A conversation, rather than just talking back
December 2006
Electrical Power & Protection
When CBI-electric: low voltage introduced the new World Super AE Air Circuit Breaker (AE-SW) it was modestly described as the ACB that 'talks back'. In reality, the availability of plug-in modules from Mitsubishi Electric takes this 'talking back' to full communication. Its interface modules make communication possible between the ACB and PLC/SCADA systems and a central remote PC via the main open networking systems such as PROFIBUS, CC-Link (Asia Open standard) and Modbus.
Importantly, it is possible to get information from the ACB to a PLC, PC or HMI so the supervising engineer can manage the system remotely. The engineer can see the current, voltage, power, watt losses and earth leakage current, for complete energy management. It is also possible to establish if the ACB is on or off and if it is 'racked out' or 'racked in' and switch the ACB on and off remotely. It can communicate with other MCCBs across the various networks.
In a large plant with a number of different substations of say, 10 ACBs, all are able to communicate with each other and in turn communicate with one central point. The engineering manager therefore has access, at a central location, to all information that each section engineer receives from each of the ACBs.
Previously, if a unit went down, one had to go to it and look at the diagnostics on the display screen where details of the last 10 trips were displayed. A further enhancement is that now the supervisor can establish remotely whether the unit has tripped because of a short circuit, overload or dead short circuit, and the history is available in trend.
CBI-electric: low voltage is the sub-Saharan distributor of the Mitsubishi Electric range of automation products. This range includes programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human machine interfaces (HMIs), variable speed drives (VSDs), servo drives and Mitsubishi motor control equipment. A qualified team of sales engineers is able to advise customers and supply back-up support and service.
For more information contact Ettienne Delport, CBI-electric: low voltage, +27 (0) 11 928 2000,
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