Thanks to leading solutions from Rockwell Automation, an innovative energy project by Wave Star, aimed at developing a reliable commercial wave energy solution, is well on the way to harnessing power from the sea effectively. This project shows how a suite of control, visualisation and I/O components can work in unity to achieve cutting-edge technological advancement.
The Wave Star patent has proven effective after the 1:10 scale prototype reliably produced energy in the North Sea for a period of three years enduring many storms and requiring minimal maintenance. At the technology heart is Rockwell Automation, who supplied the Allen-Bradley ControlLogix PAC, the central control element of the Wave Star system.
The total solution from Rockwell Automation included the Allen-Bradley Flex I/O connecting the data points to the PAC. This works in harmony with the FactoryTalk View on a central HMI providing process visibility, database values and historical data capture. The inclusion of the Allen-Bradley Powermonitor in the solution allows information, such as load and power quality, to be collated and fed back to the PAC to achieve optimum power generation by giving operators a global view of the system.
Laurent Marquis, technical director at Wave Star says, “I have always appreciated the work and effort that the Rockwell Automation engineers have put into this project. The support has been superb and I have always felt that the engineers have been very engaged. It is nice to know that we are working with qualified people using products that are both easy to understand and to manage.”
The Wave Star prototype was developed as part of a feasibility study for harnessing the energy in moving waves for commercial power generation. The project hopes to bring a new and renewable resource to the energy industry.
Advanced DCSs preserve what must not change while enabling Schneider Electric South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Next-generation DCSs, such as Schneider Electric’s Foxboro, are preserving the best of the old while introducing the new in a less disruptive manner.
Read more...DCS for maximum plant efficiency and reliability ABB South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
ABB has introduced SPR2025, the latest Symphony Plus DCS package release to enable modernisation and efficient performance for the process and power industries.
Read more...Robust PLC for field applications ifm - South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
ifm is a leading suppliers of robust control systems for mobile use. Its ecomat series comprises PLCs, I/O modules and sensors that can withstand the harsh environmental influences of mobile applications.
Read more...ABB’s new flagship DCS ABB South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
ABB has launched the latest version of its flagship distributed control system, to help industrial operators modernise without disruption and accelerate their path toward next generation automation.
Read more...Sustainability as strategy Rockwell Automation
IT in Manufacturing
In today’s business landscape, sustainability has become a powerful driver of business differentiation. Rockwell Automation partners closely with customers to embed sustainable, data-driven solutions into their manufacturing operations.
Read more...Adroit Technologies drives global SCADA for Iochpe-Maxion Adroit Technologies
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Adroit Technologies has been appointed by Iochpe-Maxion, parent company of one of the world’s largest wheel manufacturers and producers of structural components in the Americas, as its global SCADA partner. The partnership will standardise operational visibility, reliability and control across 34 manufacturing facilities worldwide.
Read more...Extended DCS enables industrial innovation with continuity ABB South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
ABB has introduced its Automation Extended programme, a strategic evolution of its distributed control systems (DCS), designed to help industries modernise without disruption.
Read more...Modernising critical water systems without disruption Rockwell Automation
SCADA/HMI
The region of Waterloo needed to upgrade its SCADA and PLC systems across 157 water facilities while ensuring continuous water availability for over 60 000 residents. Their success story, powered by Rockwell Automation technology, shows that modernisation doesn’t have to mean disruption.
Read more...Valmet’s automation powers world’s largest air-to-water heat pump Valmet South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Valmet will supply an automation system for Helen’s Patola air-to-water heat pump plant and two electric boilers currently being built in Helsinki, Finland. When completed, the air-to-water heat pump plant will be the largest in the world with a full heating production capacity around 30 MW.
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