the hardware or software

components of the system, or a failure may occur in the physical

facilities of the computer room (such as air conditioning

or power) . A process known as rebooting is performed by the

computer facility staff to bring the computer back to normal

operating mode. During this time the data collection activities

of the computer cease. A procedural file named "BOOT. CSS"

is stored on the computer's boot diskette which has stored

in it the command to restart the MADS system. This allows

the MADS system to be restarted automatically.

This completes the activities which are required at the main

computer console. The following procedures involve the use

of the laboratory command device or a Multi-Terminal Manager

device.

6.3 PROGRAM MODULE OPERATION

6.3.1 Supervisor Program Module (MADSUP)

Program MADSUP is started from the main computer console

(See section 6.1). When activated a message will appear

on the researchers terminal in the laboratory which identifies

the MADS system and displays a menu of available modules. Commands

are issued to MADSUP from the researchers terminal in the

laboratory. Enter the number corresponding to the module

you desire to be loaded. An incorrect response triggers the

message "Incorrect Select Code. . .Re-Enter" . Stopping the

MADSUP program module is performed at the main computer console

in the computer facility. Enter the command "CANCEL MADSUP".

This command should only be entered if there is no activity

in the MADS system.

6.3.2 Project Select Module (MADSEL)

The Project Select Module is activated by selecting code

12 from the MADSUP menu. A message is displayed identifying

the MADSEL module and a list of valid projects is also displayed.

Enter the 3 character project code from the list. The project

code is stored and control is returned automatically to the

MADSUP menu.

6.3.3 Monitor Module (MADMON)

The Monitor Module is available from the researcher's terminal

18
is activated by entering code 1 from the MADSUP menu. A

message indicating the status of the currently selected project

is displayed. It will show whether the acquisition is active

or inactive, time of last scan and the file name which is

currently active or last used.

6.3.4 Acquisition Setup Module (MADSET)

The PCM acquisition setup module PCMSET is activated by entering

a code 2 from the MADSUP menu. The Calorimetric setup module

CALSET is also activated by entering a code 2 from the MADSUP

menu. When selected, a message requesting the name of the

data file is issued. Respond by entering:

PCMRAW (for PCM project) p_r_ CALRAW.XXX (For Calorimetric

Project)

where XXX is a unique extension

assigned by the researcher.

The program requests the number of channels being collected.

Respond by entering number of lines corresponding to the

total channels being collected. The program then requests

whether a continuous or interval collection mode is needed.

Respond by entering:

"C" for continuous (useful for testing)

P_r_ "D n for delayed (normal collection)

The program then returns to the MADSUP menu.

6.3.5 Data Acquisition Module (PCMACQ & CALACQ)

The PCM and Calorimetric acquisition modules PCMACQ and CALACQ

are activated by entering a code 4 from the MADSUP menu.

No operator commands are required for these modules. The

necessary commands are created during the MADSET program

process. The programs wait 30 seconds and then start the

listening mode of operation.

To cancel the acquisition programs at any time, enter a code

3 from the MADSUP menu.

6.3.6 Data Prepping Module (PCMPREP & CALPREP)

The data prepping modules are activated by entering a code

19
8 from the MADSUP menu. The file name to be prepped is requested.

Enter the appropriate file name in the format as specified

in the setup program modules (Section 6.3.4). No additional

commands are necessary for the prepping modules. When completed,

control is returned to the MADSUP menu.

An exception to this process is the normal prepping which

occurs for the PCM data files. PCM data is prepped automatically

at midnight each day. This is performed by the automatic

loading of the module PCMPREP by the acquisition module PCMACQ.

In this case, the program looks for the previous days data

file. The result is a new data file represented in the compressed

format.

6.3.7 Graphics Generating Modules

6.3.7.1 Versatec Batch Plotting (PCMPLT & CALPLT)

The PCMPLT and CALPLT program modules are activated by entering

code 11 from the MADSUP menu. When activated, a message

requesting the data file to be plotted is displayed on the

researcher's console. Respond by entering the appropriate

file name in the format described above. This will result

in a series of frames being produced on the Versatec printer/plotter. When completed, control is returned to the MADSUP

menu.

6.3.7.2 Minitab Batch Plotting

The Minitab batch plotting program involves only PCM data

files. This process is activated from a Multi-Terminal Manager

terminal. Enter the following commands to accomplish this

process.

SIGNON PCM,ACCT,PASSW (allows access to the computer)

MINITAB. BCH (starts the plotting process)

SIGNOFF (sign off of the computer)

A list of the commands found in the procedural file "MINITAB. BCH"

is presented in Appendix N.

6.3.6.3 Easygraphing Graphics (PCMPEAK & PCMPEAKA)

The programs required to generate the Easygraphing plots

are activated by using a Tektronix Model 4014 or 4027 terminal

assigned to the Multi-Terminal Manager. Enter the following

commands to accomplish these procedures:

20
SIGNON PCM,ACCT,PASSW (allows access to the computer)

PCMPEAK (requests program PCMPEAK)

CHANNEL # (identifies channel number to be plotted)

STARTING JULIAN DAY (identifies starting day for plotting)

ENDING JULIAN DAY (identifies ending day for plotting)

OMIT THE NEXT COMMAND FOR PROGRAM PCMPEAKA

CYCLE NUMBER (identifies PCM daily cycle number-l f 2, 3)

HEAT OR COOL PEAK (identifies heating or cooling peak1 for heat and 2 for cool)

This will result in a search of the data file PCMPEAK. DTA,

and sub-files being written to disk. Upon completion, the

Easygraphing program is automatically loaded. Enter the command

"RUN PEAK" to generate the plot on the graphics terminal

screen. When completed, type "BYE" and "SIGNOFF" to exit

from the computer system.

6.4 REPORT GENERATING MODULES (PCMLST AND CALLST)

The report generating modules are activated using a Multi-Terminal

Manager terminal. Enter the commands below to accomplish

the procedures:

SIGNON MADS,ACCT,PASSW (allows access to the computer)

CALLST FILENAME (load the Calorimetric program

and names a file to be used)

or. PCMLST FILENAME (loads the PCM program and names

a file to be used)

# DATA BLOCKS (identifies the number of data

blocks to be printed)

A report of the data blocks identified is printed on the

line printer in the computer facility.

6.5 PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT AND ENHANCEMENTS

Program development and enhancements are processed using

the Perkin-Elmer Text Editor, Fortran Compiler and Link programs.

This process requires extensive knowledge beyond the scope

of this paper and will not be covered. For a detailed description

of the utilities and their operating procedures, consult

the reference list found in Section 9.

21
7. FILE SECURITY

The issue of file security is handled using two methods.

The first method involves the normal operating procedures

of the CBT Instrumentation Facility. A Perkin-Elmer file

utility known as BACKUP is used to copy newly created and

modified disk files to magnetic tape at three time intervals;

daily, weekly and monthly. If for some reason a file should

be destroyed or lost. The copy stored on magnetic tape can

be retrieved to disk through operator control at the main

computer console.

The second method involves the OSCOPY/32 utility described

in 5.6 entitled Archival Storage. Periodically, PCM and

Calorimetric data files are copied to magnetic tape reels

which are used to store permanent copies of the compressed

data. These files may also be retrieved from tape and copied

back onto disk for further processing. The methods just

described are independent of the MADS software system.

Additional security measures exist within the CBT Instrumentation

Facility to insure the safety of data. These include limited

access to the computer facility and password identities for

accessing the computer in a terminal mode.

22
8. CONCLUSIONS

A generalized description of a computerized software system

for the collection and processing of laboratory data developed

to analyze phase change storage materials has been developed.

This system makes it possible for the researcher to devote

more time to the processes related directly to the experiment

by allowing the computer facility staff to monitor computer

system activity.

The MADS system also provides for efficient data base storage

through compressed file formats. This feature allows for

rapid and efficient data analysis methods, especially when

interactive computer graphics modules are utilized.

The design and implementation of a software system such as

MADS increases the productivity of the research staff and

computer staff by eliminating the need to write computer

programs which have the same or similar functions. Additional

research projects can be added to the system with a minimal

amount of computer program coding by including the project

identity and customized acquisition and processing modules

into the MADS software system environment.

23
9. REFERENCES

Perkin-Elmer

Computer Systems Division

2 Crescent Place

Oceanport, NJ 07757

OS/32 Multi-Terminal Monitor Reference Manual

OS/32 Edit User Guide

OS/32 Link Reference Manual

Fortran VII Reference Manual

Fortran VII User Guide

System Mathematical Run Time Library Reference Manual

Copy/32 Reference Manual

Tektronix, Inc.

2 Research Court

Rockville, MD

Plot 10 Easy Graphing User's Manual

The Pennsylvania State University

Statistics Department

215 Pond Laboratory

University Park, PA 16802

Minitab Reference Manual

Minitab Student Handbook

24
Table 1 Major Operating System Software Components

software. Function

OS32MT Executive Operating Controls all software

System activity of the computer

(scheduling, execution)

Device Drivers Controls communications

between devices (remote

ports, peripherals) and

the central processing

unit

Utilities (Edit, Backup, Provide facilities for

Copy, Language Processors) developing programs and

manipulating files

MADS System Provides user interface

and processing functions

for laboratory data

25
Table 2 Utilities Used By the MADS Software System

Utility Name Function

OS/32 Multi-Terminal Manager Provides terminal access

for interactive users.

OS/32 Edit Provides text manipulation

facilities.

OS/32 Link Generates executable

program code from Fortran

object code.

Disk Backup Provides the facility

backup of data and

program files.

Fortran Compiler Provides application

program language facilities.

26
Table 3 PCM Plotting Support Programs

Proa ram Name Purpose

PCMPLT Generates several outputs from

daily PCM data files.

These are: individual frame plots

PCM peak cycle plots

PCM segment blowup

Summary peak report

PEAKMAX Finds maximum peak point for heatcool cycles for each channel.

PEAKMIN Finds minimum peak point for heatcool cycles for each channel.

PEAKRPT Generates report of peak points

for each day.

PCRPT Finds phase change segment for

each cooling cycle and produces

plotting worker files.

PUTPEAKS Writes heat cycle peak points

to PCMPEAK data file for subsequent

interactive plotting.

27
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RTV RUBBER SEALS

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Figure 2 Time and Conductance Specimen Diagram

29
Perkin-Elmer

Computer System

jf m

PCM DATA

LOGGER

DORIC 220

DIG I TREND

THERMAL CYCLING

UNIT

30 THERMOCOUPLE

LINES

CALORIMET

DATA

LOGGER

MONITOR

LABS

J

I 6 CALORIMETERS

1 2 4 THERMOCOUPLE LINES

Figure 3 PCM § Calorimetric Instrument Components

30
Laboratory

Computer

Facility

Doric Digitrend 220 Data

Logging System

RS-232 Interface Connector

1 1 3 4 5i 6 7 8 20

Penril PSH 96A

Short Haul Modem

TX1 TX2> RX1 RX2

RX1 RX2 TX1 TX2

Penril PSH 96A

Short Haul Modem

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 20

Perkin-Elmer Computer System

Remote Port

Figure 4 PCM Communications Configuration

31
Calorimetric Measurement Data Logger

RS-232 Interface Connector

5 6 7 8 13

Black Box Cable Splice

25 Pin Connector

13 15 16

Loop Connector

Black Box 101-1

EIA/Loop Converter

25

EIA Connector

Per kin-Elmer

Null Modem

Perkin-Elmer Computer System

Remote Port

S Legend

7=Blue

13=Yellow

15=Tan

16=Green

Figure 5 Calorimetric Communications Configuration

32
Laboratory Command

Device

RS-232 Connector

RS-232 Connector

20

Perkin-Elmer Computer System

Remote Port

Figure 6 Command Device Communication Configuration

33
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34
MADSUP

MADSMON

SELECT MODULES

(PCMSEL, CALSEL)

SETUP MODULES ACQUISITION MODULES

(PCMSET, CALSET) (PCMACQ, CALACQ)

REPORT GENERATION

MODULES (PCMLST, CALLST)

GRAPHICS MODULES

(PCMPEAK, PCMPLT, CALPLT)

Figure 8 Hierarchial Structure of MADS Software System

35
>f.

