Motion Control & Drives


Perceptive motor automation

March 2009 Motion Control & Drives

Schneider Electric has added Ethernet connectivity to the TeSys T range.

TeSys T is an advanced motor management system intended for the protection and monitoring of single and three-phase squirrel cage induction motors.

Effectively managing a motor system can be complex and costly. Users can overcome the difficulties and compatibility problems associated with system upgrades by incorporating the Telemecanique TeSys T – a new standard in motor control. The advanced motor management and protection system combines primary motor protection requirements with additional control functionality. The company says the system guarantees perfect adaptation to all installed base motor management needs.

“TeSys T is a full and flexible motor management platform: full because of its range of features and flexible because of its optimum adaptability to network protocols. The system records motor history, statistics and time-stamped faults to give users a comprehensive realtime view of their motor control,” says Shem Chelliah, product manager – power control and protection, Schneider Electric South Africa.

Product overview

The system consists of an efficient multifunction protection device, separate from the automation system, and an operator control unit for reading and modification of the parameters being monitored. User-friendly configuration software allows easy implementation of motor starters equipped with a management system. An expansion module with voltage measurement and additional logic inputs completes the controller functionality.

The additional information offered by the management systems allows users to improve analysis of current faults and anticipate future system performance. Adapting the monitoring protection and control systems helps avoid nuisance trips, reduces downtime and lowers maintenance and repair costs. The combination of the controller’s basic protection functions and the expansion module’s advanced protection capabilities guarantees maximum analysis accuracy.

The communications interface supports up to five fieldbus types - Ethernet, Modbus, CANopen, DeviceNet and Profibus - without the need for additional auxiliary modules or communication gateways. As a result, the system becomes an integral component of automation strategies optimised for intelligent motor control centres and low voltage switchboards. It is easily used for fixed, disconnecting and draw-out assemblies that meet NEMA or IEC standards for local or international applications.

The motor management platform offers six control functions including overload, two-step and two-speed modes to simplify configuration and implementation of the motor starter. Guards against motor malfunctions such as current peaking and excessive consumption have also been incorporated.

The product is designed to suit industrial applications where a high degree of availability is required from production equipment. Typical applications are found in iron and steel foundries, cement works, paper mills and raw material extraction. Other applications are found in the oil and gas, chemical, pharmaceutical, and water and wastewater industries.

Ethernet brings new benefits

Now with Ethernet (Modbus TCP/IP) connectivity, the system gives customers even greater protection and flexibility. The system includes a two-port Ethernet switch and supports ‘daisy chain’ and ‘ring’ topologies, so if a network cable is damaged motor starters can still receive commands via another cable. (According to the company downtime is less than 500 ms in the case of a bus failure.)

In addition, the faulty device replacement (FDR) service means that using configuration software to replace a damaged product is no longer necessary. The new protection system will automatically download the configuration file from the PLC once connected to the network.

Product environmental profile

Typical electrical power consumption by products in the TeSys T range is 6 watts. This represents less than a thousandth of the total power which passes through the product when controlling an 11 kW motor.

The management controller also saves energy by monitoring the power consumption of electric motors and by correlating motor loads with power and power consumption parameters. This enables load conditions to be optimised enabling more efficient operation from the motors. Moreover, the capabilities implemented in the product permit a reduction in cabling and the low power consumption has allowed a reduction in physical size, both positive influences in reducing the impact of the system on the environment.

“This solution stands out from its competitors due to its exhaustive functionality, degree of applicability, cost savings and its impressive ease of use. In this regard it is poised to win a leadership position in its market,” concludes Chelliah.

For more information contact Shem Chelliah, Schneider Electric South Africa, +27 (0)11 254 6000, marketing@za.schneider-electric.com, www.schneider-electric.co.za



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