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Figure 1:
Global Smart Factory production resources are
horizontally integrated into a network of logistic content
providers and entities calling for products like sales
departments, customers, channel partners, etc
Figure 2:
Several autonomous Cyber Physical Systems
(CPS) are vertically integrated into a Cyber Physical
Production System (CPPS) that is connected to the Smart
Factory Cloud and controlled by a Smart Factory Manager
with each other and become
an independent cyber physical
production system (CPPS). Only
production commands (a change
of configuration for example) or
CPPS information that require
external actions (like predictive
maintenance) are exchanged based
on industry standard protocols like
OPC-UA between the CPPS and
the Smart Factory controller. This
decentralised approach reduces the
amount of ‘big data’ communicated
with the cloud.
Motor protection with
added value
An example of how a device
with this technology can become
smart is the PKE electronic motor-
protective circuit breaker or the DE1
variable speed starter from Eaton.
By connecting these and other
smart devices, such as sensors and
actuators, to Eaton’s SmartWire-
DT intelligent wiring system the
switching device easily turns into
a CPS. Via its electronic unit, the
PKE and the DE1 can collect data,
such as motor current, overload
along with various items of status
information, and pass this on via
the intelligent wiring system. This
is not sufficient on its own to meet
all the requirements of a smart
device, without the connection
module used for the intelligent
wiring system being equipped with
a latest-generation ASIC module.
The ASIC module can not only
analyse the data supplied by the
motor-protective component, such
as a variable speed starter, but it
also provides sufficient programme
memory and computing capacity
to analyse and interpret the data,
and make autonomous decisions,
e.g. reducing the speed of the
connected motor. In combination
with other sensors, this creates
a CPS, for example a transport
element of a conveyor system,
which is then able to independently
establish communication with
another CPS. These provide the first
modules of a consistent, modular
and decentralised system.
Any deviations in the normal motor
current are detected immediately,
and this happens without any
additional effort and costs relating
to
additional
measurement
technology. Rising values may
indicate signs of wear and tear and
help plan maintenance activities in
advance. In the case of applications
with pumps, a drop in the current
for instance, can identify whether
the pump is running dry. If there is
the threat of an overload, counter-
measures can be implemented
within the machine or system,
preventing the protective circuit
breaker from tripping and causing
machine downtime. Conversely, by
taking into account the load status
of the motors in different climate
conditions, a conveyor belt can be
loaded in the ideal way to ensure
that the system always delivers
the maximum production capacity
62 l New-Tech Magazine Europe