SENSING
WWW.MADEIN.IE « JUNE 2020 « 33
the new communication module can
be operated offl ine upon customer
request, after online installation without
update function. In this ‘semi-offl ine‘
case, during an initial ’learning phase‘, the
device requires a temporary, short-term
secured IoT access to the igus server to
match the calculation algorithms to the
actual motion and environmental profi le
of the customer application. In very
security restricted areas, the update can
also be performed from the beginning via
a storage medium completely offl ine. In
this way, the user can fl exibly design the
connection of the module and their data
and establish a balance between
maximising the runtime and IT security.
Meanwhile, Mitsubishi Electric has
collaborated with its e-F@ctory Alliance
Partner Schaeffl er sensor technology to
off er two Smart Condition Monitoring
(SCM) solutions – one based on an
integrated PLC solution and the other
using the intelligent functions of the 800
Series Variable Speed Drives.
From a predictive maintenance
perspective there is little doubt that
applying vibration sensors to critical
motors, fans, pumps and gearboxes is a
great idea. However, once the sensors
have been attached to these important
pieces of plant, in order for predictive
maintenance to deliver on the promise of
lower maintenance costs and reduced
downtime the data must be analysed and
the information gleaned from them must
be presented in a way that is convenient
and relevant to the operations team.
Without being connected to a separate
control, monitoring or visualisation
system, the real advantage of a
convenient early warning system for
maintenance requirements is reduced.
It’s all well and good if a small LED
changes from green to red out on a
remote part of the plant but unless
operators and maintenance engineers
can see a clear beacon or monitor the
information being provided easily from a
control room or mobile device then the
benefi t is limited.
Variable Speed Drives (VSDs) from
mainstream vendors will often include
some form of predictive maintenance
feature that helps preserve the health of
the VSD. These can vary from a simple
set of maintenance timers that can
supply simple run-time hours, to more
advanced functions.
Once the set period has elapsed on a
timer it will fl ag an output as a reminder
that some maintenance is required. A
modern VSD will go much further though;
it can check the main capacitors or the
inrush current on the circuit for
anomalies. These more advanced
measures can provide one of many life
checks supported as standard on a
higher-end device. They can even monitor
the load characteristics of the equipment
the VSD is controlling; making sure for
instance that a driven pump is running
within its optimum pumping curve.
This is where the fi rst condition-based
monitoring solution developed by
Mitsubishi Electric in conjunction with
one of its e-F@ctory Alliance Partners
Schaeffl er moves the game on
considerably. By harnessing the valuable
data from the sensor and using the VSD
to process the information into actionable
insight, a Mitsubishi Electric 800 Series
VSD will not only look after itself but also
the general health of the complete drive
train – from the motor through to the
driven equipment. MADE
Variable Speed
Drives (VSDs) from
mainstream vendors
will often include some
form of predictive
maintenance feature
that helps preserve the
health of the VSD
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