Electricity + Control January 2019

CONTROL SYSTEMS + AUTOMATION

Smarter electrical control systems

Joe Matheys, Rockwell Automation

System integrators can bring intelligent packaged power that integrates better with smart manufacturing operations than traditional electrical control.

Take Note!

Intelligent packaged power solutions provide access to electrical-system informa- tion. The Connected Mine can improve all areas of mining operations.

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I ndustrial companies expect visibility into every aspect of new or upgraded plants, including their electrical control system. Now, the pres- sure is on system integrators to help connect these systems and make the real-time data availa- ble to workers. However, traditional electrical con- trol systems don’t easily integrate into connected operations. These hard-wired systems typically exist separately from a plant’s process control sys- tem. And often their data is only available in an e-house or substation, meaning workers need to enter potentially hazardous areas to access it. Facing these challenges, more system inte- grators are choosing to use intelligent packaged power solutions. These systems provide state-of- the-art digital technology that can integrate with a plant’s process control solution, unifying the two into a single architecture. The systems also pro- vide access to the electrical-system information that customers want, providing far-reaching busi- ness benefits for end users and integrators. Smarter systems About two-thirds of new plants use smart devic- es in their overall electrical systems, according to an ARC Advisory Group study. Digitally integrating

ergy intensity. Visibility into the electrical system can also help workers spot problems early, before they move downstream into the control system. For ex- ample, uneven electrical distribution system loading can shut down fans on catalytic converters. A networked system also can use remote ac- cess to the electrical system to enhance safety. Workers can access electrical system information or even open and close breakers from a remote computer or mobile device, without entering a high-voltage substation. Faster, better integration Traditionally, system integrators have had to devel- op custom programming for every electrical con- trol system. But some intelligent packaged power systems include standard, prebuilt faceplates that integrators can reuse across different projects. This can help them reduce programming require- ments and speed up integration times. The right technology vendor can also help inte- grators make sure that data from intelligent elec- trical devices (IEDs) is delivered at speeds custom- ers need. Using communications protocols such as IEC-61850 and EtherNet/IP™, along with inter- faces to legacy networks, a vendor can connect all IEDs and provide access to real-time information on equipment and operating conditions. Some vendors have even developed performance guide- lines to help identify how different systems will perform before they’re built. This can help system integrators reduce their design and testing times. A smart business model System integrators have a vital role to play in helping industrial customers become more connected and data driven.Those that can reliably and cost-effective- ly give customers access to information they need to optimise operations will have the most success.

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all these devices can give end users access to infor- mation like faults, operating conditions, and alarms and events. This information can help workers more quickly iden- tify where, when and why an issue occurred so they can resolve it faster. This in- cludes the ability to observe power quality problems and unexpected increases in en-

4 Electricity + Control

JANUARY 2019