Function blocks drive savings

June 2007 System Integration & Control Systems Design

Introduction

The concept of savings as a result of using software engineering standards is not new, but ITmatic have leveraged Profibus DP technology to extend this gain. In this example they built a standardised interface to the recently introduced ABB UMC22 motor starter.

Clients of ITmatic were recently able to benefit from:

* Reduced device configuration time.

* Elimination of the need for third party engineering and fault finding tools.

Functionality and savings

The faceplate in Figure 1 shows the functionality created for the ABB motor starter using a Siemens PCS7 V6.1 control system. While the motor starter provides standard functionality such as stop/start and fault displays it is possible using the device's Profibus DPV1 profile, to extract a host of valuable information and to write critical parameters to the unit. And since DPV1 is acyclical it is possible to do this without using up any additional bandwidth on the Profibus network.

Reading parameters such as motor settings (ie, maximum current) from a starter in this way instead of hard coding or manually configuring access to drive communications in a control system saves vast amounts of time during initial commissioning. The saving is multiplied by the number of motors in a project. In our example the client had in excess of 200 motors.

Another advantage is realised when maintenance staff are required to make changes since programming staff are no longer required. This approach also helps to create clearly defined boundaries between disciplines. By reading device diagnostics via DPV1 and latching the alarm status fault displays can be centralised without resorting to third party diagnostic tools.

Additionally there is no requirement for other programming tools since the DPV1 interface allows critical operational settings such as alarm levels to be written to the starter.

For management, production and maintenance this approach also makes possible the reading of management information such as run hours or number of starts which can then be used for costing and preventive maintenance planning.

About ITmatic consulting services

It is the vision of ITmatic Consulting Services, part of the ITmatic Group of companies to 'manage the pre-implementation process and beyond' for its strategic clients. This includes the provision of services such as defining relevant standards or providing the necessary building blocks to reduce overall project cost.

For more information contact Petrus Klopper, ITmatic, +27 (0)82 559 7437, [email protected], www.itmatic.co.za

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