MADSUP

MODULE

CALACQ

MODULE

CALLST

MODULE

MADSEL

MODULE

CALPREP

MODULE

1 CALSET

MODULE

CALPLT

MODULE

Figure 9 Sample Program Sequence of Calorimetric Experiment

36
Acquisition Status

Flag

Start

Date

Start

Time

End

Time

End

Date

Last

Scan

Date

Last

Scan

Time

Current

Data

File

Figure 10 MADS Monitor File Format

37
Appendix A Raw Data File Illustrations

Phase Change Materials

01983 273

001 0061. 7F

006 0050. 2F

Oil 0048. 7F

016 0063. 9F

021 0062. 8F

026 0068. 9F

031 10.509M

Scan Time

16 03 59 H

002 0058. IF

007 0052. 5F

012 0072. 8F

017 0057. 5F

022 0076. 5F

027 0053. 2F

032 1.0573V

Channel

Number

003 0053. IF

008 0072. 4F

013 0053. OF

018 0058. 9F

023 0076. 6F

028 0054. 8F

033 0.8088V

004 0055. 7F

009 0061. 8F

014 0055. 5F

005 0057. 7F

010 0052. 6F

015 0058. OF

019 0054. 8F *020 -9999. 9F

024 0069. 2F 025 0063. 2F

029 0076. 2F 030 032. 64M

Channel

Reading

Calorimetric Performance Measurement

Scan Time

350ill;18:20l

4 20.9'C 7

16 20.7'C 19

350:11:18:30

4 21.0'C

16 20.7'C

350:11:18:41

4 21.0'C

16 20.7'C

7

19

7

19

21.2'C

20.8'C

21.2'C

20.7'C

21.3'C

120. 7'C I Channel

Number

10

10

10

Channel

Reading

20.8'C

20.7'C

20.8'C

13 21.1'C

13 21.1'C

13 21.2'C

A-l
Appendix B Channel Legend File

Channel # Channel Description

001 1ST PCM#57-TEMP OUTSIDE SPEC. CONTAINER FLO

002 1ST PCM#57-OUTSIDE WALL TEMP. OF PCM CONTAINER

003 1ST PCM#57-INSIDE WALL TEMP. OF PCM CONTAINER

004 1ST PCM#57-CORE TEMP. OF PCM

005 2ND PCM#3-OUTSIDE WALL TEMP. OF PCM CONTAINER

006 2ND PCM#3-INSIDE WALL TEMP. OF PCM CONTAINER

007 2ND PCM#3-CORE TEMP. OF PCM

008 2ND PCM#3-TEMP. OUTSIDE SPEC. CONTAINER LC

009 3RD PCM#22-OUTSIDE WALL TEMP. OF PCM CONTAINER

010 3RD PCM#22-INSIDE WALL TEMP. OF PCM CONTAINER

011 3RD PCM#22-CORE TEMP. OF PCM

012 3RD PCM#22-TEMP. OUTSIDE SPEC. CONTAINER C

013 4TH PCM#43-CORE TEMP. OF PCM

014 4TH PCM#43-INSIDE WALL TEMP. OF PCM CONTAINER

015 4TH PCM#43-OUTSIDE WALL TEMP. OF PCM CONTAINER

016 4TH PCM#43-TEMP. OUTSIDE SPEC. CONTAINER FRC

017 5TH PCM#61-OUTSIDE WALL TEMP. OF PCM CONTAINER

018 5TH PCM#61-INSIDE WALL TEMP. OF PCM CONTAINER

019 5TH PCM#61-CORE TEMP. OF PCM

020 5TH PCM#61-TEMP. OUTSIDE SPEC. CONTAINER RC

021 UNIT TEMP. -UNIT TEMP. OVER SPECIMEN AREA FC

022 UNIT TEMP. -UNIT TEMP. OVER SPECIMEN AREA BR

023 UNIT TEMP. -UNIT TEMP. OVER SPECIMEN AREA BC

024 UNIT TEMP. -UNIT TEMP. OVER SPECIMEN AREA BL

025 UNIT TEMP. -UNIT TEMP. OVER SPECIMEN AREA FL

026 UNIT TEMP. -UNIT TEMP. OVER SPECIMEN AREA FR

027 CONDUCTANCE-BLUE CONDUCTIVITY CELL-CORE TEMP

028 CONDUCTANCE-RED CONDUCTIVITY CELL-CORE TEMP

029 ROOM TEMP. -ROOM TEMP.

030 CONDUCTANCE- (BLUE) CONDUCTIVITY

031 CONDUCTANCE- (RED) CONDUCTIVITY

Field

Engr. Unit

DEGREES C

DEGREES C

DEGREES C

DEGREES C

DEGREES C

DEGREES C

DEGREES C

DEGREES C

DEGREES C

DEGREES C

DEGREES C

DEGREES C

DEGREES C

DEGREES C

DEGREES C

DEGREES C

DEGREES C

DEGREES C

DEGREES C

DEGREES C

DEGREES C

DEGREES C

DEGREES C

DEGREES C

DEGREES C

DEGREES C

DEGREES C

DEGREES C

DEGREES C

UMHO

UMHO

B-l
Appendix C PCM Data File Record Format

File Name Format: PCMDATA.XXX

Where XXX=Julian Day (001-365)

