Honeywell streamlines solar panel manufacture

June 2010 System Integration & Control Systems Design

Woongjin Polysilicon will use Experion PKS and wireless technology to maximise production at its new facility.

Honeywell has been selected to supply the process automation and control platform for a new South Korea polysilicon plant to help meet the rising global demand for solar panels. Woongjin Polysilicon will use Honeywell’s Experion Process Knowledge System (PKS) with Foundation Fieldbus solutions to help the Sangju Plant produce an estimated 5000 tons of polysilicon per year.

Polysilicon is a key material used in the manufacturing of photovoltaic panels, which convert solar energy into electricity and represents one of the world’s fastest growing renewable energy technologies.

“The need for solar energy will only increase as the world looks for more renewable resources,” said BD Kwon, project lead engineer of Woongjin Polysilicon. “This new facility will play a vital role in helping to meet that growing demand, and we selected Honeywell for this project because its philosophy of improving safety, reliability and efficiency is proven to optimise production and business results.”

Experion streamlines plant operations by pulling data directly from critical plant subsystems and sending the information to operators to help them make better decisions in the control room. As part of the agreement, Honeywell will also supply two additional solutions: Safety Manager and the Mobile Station wireless station tablet.

Safety Manager improves overall plant safety by providing operators with crucial safety information, such as pre-shutdown alerts, as well as plant-wide safety instrumented system (SIS) point data, diagnostics, and alarms and events. Mobile Station increases worker productivity by enabling operators to use a wireless tablet or other handheld device to access critical process information, historical data, graphics and other key functions in the field.

“The need for reliability is magnified when corporations aim to become global manufacturing leaders,” said H. Han, sales leader, Honeywell Korea. “The solution Honeywell is providing Woongjin addresses this issue by delivering the most-relevant information to operators controlling the processes, maximising the productivity of the workers in the field and promoting overall safety. Having those critical factors in place will allow plant personnel to focus on maintaining high-quality production levels.”

For more information contact Debbie Rae, Honeywell Southern Africa, +27 (0)11 695 8000, [email protected], www.honeywell.co.za

Further reading:

The state of the SI industry remains strong
System Integration & Control Systems Design
The system integration (SI) industry is expanding with the adoption of AI, automation and data sharing, allowing companies to improve operational efficiency and competitiveness across diverse sectors.

Read more...

---

The symbiotic relationship between OEMs and SIs
Schneider Electric South Africa Editor's Choice System Integration & Control Systems Design
While businesses tend to turn directly to original equipment manufacturers OEMs or vendors when embarking on IT projects, the role of the SI as a key facilitator and partner cannot be overstated.

Read more...

---

Flexible and precise dispensing technology
Beckhoff Automation System Integration & Control Systems Design
The Scheugenpflug ProcessModule axis system forms the basis of Atlas Copco’s dispensing and screwing cells and a flexible integration platform for general contractors and machine builders. Precise process sequences are ensured by TwinCAT CNC and servo drive technology from Beckhoff.

Read more...

---

The time is now for systems integrators
Editor's Choice System Integration & Control Systems Design
Integrators combine sophistication regarding technology innovation with practical, hands-on experience. Collaborating with systems integrators is the means to significant productivity improvement, powered by the convergence of automation and information and operations technology.

Read more...

---

System integrators are a diverse market
Editor's Choice System Integration & Control Systems Design
System integrators (SIs) combine expertise on emergent technologies with real world experience. Working with SIs, it’s inevitable that at some point someone will say, “We’re not a typical SI.” And in many ways, it’s true. SIs come in all shapes and sizes.

Read more...

---

Avoiding the pitfalls of PLC and scada control system integration
Iritron System Integration & Control Systems Design
Upgrading your control system by integrating PLCs with scada systems should be a simple seamless process. Regrettably, the industry is plagued with control system integration and upgrade myths and misconceptions that can lead to liability issues, project delays, cost overruns and decreased plant performance.

Read more...

---

EtherCAT measurement terminals for vehicle development at Mercedes-Benz
Beckhoff Automation System Integration & Control Systems Design
At the Mercedes Technology Centre plant in Sindelfingen, Germany, car axles are examined with the highest precision on four test benches, in parallel with road tests and simulations. All data is acquired using PC-based control from Beckhoff.

Read more...

---

Loop signature 23: Tuning Part 2.
Editor's Choice System Integration & Control Systems Design
It is my opinion that most tuning methods are very crude. They do of course also offer a starting point for tuning if one is not fortunate enough to have a sophisticated tuning package like a Protuner around.

Read more...

---

PIC microcontrollers with integrated FPGA features in TME
System Integration & Control Systems Design
The new PIC16F131xx microcontrollers in TME’s offering from Microchip are ideal for the evolving and miniaturising electronic equipment market, offering efficient power management and predictable response times for controllers.

Read more...

---

Five smart machine trends you need to know
Adroit Technologies System Integration & Control Systems Design
The last ten years have brought about dramatic advances in technologies that OEMs had never realised would affect their designs or the saleability of their machines, much less impact business models and profits so dramatically. The following discussion will cover key advancements and recommendations all OEMs should be adopting in their design processes to stay current and competitive.

Read more...

---