Beckhoff has extended its range of sub-bus systems for building automation via two SMI master terminals, the KL6831 and the KL6841, which connect the Bus Terminal system with the SMI (Standard Motor Interface) bus. Each terminal can control up to 16 SMI-compliant roller shutter and sunblind drives. The energy consumption for heating/cooling and lighting is reduced by intelligently controlling the blinds or roller shutters according to the position of the sun.
The SMI command set, which is completely supported by the Beckhoff Bus Terminals, not only allows SMI drives to perform up and down movements, but also enables them to move to defined roller shutter positions and precise louvre angles. This is exactly where the greatest advantage lies: in conjunction with intelligent energy and lighting management, the louvers are positioned or tracked according to the position of the sun. This results in a reduction of the heating and/or cooling power consumption on the one hand and on the other optimises light regulation to ensure glare-free living and working areas. The feedback signals supplied by the SMI drives for the current position of the motor/blind can be forwarded to the higher-level building automation system and to the management and operation levels.
According to the different designs of roller shutters and blinds, the KL6831 is designed for LoVo SMI drives (24 VDC) and the KL6841 for 230 VAC SMI drives. Both SMI master terminals have two digital inputs, to which freely definable SMI movement commands can be assigned. External sensors such as weather stations or manual operation modules with an override function over the automatic controller are thus easy to integrate. In addition, commissioning is facilitated simply by actuating the two inputs, since the connected SMI drives can be driven upwards and downwards without a control program.
Preconfigured PLC function blocks from the TwinCAT PLC SMI library cover the complete range of SMI functions. Thus, control functions are very easy to implement, and external signals or central commands from other building bus systems such as BACnet, EIB/KNX, LON, Ethernet or Modbus/TCP, will be forwarded to the SMI drives via the TwinCAT controller.
Next-gen battery-driven grease gun SKF South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
SKF’s innovative TLGB 21 battery-driven grease gun optimises lubrication efficiency and reduces costs, by seamlessly combining advanced technology with a smart, rugged design.
Read more...Innovative separation of recyclable materials Beckhoff Automation
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
A plant built by Belgian specialist machine builder, Absolem Engineering features an innovative process for separating recyclable materials. Using PC-based control from Beckhoff, a major problem has been elegantly solved - the generation of different signal sequences for the exact synchronisation of different camera systems.
Read more...Autonomous robots provide green logistics DNH Tradeserve t/a DNH Technologies
Motion Control & Drives
In 2007, Heinrich Amminger and Martin Trummer from Austria had an idea for revolutionising warehouse logistics. They developed the automated small part warehouse – an intelligent and very environment-friendly logistics system that is winning an increasing number of customers for Ylog, a startup company.
Read more...Precision drives on the Red Planet DNH Tradeserve t/a DNH Technologies
Motion Control & Drives
More than 100 electric motors from maxon have been used on the Red Planet, and have withstood cosmic radiation, dust storms, and temperature fluctuations. The key to success is standard industrial products.
Read more...Solar-powered drive solution for water pumps Schneider Electric South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
Schneider Electric South Africa has launched its Altivar Solar ATV320 variable speed drive (VSD), a solar-powered drive solution that is compatible with a wide range of water pumps, catering for water challenges and decarbonisation of irrigation pumping and agriprocessing machinery.
Read more...Dependable belt rip detection
Motion Control & Drives
Becker Mining has launched the newly developed BRS4.0 belt rip detection system, with advanced features for greater durability, higher efficiency, and improved safety.
Read more...Flat face and flat face screw couplings for mining
Motion Control & Drives
Quick couplings are the critical connectors that keep mining systems running. Within the mining industry, the choice of coupling can significantly impact equipment performance, downtime, and maintenance costs. Stucchi offers flat face and flat face screw couplings that are designed to withstand mining’s unique challenges.
Read more...New-generation drill rig
Motion Control & Drives
Epiroc is launching the new-generation PowerROC T35, offering both increased fuel efficiency and faster operations.
Read more...Compressed air treatment do’s and don’ts Artic Driers International
Motion Control & Drives
As a long-established importer and manufacturer of air dryers, Artic Dryers often sees the results of poor installation and issues with aftercoolers that create serious problems in air drying systems.