By Christo Kotze, product application leader, TeSys, Power Products Division at Schneider Electric.
Motor management plays an all-important role controlling motor energy costs in various industries, segments and applications. Research and practical experience have consistently shown that effective motor management practices can result in significant energy savings, reduced operational costs, and improved overall system reliability.
The above also makes a compelling case for organisations to use motor management to control motor energy costs, while maintaining operational resilience. From plant stoppages, damage to equipment, and risk to people or even the environment, motor failure can be quite expensive.
Implementing a holistic motor management strategy requires careful planning and the right combination of technologies. In the past, companies have been reluctant to implement a complete motor management due to the perceived technical complexities.
Fortunately, with the advent of IIoT, digitisation and advanced connectivity, a motor management strategy is far more attainable. Here are some important steps:
Implement application-oriented tools: For machine builders who source many of the motorised solutions, efficiencies increase when core machine components are easy to select, install, wire, commission, and can be remotely maintained.
Taking this one step further, automated configuration tools now allow OEMs, panel builders and even end users to generate quick and comprehensive solutions. These tools have been proved to reduce design and selection time by up to 40%.
Optimise energy performance: Connected service-orientated devices have the intelligence to operate motors at the optimum efficiency points, which in turn reduces electrical consumption by at least 30%.
Furthermore, intelligent motor starters such as Tesys Island and digital load management solutions make it much easier to optimise machine performance.
Each load feeder can provide asset data to optimise the machine and the process, and to provide actual line current data. These devices offer machine builders the option to monitor installed devices remotely, to provide their clients with a cloud-based predictive maintenance service, and ultimately monetise the newly accessible load asset data.
Improve software analytics: With intelligent motor management solutions in place, maintenance personnel can troubleshoot equipment remotely. Abnormal occurrence can be addressed before it becomes critical and results in production interruption. This intelligent pre-alarming is based on pre-set behavioural parameters.
The data gathered is combined and analysed with dedicated software solutions such as Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure Asset Advisor, which allows for the future asset performance prediction.
By implementing a sound motor management strategy, organisations can accurately estimate how long a motor has been in use, when maintenance is needed, and how efficiently it is being utilised.
Ultimately, there are motor management solutions that are tailored to specific segments and which prioritise uptime, safety and efficiency. At Schneider Electric we provide the tools and data needed to make informed decisions about motor management and energy consumption across various industries
Protecting buildings’ embodied carbon with retrofitted systems Schneider Electric South Africa
Sensors & Transducers
The World Economic Forum has said that around 80% of the buildings in existence will still be around in 2050; it is therefore essential that in order to combat climate change we retrofit them for energy efficiency.
Read more...Three decarbonisation myths and how organisations can debunk them Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
A UN Climate Change Report revealed that the world is on track to miss its 2050 net zero targets, with temperatures expected to increase by over 2,4°C by 2100. To help shift positive intent to concrete action, Schneider Electric outlined three of the most common myths surrounding decarbonisation and how organisations can get started on their decarbonisation journey.
Read more...A world first in maintenance
Motion Control & Drives
Lutz Pumpen has therefore developed a filling tool called Lutz Lube Drive, which considerably simplifies the maintenance process. The idea is that a commercial cordless screwdriver becomes the motor of a pump tube.
Read more...The future of robotics
Motion Control & Drives
Research into robotics and autonomy uncovers some of the up-and-coming industrial uses and applications within the sector, including for automotives and logistics, as well as for personal and commercial use.
Read more...Epiroc strengthens productivity and sustainability
Motion Control & Drives
Epiroc is accelerating the transformation towards more productive and sustainable mining operations with the introduction of the new Minetruck MT22. The new 22-ton underground truck is designed for mining operations with small drift sizes, delivering increased effectiveness, reduced exhaust emissions, lower fuel consumption and extended service intervals.
Read more...Hoist gives better load control
Motion Control & Drives
An important criterion for lifting equipment is that it is correctly loaded and balanced in order to avoid mechanical failures and accidents. More importantly, operator safety is enhanced as a result of correct load control, which reduces the possibility of damage to the materials and goods being lifted.
Read more...PC-based control in window and door production Beckhoff Automation
Motion Control & Drives
Belgian machine builders CNC Solutions and Calvet are automating previously manual processes in aluminium window and door production. High-performance drive technology, motion control and electric cylinders from Beckhoff proved crucial in equipping the machine with the necessary finesse when pressing the window frames.
Read more...Future-ready I/O to redefine connectivity Schneider Electric South Africa
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Schneider Electric South Africa has launched its state-of-the-art Modicon Edge I/O NTS. This future-ready I/O redefines connectivity, data aggregation and operational efficiency for industrial applications.
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