Automation & Control
The PACSystems RXi family of controllers has built-in redundant Profinet interfaces, delivering high performance, high uptime control solutions. RXi Industrial PC (IPC) configurations are unique in the industry, says GE, being able to run HMI, historian and analytics applications right at the machine, even in harsh environments. This facilitates better real time control of operations and improved integration into plant-wide and enterprise systems. The RXi platform fully supports GE’s new cloud-based collaborative automation platform development and deployment paradigm.
compact, high performance solution for applications requiring visualisation, data archiving, or other advanced computational tasks at the point of control. Fourth, since it is based on standard Intel architecture, GE can deliver control solutions with unique capabilities such as very large memory sizes and on-board storage capability. Finally, the integrated intelligent display module allows
users to perform standard maintenance functions without the need for a separate computer running programing software and creates a bridge that integrates the control system with the industrial internet..
Factory automation Ethernet technology is increasingly being utilised in the factory automation field to facilitate communications between computers and programmable controllers (PLCs). This has resulted in a growing need for Ethernet capability even in programmable controllers with 10-200 I/O points used in small-scale control applications. The demand for Ethernet as an interface for programmable controllers is also rapidly increasing in other fields such as in sewerage monitoring systems and building automation, in which scattered programmable controllers in remote locations are monitored by computers through wireless and ethernet networks. The new CP1L-EL/EM-type CPU units released by
Fig. 2. New high-speed I/O modules enable faster machine speeds in a wide range of applications.
From a design perspective, the RXi controller is a departure from traditional systems. First, it has no local I/O which creates the basis for future upgradeability. Second, it has built-in Profinet with ring redundancy to provide a simple to use, low installation cost, high performance redundant I/O network. With open standard PROFINET as the I/O network, users are free to choose best of breed I/O and other devices, like drives and vision systems, for use in their systems. Third, the ability to deploy the RXi architecture using both control and IPC modules interconnected provides a
Omron come with built-in Ethernet ports enabling low-cost Ethernet connection and designed to meet a wide variety of connectivity needs in a wide range of fields (Fig. 3). The ability to send and receive messages means it
is possible for a host computer to monitor the status of controllers and also receive feedback from the controllers about any onsite abnormalities they detect. The controllers also feature socket communications capability meaning it is possible to connect them with a wide variety of Ethernet- enabled control equipment. The added function block memory (10K steps) improves
reusability of user program assets and supports design standardisation. The function blocks aid efficient creation of reusable programs used in various devices such as ladder programs used for Ethernet communications.
Milestone in smart substation automation A
BB has completed its first commercial substation automation system using IEC 61850-9-2 process bus
technology. The new standard-compliant system, installed for the Australian utility Powerlink, provides advanced automation functions to enhance availability and reliability at Loganlea, a key substation serving south-east Queensland, a-fast growing region of Australia. IEC 61850-9-2 process bus, based on the international substation automation standard IEC 61850, enables current and voltage measurements to be transmitted to protection and control devices via a fibre optic communication network, resulting in reduced
copper cabling and increased safety. The process bus also supports the standardised integration of non-conventional instrument transformers (NCITs), bringing performance improvements and further reductions in cost and space requirements. NCITs also improve safety because they eliminate the risk of voltage hazards, which can arise in conventional transformer circuits. The refurbishment project at Loganlea substation has seen the replacement of the ABB proprietary communication to the existing NCITs with a smart substation automation protection and control system, featuring the world’s first conformance-tested IEC 61850-9-2 merging
units and ABB’s protection and control intelligent electronic devices. These deliveries bring Loganlea substation into full compliance with the most advanced global standard for substation automation, maximising availability and grid reliability.
“With demand for electricity growing fast, Queensland needs to further build on long-term, cost-effective solutions for its power system,” said Jens Birgersson, head of ABB’s network management business unit. “By upgrading the substation with advanced automation and the latest communications standards, we will help Powerlink to fulfil its strategy well into the future.” n
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