The CX8091 is the newest member of the CX8000 product family, which currently includes the smallest embedded PCs available from Beckhoff. With support of the OPC UA protocol, a 400 MHz ARM9 CPU and a wide range of connectable K-bus or E-bus I/O terminals, it represents a universal small controller for almost any application. In addition, the CX8091 is fully interoperable with power measuring terminals from Beckhoff to serve as a compact data collector that supplies all information via OPC UA to enable comprehensive energy management.
The CX8091 is a flexible and compact controller with a switched Ethernet port and supports OPC UA, the established protocol for vertical integration within modern plant environments. Bus Terminals (K-bus) and EtherCAT terminals (E-bus), as modular I/O systems, can be connected directly to, and automatically identified by the Embedded PC. In this way, a multitude of signals can be acquired locally – for example, via the numerous I/O terminals for energy data acquisition and many other types of measurement.
Electrical variables can be determined in a particularly convenient and system-integrated manner via the KL/EL3403 power measuring terminals; while more in-depth analysis functions are offered by the EL3413 and EL3433 power measuring terminals as well as the EL3773 mains monitoring terminal. In addition, compressed air supplies can be directly monitored, for example to detect energy wasting leaks, using the KM37xx differential pressure measuring terminal and the machine-mountable EP3744 differential pressure measuring box with IP67 protection.
OPC UA for higher-level communication
The OPC UA (IEC 62541) communication standard is well suited for linking communication within the production landscape to the company management level and to energy management systems. It is a globally recognised communication technology from the OPC Foundation that enables the secure, reliable and vendor-neutral transport of raw data and pre-processed information from the manufacturing level into production planning or ERP systems.
Beckhoff has successfully implemented this with the TwinCAT OPC UA server certified by the OPC’s European laboratory. It offers data access and historical access functions as well as PLC function blocks for diagnostics and restarting. Intermediate data storage in the server is also implemented, so that an interruption to communication does not lead to data losses. In addition, Beckhoff has integrated OPC Client functionality into the controller for the first time in the form of PLC function blocks for UA Data Access – the controller can thus push acquired energy data of its own accord into the IT world.
Also included in the solution is a configurator for the setup of optional security functionality and a demo UA Client for diagnostic purposes.
The CX8091 Embedded PC can alternatively be used with the BACnet protocol (Building Automation Control Network). This Ethernet-based communication standard for building automation is particularly well-established in the management and control levels of buildings. Not restricted to a single controller type, the Beckhoff TwinCAT BACnet/IP solution is executable on every Beckhoff industrial PC and embedded PC.
Africa’s net-zero ambition must become operational Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Schneider Electric’s Rohit Chashta argues that the biggest gap in Africa’s green transition is not ambition but execution, and outlines how advisory services, bankable project roadmaps, digital visibility and SF6-free switchgear can turn sustainability commitments into measurable progress.
Read more...High-efficiency half-brick DC-DC converters Vepac Electronics
Electrical Power & Protection
The Supreme series half-brick DC-DC converters from Vepac Electronics use synchronous rectification for high conversion efficiency, in a six-sided metal case built to withstand harsh industrial and transportation environments.
Read more...Zinc-based batteries power a more sustainable energy future
Electrical Power & Protection
Zinc-based batteries are gaining ground as a safe, recyclable and cost-effective energy storage option, from consumer electronics to grid-scale systems. The International Zinc Association’s Simon Norton explains why zinc is well placed to support the clean energy transition.
Read more...Energas introduces lower-cost German gas genset for South African market
Electrical Power & Protection
Energas Technologies will supply R Schmitt Enertec’s new Energy Line genset to the South African market, offering German-engineered gas-to-power generation of 400 to 500 kW at a lower entry cost through focused standardisation and a simpler standalone architecture.
Read more...ACTOM plays key role in large transmission substation project in Swellendam ACTOM Electrical Machines
Electrical Power & Protection
ACTOM has been appointed to engineer, procure, construct and commission the 1000 MVA main transmission substation for the Overberg Wind Farm in Swellendam, one of the largest substations of its kind in South Africa.
Read more...Reliable power conversion from high-voltage DC buses Conical Technologies
Electrical Power & Protection
The MEAN WELL DDRH-240 from Conical Technologies is a high-reliability DIN-rail DC-DC converter with a wide 250 to 1500 V DC input range, deriving stable low-voltage power directly from high-voltage DC buses in renewable energy, storage, charging, railway and industrial installations.
Read more...AES maintains a strong value and safety stance on boiler retrofits
Electrical Power & Protection
AES Commercial Director Dennis Williams explains when a boiler retrofit makes more sense than replacement, outlines the range of efficiency and emissions upgrades available, and draws the line at safety: a boiler not legally signed off is shut down, no exceptions.
Read more...Economy drive system closes the drive gap in the entry-level segment Beckhoff Automation
Editor's Choice Motion Control & Drives
Beckhoff has launched an economy drive system pairing its new AX1000 servo drive and AM1000 servomotor with the AF1000 dual-axis variable frequency drive on a shared EtherCAT platform, targeting series machines and price-sensitive markets without sacrificing TwinCAT integration or functional safety.
Read more...The grid needs to become more intelligent Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
South Africa’s power grid is becoming bidirectional and far more dynamic as distributed energy resources proliferate. Schneider Electric’s Nishandra Bajinath explains why digitalisation, DERMS and aggregation are essential to keep this increasingly complex grid stable and efficient.
Read more...ACTOM’s integrated electrical solutions reduce project risk and accelerate delivery
Electrical Power & Protection
ACTOM has secured multiple orders across four divisions for the Naos-1 hybrid solar and battery project in the Free State, demonstrating its integrated model for supplying the full electrical chain from high-voltage equipment to distribution transformers.
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