Posted to News on 22nd Oct 2016, 14:42
Eaton shows European machine builders how to profit from IoT
Eaton and its partners are preparing to demonstrate how to integrate new technologies more easily into the factories of the future in Europe and North America. Visitors to the Eaton stand (Hall 9, 371) during this year's SPS IPC Drives event will find out how Eaton is helping machine builders across the world prepare for the Internet of Things with high levels of machine and plant availability. The ability to create an appealing and intuitive operating design and techniques available to optimise energy efficiency will be key themes during the show.
For end customers, data transparency plays an increasingly important role. Easy access to status and production data allows for, among other things, optimisation of system availability within the framework of condition monitoring, such as predicative maintenance. SmartWire-DT, Eaton's intelligent wiring and communication system, is helping machinery and plant to become "IoT ready'. This cost-effective technology allows direct access to valuable information all the way down to simple position switches, as well as the integration of hydraulic components. Upholding the decentralised approach, these independently controlled devices connected to intelligent components and sub-processes communicate process and status data via standardised protocols, such as OPC-UA. At the fair, Eaton will demonstrate, on various SmartWire-DT- and Ethernet-based system configurations, the high availability of this data via OPC-UA and secure cloud infrastructures.
The amendments to the NEC (National Electrical Code) with respect to short-circuit resistance (Short Circuit Current Rating, SCCR), which come into force in 2017, mean that machinery and plant manufacturers exporting to North America have been asked to check and adjust their systems accordingly. The changes relate to the SCCR requirements for systems and the equipment marking and documentation, which make the issue complex.
To ensure expensive conversion work is not required during on-site commissioning in the future, Eaton not only offers the right products but also provides assistance through advice, frequent seminars and supporting literature. Visitors to the Eaton stand will be offered exclusive access to a new Eaton white paper focused on SCCR, as well as a comprehensive training manual, which provides support in the construction of control cabinets in accordance with UL508A. In addition, experts will be available on the stand to provide information on all issues concerning exports to North America.
Today everyone, from the manager to the operator, expects the same level of intuitive human-machine interaction as with a smartphone: a refined, modern design with multi-touch operation and support for mobile communication. Eaton's powerful HMI/PLC XV300 and expanding RMQ family of command and signalling devices are available to ensure the high value of the machine reflects its appearance. The innovative RMQ Flat Front variants offer engineers a high level of flexibility in machine design when combined with the proven RMQ-Standard range. By automatically adapting to the plate thickness and lug options, they are easy to install. At the same time, the new space-saving RMQ Flat Rear contact elements allow a more compact machine design and the multi-colour LED indicators help achieve a high-quality design.
In terms of energy efficiency, the third stage of the ErP Directive will come into force on 1 January 2017. This means that motors with a rated output of 0.75 to 375kW coming into service after this date must correspond to efficiency class IE3 or class IE2 with an electronic speed controller integrated. With its proven PKZ and PKE motor starters, the PowerXL DE1 speed starter and the PowerXL frequency inverters, Eaton offers machine builders many options for reliable and safe starting and protection of drive systems based on IE3 and now IE4 motors.
To learn more about Eaton, go to www.eaton.eu or visit the company at SPS IPC Drives.