Channel—* 1

Value F7.3

2

F7.3

3

F7.3

4

F7.3

5

F7.3

i 6

r F7.3

7

F7.3

8

F7.3

9

F7.3

10

F7.3

11

F7.3

12

F7.3

13

F7.3

14

F7.3

15

F7.3

16

F7.3

17

F7.3

18

F7.3

19

F7.3

20

F7.3

96

F7.3

97

F7.3

98

F7.3

99

F7.3

100

F7.3

Year

4 digits

Hour

4 Digit

Minute

2 digit

Second

2 digit

Elapsed

Seconds

Since

Midnight

5 digit

Record #1=

Scan #1 for

Day XXX

C-l
Appendix D Calorimetric Data File Record Format

Channel 1 2 3 4 5

Value F7.I F7.2 F7.2 F7.2 F7.2

6 7 8 9 10

F7.2 F7.2 F7.2 F7.2 F7.2

11 12 13 14 15

F7.2 F7.2 F7.2 F7.2 F7.2

16 17 18 19 20

F7.2 F7.2 F7.2 F7.2 F7.2

21 22 23 24 25

F7.2 F7.2 F7.2 F7.2 F7.2

26 27 28 29 30

F7.2 F7.2 F7.2 F7.2 F7.2

31 32 33 34 35

F7.2 F7.2 F7.2 F7.2 F7.2 ;

36 37 38 39 40

F7.2 F7.2 F7.2 F7.2 F7.2

41

F7.2

< t

D-l
Appendix E PCMLST Sample Report Format

PCMDATA.273

DATA BLOCK . .

.

937

YR:1982. HR:16 . MN: 0. SC:59. ELAP TIME: 57. 59

CHAN VAL CHAN VAL CHAN VAL CHAN VAL CHAN VAL

1 55.20000 2 54.60001 3 57.60001 4 53.0000 5 47 .00000

6 51.80000 7 55.10001 8 55.70000 9 52.70000 10 45 .70000

11 50.00000 12 57.20000 13 53.20000 14 51.39999 15 47 .10001

16 54.89999 17 54.50000 18 51.70000 19 50.49999 20 -99 .89800

21 53.30000 22 54.30000 23 51.50000 24 30.20000 25 49 .89999

26 61.39999 27 59.50000 28 51.30000 29 70.30000 30 .03159

31 0.01048 32 1.05740 33 0.80900

E-l
Appendix F Calorimetric Report Format

DATA BLOCK . .

.

ELAPSED TIME.. . CHAN VAL CHAN VAL CHAN VAL CHAN VAL CHAN VAL

4 23.50 7 23.50 10 23.20 13 23.60 16 23.30

19 23.20 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

DATA BLOCK... 1

ELAPSED TIME.. .10.

CHAN VAL CHAN VAL CHAN VAL CHAN VAL CHAN VAL

4 23.00 7 23.30 10 23.20 13 23.50 16 23.20

19 23.10 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

F-l
Appendix G PCM Daily Versatec Channel Plot

50

46

42 -

38 -

34

o 30

C9

26 -

22 -1

18

14

10

1 1 1 • i \A

i i i i i —

r

-

fA 'A. -

- / i

- /^ Ii TM

4?7 !'• / j

• n l '/ 1'

' //

•I

' M

Hi! ' / ;i ib "

• ' 1

-

t f

ill - / /;/ ib: —

• / •

*

I "

' fa

^

"'A'/

l;l —

"' /•' / ,:

.; —

i / • 1 :\

1 \V\\

-

1 :'/

i/7

i % * •Aw 1 \ »

* -

1/ \ V

*•

- Outside wall of \ V\ \

-

1' PCM container \ \\ \

-I -Inside wall of \ \\

PCM container NCV

-

'# -I \-

y/' -Core of PCM

N^

SN

$ - Outside spec, container

vV

V

i i I i i i i i i i i ll 30 35 40 45 50 55

SECONDS, THOUSANDS

G-l
Appendix H Minitab Plot of Phase Change Segment

Minitab Release 81.1 *** Copyright - Penn State Univ. 1981

Nov. 22, 1982 *** NBS Minitab Ver 81.1-A 810610

READ *PCHAN4.264' INTO CI C2 C3 C4 C5 C6

COLUMN CI C2 C3 C4 C5 C6

COUNT 100 100 100 100 100 100

17700.0 29.7500 46320.0 29.8600 75419.9 29.7500

17760.0 29.4100 46380.0 29.5200 75479.9 29.4700

17820.0 29.1900 46440.0 29.2500 75639.9 29.2500

17880.0 28.9100 46500.0 28.9700 75599.9 29.0200

SHARE

PLOT FOURONE IN C2 VS. TIME IN CI

C2

30.0+

_ * _ * _ *

2

25.5+ **

*2

*2*

**2

2*

22*

22

27.0+ *2*

_ **2*

- **2

2*2*

_ **2*

25.5+ **22*

*22*

_ *

24.0+

17000. 18000. 19000. 20000. 21000. 22000.

