For efficient energy management in building and plant operation, it is necessary to log the consumption of water, electricity, and heat at the shortest possible intervals. PC-based control from Beckhoff offers the ideal basis for the acquisition and processing of this consumption data, including secure communication with Cloud-connected database systems.
Consumption data concerning the use of electricity, water, heat or gas in networked buildings, properties, towns or plants can be made available via the Cloud. These large quantities of data – often referred to as ‘big data’ – can be used by building occupants, building operators or municipalities in order to optimise energy consumption.
Malfunctions and excessive consumption can be easily identified. This identification of malfunctions, as well as gathering detailed, highly accurate consumption statistics, often remotely, is streamlined through this process.
Beckhoff supplies the ideal platform for smart metering in PC-based control. Consumption data is cost-effectively acquired via modular Beckhoff I/O terminals. These flexible devices are ideal for the most diverse types of signals, either by the direct connection of a sensor, by distributed I/Os on a fieldbus (e.g. EtherCAT, Profinet or BACnet/IP) or via lower-level buses such as M-Bus. Control, regulation, and data pre-processing are performed by an embedded PC, which is easily scalable with different performance classes. The programming of PLC functions, the integration of program codes as required (such as for C++), and the configuration of I/O points, database interfaces and the OPC UA (unified architecture) communication protocol, all take place in the universal TwinCAT engineering environment. A modern, Cloud-connected system interface can be realised via the TwinCAT database server. Optionally, the data can also be buffered and analysed locally in an Embedded PC.
With OPC UA, the embedded PC serves as the client and the higher-level energy management software as the OPC UA server. OPC UA offers the option of secure data communication, standardised according to IEC 62541.
Integrating fire alarm systems into building management systems Beckhoff Automation
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Fire alarm systems work independently of the building automation system. Schrack Seconet has developed a flexible gateway using ultra-compact industrial PCs and TwinCAT from Beckhoff, which can be used to flexibly convert a customer-specific communication protocol to a wide range of transmission standards.
Read more...Fire and gas suppression solutions for mission-critical industries
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
By representing world-leading brands and focusing on fully integrated, certified systems, HMA South Africa is positioning itself as a trusted partner in fire detection, suppression and explosion-proof safety solutions across the continent.
Read more...The future of manufacturing
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Industrial automation is evolving at an unprecedented pace. At the forefront of this transformation is the Siemens SIMATIC ET 200SP HA Distributed I/O system. This is a flexible and scalable distributed I/O system for modern signal transfer from the field to the control level.
Read more...Time-sensitive networking RJ Connect
Editor's Choice Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
In this article, we will explore what is driving the rise of time-sensitive networking, how it is reshaping industrial efficiency, the challenges when deploying this technology, and ways to tackle these challenges.
Read more...Loop Signature 30: Nonlinearity in control loops (Part 1) Michael Brown Control Engineering
Editor's Choice Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
If nonlinearity occurs it means that if one is to carry on controlling with the same response to changes in load or setpoint, then the tuning of the controller will also need to be adjusted to meet the new conditions.
Read more...PC-based control regulates innovative dehumidifiers Beckhoff Automation
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Swedish company, Airwatergreen is breaking new ground in the dehumidification of air in industrial buildings and warehouses. The patented CVP technology reduces energy requirements and ensures an indoor climate that prevents corrosion and mould growth. PC-based control from Beckhoff regulates this innovative process.
Read more...Ethernet connectivity for embedded systems
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Delivering Ethernet connectivity for embedded systems, XPort ETH Click is a compact add-on board from MIKROE, the embedded solutions company that dramatically cuts development time by providing innovative hardware and software products based on proven standards.
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.