July 2011System Integration & Control Systems Design
Automated HVAC control systems are designed primarily to control equipment usage, exhaust of contaminants and manage scheduling. As buildings become more intelligent, it is becoming common to see these systems integrate with safety, security and lighting systems as well.
Building automation can reduce the amount of energy consumed each day through systems that can be monitored continuously and optimised to operate in the most cost-effective ways. Extensive energy control is thus possible by identifying where power consumption can be decreased through the introduction of appropriate energy saving measures.
An investment in building automation should have clear targets and should pay for itself within a few years by achieving the required energy savings. According to Yokogawa, the extra comfort, efficiency and safety achieved are the added bonuses generated by its Network Solutions and FastTools scada system.
The solution incorporates the HXS10 solar tracking recorder for buildings using solar panels as a means of energy generation, allowing the path of the sun to be followed during daylight hours for maximum energy extraction. Inside the building, PR300 energy meters monitor control of the power consumption of geysers, lights and air conditioning systems. By joining these units on an MW100 data acquisition unit, lights, geysers and air conditioners can be automatically switched off at night for significant saving of electricity. All relevant information can be relayed to a central server or control room where FastTools is used to monitor and control the processes.
The state of the SI industry remains strong and is expanding
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.