2 MISSING OBSERVATIONS

H-l
Appendix ppendix I Calorimetric Calorimetric Versatec Versatec Plot F Example txample. CRLORIMETRIC PERFORMRNCE

OJ

O • w1-1 CO

UJ

UJ

CD®.

LlJco

0)

o

®

w

Sfi

DP

1PLE:CQLDP

TE: JUL/0

TQ.011

9/82

UH -INNtL= H

^

-v*

M 1

(

~~—

1

r

1000 sooo 0000 13000 17000 21000

ELRPSED TIME(SEC)

25000

1-1
Appendix J - Easy Graphing Peak Plot CSingle Cycle)

CO

LU

-J

o

>-

o

o

<

LU

LU

Z

z

<

I

o

o 1 i 1 r+-"" 1 i i IT)

- CO

O - CO

-

CO

o - T~

-

CO

o

0)

O

CM

>-<

O Q

m z

CM <

~ o ^

- CO "5

CM

O

CM

O

To

h*

o

1 i 1 1 1 •

i in

o W o m c

CD W W * ^

S33H93Q

J-l
Appendix K - Easy Graphing Multi-Cycle Plot Example

O

in

CO

F—

CO

HI

_l

o

>-

o

o

z

<

LU

I

LU

Z

z

<

I

o

-^E-r

OD

8

i- CM CO

fl> © ©

O O O

> >» > CO o

< o o

o 4

<f2fO

_L -L X

Q<3

4k- -L _L

o

CO

CO

o

T—

CO

o

0)

CM

O

CM

O

lO

CM

O

CO

CM

O

T"" CM

O

0>

o

o

o in o 10 o io o m o

S (D (D U) U)^ ^

CO CO

S33H93Q

<

Q

K-l
Appendix L PCM Peak Data File Format

Channel 1 Cycle 1

Heat

Cycle 2

Heat

Cycle 3

Heat

Cycle 1

Cool

Cycle 2

Cool

Cycle 3

Cool

Channel 1 Cycle 1

Heat

Cycle 2

Heat

Cycle 3

Heat

Cycle 1

Cool

Cycle 2

Cool

Cycle 3

Cool

Channel 3

Cycle 1

Heat

Cycle 2

Heat

Cycle 3

Heat

Cycle 1

Cool

Cycle 2

Cool

Cycle 3

Cool

Channel A

Cycle 1

Heat

Cycle 2

Heat

Cycle 3

Heat

Cycle 1

Cool

Cycle 2

Cool

Cycle 3

Cool

Channel

30

Cycle 1

Heat

Cycle 2

Heat

Cycle : Heat

Cycle 1

Cool

Cyxle-2

Cool

Cycle 3

Cool

Channel

31

Cycle 1

Heat

Cycle 2

Heat

Cycle : Heat

Cycle 1

Cool

Cycle 2

Cool

Cycle 3

Cool

L-l
Appendix M MADSUP STARTUP AND RUN SAMPLE SESSION

CBT PERKIN-ELMER COMPUTER SYSTEM

MODULAR ACQUISITION & DISPLAY

•• MENU •• SELECT DESIRED RUN MODE

01 ACQ MONITOR 09 HELP

02 ACQ SETUP 10 PEEK

03 ACQ TERM 11 PLOT

04 ACQUIRE 12 PROJ SELECT

05 FILE ARCHIVE 13 REPORT GEN

«7 FILE INDEX 15 TERMINATE

08 FILE PREP 16 VIEW

17 SEND MESSAGE

ENTER TWO DIGIT CODE

12•• MADS PROJECT SELECT MODULE •• ENTER PROJECT ID FROM TABLE BELOW

PCM (Phase Change)

ASP (Autospec)

NWS (Nike Weather Sta)

CAL (Calorimetric)

THM (Thermal Mass)

ION (Ion Chromatograph)

