The three existing PS power supply series from Beckhoff have been expanded to include new devices with a built-in EtherCAT interface. By combining high-performance power supply units from Beckhoff with the ultra-fast EtherCAT communication standard, these new PS2000 models allow extensive measurement data and internal device data to be processed directly by the control system, establish remote access to power supplies, and provide advanced monitoring features for the DC output range (for system monitoring) or the AC input range (for mains monitoring).
In the case of system monitoring, important operating parameters such as output current and voltage are transmitted in real time and updated continuously. This enables transparent data insights and, based on this, automated detection of additional consumers subsequently added to the system. In addition, voltage, current and temperature data can be added to the monitoring scope, for example to monitor heat generation in the device and collect basic plant data such as the number of switch-on operations or operating hours.
In single-phase network monitoring, fluctuations such as undervoltages and overvoltages are detected on the basis of the input voltage values. A special feature is the detection of input transients, which are energy-rich, high-voltage peaks in the mains supply.
Status information, error messages and warnings are also available directly in the control platform via EtherCAT, providing the best possible conditions for analysing the operating status of a plant and detecting any errors at an early stage. Warning thresholds that can be set in the control system (to indicate overcurrent, for example) allow the signalling conditions to be defined specifically for the application at hand, and the power supplies to be adapted to the individual conditions. Remote access via EtherCAT also makes it possible to shut down specific sections of a plant in the event of machine downtime or a fault.
In the 24 V DC range, the 1-phase power supplies are available as both
10 A and 20 A variants, with an output power of 240 W and 480 W respectively. A 10 A variant with 480 W is available for the 48 V range. An optimised electronics layout achieves high efficiency of more than 96%. In addition to inrush current limitation and active harmonic correction, the power supplies offer a wide-range input suitable for worldwide use on the input side.
Safety and cost-efficiency with meticulous ash management
Electrical Power & Protection
Most solid fuels produce ash and effective ash management is crucial. In South Africa, ash management ranges from sophisticated overhead storage systems and wet conveyors to manual trolley-based solutions, and AES is meticulous about how ash is handled, stored and disposed of.
Read more...Overcoming the bottling industry’s fragmented visibility Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Many bottling plants lack specific visibility into energy use, relying on aggregate data that obscures efficiency opportunities. Without accurate data, energy cannot be effectively managed.
Read more...Why grid modernisation will define the energy transition Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Africa has some of the world’s strongest renewable resources. Yet more than 600 million people still lack reliable access to electricity. The path forward requires execution.
Read more...Building scalable hydrogen energy solutions Siemens South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Siemens has announced that H2 Core Systems, a startup focused on modular hydrogen-based energy systems, is using the Siemens Xcelerator platform of software and automation portfolio to design and manufacture compact, highly efficient hydrogen energy systems that generate and store clean energy where it is needed.
Read more...Test bench for temperature calibrating power semiconductors Beckhoff Automation
Temperature Measurement
Precise temperature characteristics are essential for performing power cycling tests on power semiconductors. Infineon Technologies determines these characteristic curves on a test bench using PC-based control. As a result, calibration has become more precise and the efficiency of the entire test laboratory has increased significantly.
Read more...Pure-air switchgear technology powers Elgin Orchards Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Schneider Electric, together with Technoserve Medium Voltage, has implemented its RM AirSeT SF6-free medium voltage switchgear at Elgin Orchards, one of South Africa’s leading fruit producers.
Read more...Digital substations power Africa’s transition to a smarter, more resilient grid
Electrical Power & Protection
As Africa’s energy systems face mounting pressure from rapid urbanisation, ageing infrastructure and the accelerating shift towards renewable energy, digital substations are emerging as a critical enabler of grid resilience and modernisation.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.