At WindEnergy 2014, Beckhoff presented its integrated control solution for the wind industry. PC-based Control makes it possible to integrate operational management, pitch control, inverter control, condition monitoring and visualisation on a single CPU. Even integration into very fast wind farm controllers is quick and easy. PC and EtherCAT technology, as well as a modular, finely scalable range of standard software and hardware components, represents a globally accessible and proven system solution that enables efficient, economical utilisation of wind energy.
The new CX5100 embedded PC series is ideally suited as a central control platform for wind turbines. The compact and robust DIN rail-mountable embedded PCs with a directly attached I/O system can be equipped with one, two or four processor cores and offer high performance at a lower price point. The CX51xx can handle all control tasks for a wind turbine, including visualisation, safety, and condition monitoring. The Beckhoff automation software TwinCAT 3 supports multi-core technology, making it possible to implement computing-intensive tasks such as condition monitoring on a separate core. The high processing speed of the CX51xx also removes limitations when installing additional software.
EtherCAT terminals integrate condition monitoring in the control system
PC-based Control seamlessly integrates wind turbine condition monitoring in the existing automation system: the high-precision EL3632 EtherCAT terminals for vibration measurement or the EL3356-0010 for analysis of strain gauges can be easily added to the existing I/O system. The sampled raw data are available for higher-level software solutions. The user’s CMS software, which is integrated in the control system via an open interface such as OPC, facilitates analysis and initiation of downstream services. The integrated solution does away with the conventional 'black box'. In other words, complex coupling of hardware-based condition monitoring systems with the control system is no longer necessary. Users benefit not only from flexible expandability and significantly lower system costs, but also from improved diagnostics.
Future-proof wind farm networking with EtherCAT
Beckhoff sets new standards in wind farm networking with regard to ultra-fast response to voltage drops or changing requirements. Systems based on EtherCAT provide instantaneous values of current and voltage, recorded at the feed-in point, gathering up to 10 000 samples per second. In the event of a voltage drop, the set value specification for all wind turbines can be updated across the entire wind farm network in less than 1 ms. The measurement readings of all wind turbines and measurements at the feed-in point can be synchronised to a timeframe of less than 1 s, with corresponding control of current, voltage, and frequency, as well as providing optimum grid support.
Simplified system engineering with TwinCAT 3
TwinCAT, the integrated automation software from Beckhoff, offers users freedom of choice with regard to programming languages: In addition to object-oriented extensions to IEC 61131-3, C and C++ are also available for programming real-time applications. Support of MATLAB/Simulink allows common simulation tools used in the wind sector, for example for load calculation, to be conveniently integrated into the control system.
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...Open control system for retrofit of conveyor control system Beckhoff Automation
Editor's Choice
For every online retailer, warehouse logistics is part of the critical infrastructure. An Australian office equipment supplier has retrofitted the warehouse logistics installation of its central warehouse, and replaced the proprietary decentralised controllers of the conveyor lines with PC-based control from Beckhoff, based on powerful EtherCAT communication.
Read more...PC-based control for advanced hydrogen storage technology Beckhoff Automation
Editor's Choice PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
The proportion of renewable energies from solar, wind and water is rising continuously. However, sufficient storage options are of the essence to use these energies as efficiently as possible. GKN Hydrogen offers a particularly compact and safe option, low-pressure metal hydride hydrogen storage systems with PC-based control from Beckhoff.
Read more...Modular assembly platform for clean manufacturing Beckhoff Automation
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
JR Automation delivers custom automated solutions for numerous industries. It has done this through its scalable, modular automation platform, FlexChassis, which speeds up time to market while cutting costs. The company chose the XTS linear transport system from Beckhoff because of its speed, and modular design that allows for multiple configurations.
Read more...Panel PCs for the production floor Vepac Electronics
Industrial Computer Hardware
The TP-5945 is an ideal computing solution for various operations on the production floor. The clean and modern look, coupled with PCAP technology for accurate and responsive touch functionality, enhances the precision and practicality of industrial operations.
Read more...Rugged waterproof box computers Vepac Electronics
Industrial Computer Hardware
Teguar waterproof box computers are constructed with rugged aluminium or stainless steel housing. The aluminium housing acts as a heatsink for efficient, fanless cooling. These computers can be used in a wide variety of applications that require a rugged and compact computer.
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...Control technology for energy-efficient biogas power plants Beckhoff Automation
Editor's Choice
Reverion’s goal is to help solve two of the biggest problems facing humanity by creating a truly sustainable energy system and removing gigatons of CO2 from the atmosphere. The new generation of biogas power plants makes it possible to maximise the potential of biogas, and also benefit from surplus solar and wind energy that would otherwise remain unused.
Read more...PC-based control for waterjets Beckhoff Automation
Editor's Choice
Control systems are subject to very specific demands from every form of production technology, including waterjet cutting. IGEMS from Sweden set itself the goal of taking this process to a new level in terms of precision and speed, and achieved it with the help of PC-based control.
printer friendly version