CAL

•• MENU •• SELECT DESIRED RUN MODE

01 ACQ MONITOR 09 HELP

02 ACQ SETUP 10 PEEK

03 ACQ TERM 11 PLOT

04 ACQUIRE 12 PROJ SELECT

05 FILE ARCHIVE 13 REPORT GEN

07 FILE INDEX 15 TERMINATE

08 FILE PREP 16 VIEW

17 SEND MESSAGE

ENTER TWO DIGIT CODE

02

•• CALORIMETER CALIBRATION ACQ SETUP •• ENTER FILENAME FOR DATA COLLECTION

CALDATA.099

ENTER NUMBER OF LINES TO BE SCANNED

FOR EXAMPLE: 1-4 CHANNELS m 01 LINES

5-8 CHANNELS = 02 LINES

9-12 CHANNELS = 03 LINES

13-16 CHANNELS = 04 LINES

17-20 CHANNELS = 05 LINES

21-24 CHANNELS s 06 LINES

25-28 CHANNELS = 07 LINES

29-32 CHANNELS s 08 LINES

33-36 CHANNELS = 09 LINES

37-40 CHANNELS e 10 LINES

02

ENTER 'C* FOR CONTINUOUS SCAN

OR 'D' FOR DELAYED SCAN

D

M-l
Measurement data session

•• MENU • • SELECT DESIRED RUN MODE

01 ACQ MONITOR 09 HELP

02 ACQ SETUP 10 PEEK

03 ACQ TERM 11 PLOT

04 ACQUIRE 12 PROJ SELECT

05 FILE ARCHIVE 13 REPORT GEN

07 FILE INDEX 15 TERMINATE

08 FILE PREP 16 VIEW

17 SEND MESSAGE

ENTER TWO DIGIT CODE

OH•• CALORIMETRIC DATA ACQUISITION MODULE •• Set Instrument and type "GO"

GO

DATA ACQUISITION STARTED

•• MENU •• SELECT DESIRED RUN MODE

01 ACQ MONITOR 09 HELP

02 ACQ SETUP 10 PEEK

03 ACQ TERM 11 PLOT

OH ACQUIRE 12 PROJ SELECT

05 FILE ARCHIVE 13 REPORT GEN

07 FILE INDEX 15 TERMINATE

08 FILE PREP 16 VIEW

17 SEND MESSAGE

ENTER TWO DIGIT CODE

15•• MADS SYSTEM NORMAL TERMINATION ••

M-2
Appendix N Minitab Batch Command File Listing.

