Siemens makes home automation simple but powerful with LOGO!
To expand the concept of flexible and cost-effective building automation into the home environment Siemens showcased its LOGO! automation solution at the recent Building Symposium held at Gallagher Estate.
Siemens Industry Automation and Drive Technologies division’s Josef Ploch says that while the LOGO! automation system is well established in larger industrial and building sites such as shopping centres and office blocks, its full potential for home use in South Africa has yet to be exploited.
“LOGO! PLCs are an efficient, reliable and effective method of controlling mechanical and electrical equipment automatically in such a way that substantial energy savings are realised,” says Ploch. “LOGO! also incorporates a number of useful security features, including an internal clock, which eliminates the need for users to adjust individual timers and ensures it remains unaffected by power outages.”
With more than 1500 units sold in South Africa and over 400 000 sold worldwide each year, Ploch adds that LOGO! building automation enhances energy savings, comfort, convenience, and security.
“It can control more or less everything in the house, including indoor and outdoor lighting, geyser timing, garden irrigation, automatic gates, as well as swimming pool motors and pumps,” he says. “Easily and freely programmable, LOGO! works with all the different individual controllers that do not otherwise talk to each other, so one can combine geyser on/off settings with temperature measurement for example, or integrate other instruments like pressure or light sensors.”
LOGO! was first released in 1996 by Siemens as an alternative to relays, timers and counters, designed to replace auxiliary contacts, reduces writing efforts and bring flexibility to the lowest level of automation as it is easily programmable using a software tool.
The controller uses a small display which is a very effective HMI, showing operating instructions, process variables, error messages or service information without adding additional text displays or operator panels. LOGO! has digital I/Os and some analog inputs, is expandable, and with communication modules can be connected to larger systems.
According to Ploch, LOGO! can be connected to the home’s main electricity board by a specialist installer, who will develop and include a simple programme to take care of the basics of home automation. LOGO! reduces the hurdles associated with changing from conventional control cabinets to PLC controlled systems that typically require well trained engineers and technicians, and because of its ease of use, home owners can develop their own programmes later on and make as many adjustments to the systems as they wish.
“In response to our exhibition objectives we would welcome enquiries from installers and system integrators who are keen to exploit the substantial opportunities available for home automation applications,” concludes Ploch.
Siemens democratises AI-driven PCB design for small and medium electronics teams Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Siemens Digital Industries Software is making its AI-enhanced electronic systems design technology more accessible to small and mid-sized businesses with PADS Pro Essentials software and Xpedition Standard software.
Read more...Driving digital transformation in the truck industry Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Tatra Trucks, a leading truck manufacturer in Czechia, has adopted the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio of industry software including Teamcenter software for product lifecycle management and the Mendix low code platform to help increase production volume and strengthen its ability to manufacture vehicles that meet specific customer requirements.
Read more...Automation in the energy and process industries
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
For over 40 years, ABB has built and maintained a leadership position in the distributed control system (DCS) market by preserving its customers’ capital investments while providing new capabilities.
Read more...Enhancing cyber security for industrial drives Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
The growing connection between production networks and office networks as part of IT/OT integration and the utilisation of IoT have many benefits for industrial companies. At the same time, they also increase the risk of cyber threats. Siemens ensures that your know-how and plants are protected at all times.
Read more...Electromagnetic flow measurement Siemens South Africa
Flow Measurement & Control
The SITRANS FM electromagnetic flowmeters from Siemens deliver high-precision volume measurement of electrically conductive liquid applications – from water, wastewater and irrigation to hygienic processes and even mining slurries with magnetic particles.
Read more...New generative AI-powered maintenance offering Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
The Siemens Industrial Copilot is revolutionising industry by enabling customers to leverage generative AI across the entire value chain – from design and planning to engineering, operations and services.
Read more...Optimising the product design process Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
OPmobility is partnering with Siemens to adopt its Teamcenter X Product Lifecycle Management software. OPmobility’s increasingly complex products now include electronics and software, to create energy storage systems, which include battery and hydrogen electrification solutions and fuel tanks.
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