Beckhoff has introduced its universal control solution for all the technical systems of a building, including components for simple and safe communication with cloud systems. With demonstrations of cloud-based control of HVAC systems as well as showcases for forward-looking topics, such as Microsoft’s HoloLens and Amazon’s voice-driven digital assistant Alexa, Beckhoff has shown what is already possible today, and is set to become commonplace in the future in a smart building. Beckhoff offers all hardware and software components, enabling the implementation of IoT, Big Data and analytics applications as well as secure cloud communication. HVAC manufacturers, system integrators and operators alike derive many benefits from direct IoT integration into the central building control: simpler and faster engineering, centralised, cloud-based energy data analysis, transparent trend recording and simplified handling of data.
Easy integration of IoT communication capabilities into standard control technology with TwinCAT IoT is possible for both new projects and retrofits. The IoT integration can be realised using either Beckhoff or third-party control technology, or alternatively, the Beckhoff IoT Coupler without any control system.
Support for standardised protocols, such as AMQP, MQTT and OPC UA, ensures easy and secure communication with cloud systems. The TwinCAT IoT Communicator app enables direct access to TwinCAT process data via mobile devices. TwinCAT Analytics ensures seamless data acquisition in synchronisation with machine cycles, providing an ideal basis for predictive system maintenance.
Cloud-based building automation: the benefits
System integrators can use system-spanning PC-based building control from Beckhoff to accelerate the engineering process, respond faster to planning changes and to integrate or retrofit connectivity for private or public cloud systems directly in standard control technology based on TwinCAT IoT. Building operators receive fast, flexible as well as time- and location-independent access to all recorded energy consumption data over the cloud connection integrated into the control technology. Transparent trend recordings can be leveraged to optimise the energy management in a smart building. Beckhoff offers HVAC equipment manufacturers a holistic control solution across all technical building systems with integrated IoT connectivity. This means that complex heating systems can be controlled efficiently and energy consumption can be reduced on a cloud basis with TwinCAT IoT.
Read more...Luna Rossa partners with Siemens for 38th America’s Cup Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Siemens details how Luna Rossa is using digital engineering and simulation tools, from CAD to structural optimisation, to design a faster yacht for the 38th America’s Cup.
Read more...AI is raising South Africa’s cybersecurity stakes
IT in Manufacturing
As AI accelerates both the sophistication and scale of cyber threats, South African organisations face significant gaps in cloud security, data governance and identity management that need to be addressed before AI capabilities are further embedded into business operations.
Read more...AI has an energy problem but Africa has an opportunity
IT in Manufacturing
Africa’s abundant renewable energy resources and largely unbuilt infrastructure put it in a unique position to power the growth of AI data centres sustainably, provided energy solutions are designed to match the scale and flexibility that AI demands.
Read more...Advancing high-performance motorsport design Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Siemens explains how its simulation software is helping motorsport engineering group ORECA speed up vehicle design and optimise composite structures for its Le Mans hypercar programme.
Read more...AI could help relieve pressure on electrical design engineers
IT in Manufacturing
A global survey of 1267 electrical CAD users across 40 countries reveals widespread concerns about workforce shortages, knowledge retention and productivity, as organisations increasingly explore AI-assisted tools to improve engineering efficiency.
Read more...Next-gen infrared imaging software?
IT in Manufacturing
Optris has launched Optris Connect, a software platform for PI and Xi thermal cameras that combines an intuitive interface with multi-camera connectivity, simplified configuration and integrated error reporting, available free of charge without a licence or subscription.
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.