BATCH

READ •PCHAN^.SSI' INTO C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6

TSHARE

RECODE VALUES FROM 0.0 TO 0.0 IN C1 INTO

RECODE VALUES FROM 0.0 TO 0.0 IN C2 INTO

RECODE VALUES FROM 0. TO 0. IN C3 INTO

RECODE VALUES FROM 0.0 TO 0.0 IN CA INTO

RECODE VALUES FROM 0.0 TO 0.0 IN C5 INTO

RECODE VALUES FROM 0.0 TO 0.0 IN C6 INTO

BATCH

PLOT FOURONE IN C2 VS. TIME IN C1

PLOT FOURTWO IN CH VS. TIME IN C3

PLOT FOURTHREE IN C6 VS. TIME IN C5

TSHARE

NEVPAGE

ERASE C1 C2 C3 CH C5 C6

BATCH

READ 'PCHANT.SSI' INTO C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6

^ SHARE

RECODE VALUES FROM 0.0 TO 0.0 IN C1 INTO

RECODE VALUES FROM 0.0 TO 0.0 IN C2 INTO

RECODE VALUES FROM 0.0 TO 0.0 IN C3 INTO

RECODE VALUES FROM 0.0 TO 0.0 IN C4 INTO

RECODE VALUES FROM 0.0 TO 0.0 IN C5 INTO

RECODE VALUES FROM 0.0 TO 0.0 IN C6 INTO

BATCH

PLOT SEVENONE IN C2 VS. TIME IN C1

PLOT SEVENTVO IN C4 VS. TIME IN C3

PLOT SEVENTHREE IN C6 VS. TIME IN C5

TSHARE

NEVPAGE

ERASE C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6

BATCH

READ 'PCHA1 1.35V INTO C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6

TSHARE

RECODE VALUES FROM 0.0 TO 0.0 IN C1 INTO

RECODE VALUES FROM 0.0 TO 0.0 IN C2 INTO

RECODE VALUES FROM 0.0 TO 0.0 IN C3 INTO

RECODE VALUES FROM 0. TO 0. IN CH INTO

RECODE VALUES FROM 0.0 TO 0.0 IN C5 INTO

RECODE VALUES FROM 0.0 TO 0.0 IN C6 INTO

BATCH

PLOT ELEVENONE IN C2 VS. TIME IN C1

PLOT ELEVENTVO IN C4 VS. TIME IN C3

PLOT ELEVENTHREE IN C6 VS. TIME IN C5

TSHARE

NEVPAGE

ERASE C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6

BATCH

READ »PCHA13.351' INTO C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6

TSHARE

RECODE VALUES FROM 0.0 TO 0.0 IN C1 INTO

RECODE VALUES FROM 0.0 TO 0.0 IN C2 INTO

RECODE VALUES FROM 0.0 TO 0.0 IN C3 INTO

RECODE VALUES FROM 0.0 TO 0.0 IN C4 INTO

RECODE VALUES FROM 0.0 TO 0.0 IN C5 INTO

1*1

, STORE IN C1

• •<

, STORE IN C2

• It

, STORE IN C3

• It

, STORE IN CH

• •1

, STORE IN C5

III

, STORE IN C6

• n , STORE IN C1

• •

, STORE IN C2

• it

, STORE IN C3

tit

, STORE IN CH

i»i

, STORE IN C5

• it

, STORE IN C6

»*t

, STORE IN C1

in f STORE IN C2

i«i

, STORE IN C3

• i« , STORE IN C4

tit

, STORE IN C5

• ii

, STORE IN C6

• it

• STORE IN C1

• it

» STORE IN C2

• it

• STORE IN C3

• it

t STORE IN C*»

• it

• STORE IN C5

N-l
RECODE VALUES FROM 0.0 TO 0.0 IN C6 INTO

BATCH

PLOT THIRTEENONE IN C2 VS. TIME IN C1

PLOT THIRTEENTWO IN CM VS. TIME IN C3

PLOT THIRTEENTHREE IN C6 VS. TIME IN C5

TSHARE

NEVJPAGE

ERASE C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6

BATCH

READ 'PCHAig.SSI' INTO C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6

TSHARE

RECODE VALUES FROM 0.0 TO 0.0 IN C1 INTO

RECODE VALUES FROM 0.0 TO 0.0 IN C2 INTO

RECODE VALUES FROM 0.0 TO 0.0 IN C3 INTO

RECODE VALUES FROM 0.0 TO 0.0 IN CiflNTO

RECODE VALUES FROM 0.0 TO 0.0 IN C5 INTO

RECODE VALUES FROM 0.0 TO 0.0 IN C6 INTO

BATCH

PLOT NINETEENONE IN C2 VS. TIME IN C1

PLOT NINETEENTWO IN CM VS. TIME IN C3

PLOT NINETEENTHREE IN C6 VS. TIME IN C5

STOP

»» , f STORE IN C6

«»t

, STORE IN C1

• 11

, STORE IN C2

til

, STORE IN C3

1*1

, STORE IN C4

111

, STORE IN C5

• •1

, STORE IN C6

N-2
NBS-114A (rev. 2-8Q

U.S. DEPT. OF COMM.

BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATA

SHEET (See instructions)

PUBLICATION OR

REPORT NO.

NBS TN 1188

2. Performing Organ. Report No 3. Publication Date May 1984

4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE

A Modular Data Acquisition and Display Software System for A Laboratory

Environment

5. AUTHOR(S)

Lawrence Kaetzel; John Grimes; Paul Brown

6. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION (If joint or other than NBS, see instructions)

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20234

7. Contract/Grant No.

8. Type of Report & Period Covered

Final

9. SPONSORING ORGANIZATION NAME AND COMPLETE ADDRESS (Street, City. State, ZIP)

Department of Energy, Office of Solar Heating Technologies

Washington, DC 20585

10. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES

]] Document describes a computer program; SF-185, FlPS Software Summary, is attached.

11. ABSTRACT (A 200-word or less factual summary of most significant information. If document includes a significant

bibliography or literature survey, mention it here)

This report describes the processes involved in acquiring and

analyzing experimental laboratory data using a medium sized

computer in a multi-programming environment with a modular software

system. Research involving Phase Change Materials and Calorimetric

Performance measurements in building research are used as case

studies to describe the functional capabilities and operational

procedures of the system. The software system consists of computer

programs which allow the researcher to collect, store, and analyze

data graphically.

12. KEY WORDS (Six to twelve entries; alphabetical order; capitalize only proper names; and separate key words by semicolons)

experimental data processing; graphical data analysis;

interactive processing; laboratory data collection;

modular computer software. ^^

13. AVAILABILITY

^Unlimited

| | For Official Distribution. Do Not Release to NTIS

fv] Order From Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.

\^\ Order From National Technical Information Service (NTIS), Springfield, VA. 22161

14. NO. OF

PRINTED PAGES

61

15. Price

USCOMM-DC 6043-P80


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