IT in Manufacturing


TwinCAT Building Automation

May 2014 IT in Manufacturing

Beckhoff’s TwinCAT Building Automation is a new TwinCAT supplement that reduces engineering times and integrates all key components of a modern building automation system. Comprehensive software libraries and supplements extend the concept of the modular range of automation components to the software level.

As a prerequisite to meet the high demands on building automation such as user comfort, energy savings, low investment and operating costs, and a rapid return on investment (ROI), a fully coordinated control system for all the technical components of a building is required. The TwinCAT Building Automation software includes a universal functional range for all building systems. The new TwinCAT supplement comprises three basic elements:

* TwinCAT BA PLC Libraries: basic functions for all systems.

* TwinCAT BA PLC Templates: function templates for all systems.

* TwinCAT BA Project Builder: configuration tool for linking templates, hardware and BACnet objects.

TwinCAT BA PLC Libraries

The TwinCAT BA PLC Libraries provide the system integrator with established and tested building blocks, such as basic functions for closed-loop control, signal processing, special mathematical functions, fault signal processing and general system functions.

TwinCAT BA PLC Templates

The TwinCAT BA PLC Templates are complete TwinCAT program blocks for sensors and actuators, complete modules, as well as partial and whole systems in the areas of HVAC and room automation. Unlike conventional PLC libraries, the TwinCAT BA PLC Templates can be imported into the PLC programs as whole modules, which the system integrator can then modify as needed. They can also create their own TwinCAT BA PLC templates.

TwinCAT BA Project Builder

Having a consistent TwinCAT project file structure is a prerequisite for proper plant maintenance. The central underlying idea is the component identification system, which assigns a name to each data point and program module according to defined rules. The TwinCAT BA Project Builder automatically generates for all Beckhoff controllers the project files for TwinCAT PLC Control functions and the TwinCAT System Manager. It can be expanded with custom PLC templates for full engineering flexibility, while special add-ins let you integrate planning resources (for example, Excel lists) as well as visualisation systems. An open add-in interface allows you to integrate planning tools, import Excel lists from TRIC (MSR Software), or connect visualisation systems.

For more information contact Kenneth McPherson, Beckhoff Automation, +27 (0)11 795 2898, k.mcpherson@beckhoff.com, www.beckhoff.co.za



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

How to navigate the high-stakes economics of AI infrastructure
IT in Manufacturing
Nearly 60% of data centre operators are expected to adopt liquid cooling within five years as AI workloads drive demand for higher rack densities. Understanding the full financial picture of liquid cooling, from capital investment to long-term operational savings, is now essential.

Read more...
XPlanar aids innovation in laser processing
Beckhoff Automation Editor's Choice Motion Control & Drives
Aalborg University is among the first in the world to test Beckhoff’s XPlanar intelligent transport system in advanced laser processes, achieving micrometer-precise workpiece positioning and dramatically shorter lead times compared with traditional tool-based manufacturing.

Read more...
Protecting the digital mine
RJ Connect IT in Manufacturing
As mining becomes increasingly connected and automated, cyber threats are emerging alongside the benefits of digitalisation. RJ Connect and provides rugged networking, edge computing and cybersecurity technologies from MOXA to help protect critical mining operations from evolving attacks.

Read more...
SICK launches AI-powered 3D quality inspection
SICK Automation Southern Africa IT in Manufacturing
SICK has combined deep learning with 3D height data analysis in its Nova machine vision platform.

Read more...
Predictive maintenance is the critical enabler for AI data centre liquid cooling systems
IT in Manufacturing
As liquid cooling becomes essential for AI data centres, predictive and condition-based maintenance are emerging as critical enablers of thermal stability. Schneider Electric argues that the infrastructure is already generating the data needed and the question is whether operators are equipped to use it.

Read more...
Siemens software scales with Simple Energy EV development
Siemens South Africa IT in Manufacturing
: Simple Energy, an Indian electric two-wheeler manufacturer, has expanded its use of Siemens Xcelerator software to manage complex vehicle variants and enterprise-level bills of materials, accelerating product development as its EV portfolio scales.

Read more...
ESG as a growth lever
RS South Africa IT in Manufacturing
Leading organisations are treating ESG not as a compliance obligation but as a practical tool for operational efficiency, supply chain resilience and business performance, with data and collaboration central to unlocking its value.

Read more...
Preparing Africa’s data centres for the demands of autonomous AI
Schneider Electric South Africa IT in Manufacturing
Africa’s data centre infrastructure must evolve significantly to support agentic AI workloads, with GPU-intensive computing, advanced cooling and reliable power demanding a fundamentally different approach to facility design and investment.

Read more...
Virtualising the control room to reshape building management systems
Schneider Electric South Africa IT in Manufacturing
Schneider Electric explains how virtualising building management systems frees facilities teams from ageing hardware, delivers stronger cybersecurity and enables portfolio-wide control from a single interface.

Read more...
XPlanar aids innovation in laser processing
Beckhoff Automation Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Aalborg University is among the first in the world to test Beckhoff’s XPlanar intelligent transport system in advanced laser processes, opening the door to faster, tool-free production of metal parts.

Read more...









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.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved