Optimised battery cell production with PC-based control
October 2022System Integration & Control Systems Design
When it comes to manufacturing individualised products in a quantity-oriented and space-optimised manner, innovative production concepts are essential. These challenges can be solved efficiently with the XTS and XPlanar intelligent transport systems, as well as with the PC-based control technology from Beckhoff as a whole. Both of these transport systems are ideal for use in applications including battery manufacturing and electric motor production.
The automotive industry is currently undergoing a structural change that is set to take some time to complete, with digitalisation, Industry 4.0, automation and networking all changing the face of production processes and plants. PC- and EtherCAT-based control technology from Beckhoff uses industry and IT standards and components for cloud communication and big data, making it ideal for implementing these concepts.
The challenges and opportunities here are manifold, and cover not only the vehicles themselves, but to a large extent also the production plants in the field of e-mobility. As Jörg Rottkord, automotive industry manager at Beckhoff describes it, “Beckhoff supplies all the key control elements for the production and assembly of typical automotive components. In addition to body construction, material flow and painting, this notably applies to the areas of powertrain and battery cell production. In particular, the focus on alternative drive types such as e-mobility and fuel cell technology is generating immense market demand for our components and solutions.
“In addition to production, this also includes the measurement and testing functions of the components produced. Examples of this are the ageing test and analysis for battery cells after their production. The entire functionality of the Beckhoff modular automation toolkit is typically used, from a wide range of CPU variants and modules for EtherCAT-based data acquisition to the functional safety of the production machines and plants. It also includes automated versioning of application code, and tool chains for continuous application improvement of the TwinCAT control algorithms in use. The consistent use of Beckhoff control technology increases production capacity, product quality and, above all, scalability for possible future expansions of production facilities. This is an approach that more and more innovative automotive companies are taking.”
Flotation system modernisation for a gold processing and mineral recovery plant. Moore Process Controls
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Moore Process Controls has successfully modernised a gold processing plant's flotation control system, replacing obsolete I/O hardware with Schneider Electric's latest M580 X80 platform.
Read more...Project and industry Schneider Electric South Africa
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Transforming crushing plant operations through integrated automation.
Controlgear Instramac was engaged to deliver the electrical control and automation systems for a new crushing plant within the ...
Read more...Project and industry EXEL Electrical Engineering
System Integration & Control Systems Design
EXEL EE was contracted to deliver the complete electrical, control and instrumentation scope for the upgrade of a gold mine's water treatment facilities in Tanzania.
Read more...Turning system integrators into trusted technology partners Schneider Electric South Africa
IT in Manufacturing System Integration & Control Systems Design
Schneider Electric’s Alliance Partner Programme is repositioning system integrators from hardware suppliers into lifecycle-value partners. Oriel Soupen explains the competency framework, certification model and real-world results that are already helping African system integrators win higher-value, longer-term engagements.
Read more...When digital twins move from concept to critical tool
IT in Manufacturing System Integration & Control Systems Design Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Digital twins are moving out of the lab and onto the mine, the factory floor and the transport network where they predict failures before they happen. Amritesh Anand looks at where they earn their keep, the data and integration work behind them, and the security questions every organisation should ask before switching one on.
Read more...Best practices for managing the MRO supply chain in Africa RS South Africa
System Integration & Control Systems Design
RS South Africa outlines how strong data governance and digital tools can turn maintenance, repair and operations procurement into a strategic advantage across Africa.
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...XTS for highly efficient end-of-line packaging of beverage bottles Beckhoff Automation
Editor's Choice
Italian machine builder Clevertech used Beckhoff’s XTS linear transport system to help a Dutch distillery double its bottle packaging throughput to 225 bottles per minute while cutting format changeover times from 30 minutes to just seven.
Read more...Containerised Solar Solution Accelerates Delivery of Riverside 3 MW Power Plant Proconics
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Proconics was engaged by NewFields to deliver the electrical integration solution for the Riverside 3 MW Solar Power Plant in Zimbabwe. The project required a compact, modular approach that could simplify deployment, minimise site works, and support rapid commissioning in a remote location.
Read more...Modern Energy Metering Solution Enhances Reliability and Reporting for Major Power Utility SAM Systems Automation & Management
System Integration & Control Systems Design
This project involved the implementation of a modern energy metering system for a major power utility operating within the industrial automation and energy management sector. The objective was to improve the reliability, accessibility, and accuracy of energy data while simplifying infrastructure and reducing system complexity.
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.
printer friendly version