Electricity + Control

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Innovation makes microgrid control smarter
In a world first, ABB, the leading power and
automation technology group, is making
it possible for microgrids to be protected,
controlled andmanaged using smart circuit
breakers. A software-based innovation for
the company’s Emax 2 smart circuit breaker
makes microgrid architectures simpler and
more cost-effective than ever before.
Microgrids coordinate distributed energy
resources, integrating renewables with
conventional power sources, networking
with the grid or operating self-sufficiently.
Low-voltage microgrids are helping ac-
celerate the roll out of renewable energy
by integrating small scale wind or solar
energy production of up to 4MW with bat-
tery energy storage systems.
Giampiero Frisio, Managing Director of
ABB’s Protection and Connection business,
said: “This is another technological first for
ABB, building on the first ever combined
circuit breaker and power manager Emax
2. Innovation is needed to make microgrid
installations simpler and more cost-effec-
tive; and to help end-users get more value
from their investment. By embedding all
the intelligence needed to manage a small
microgrid safely and productively, Emax 2
delivers a game-changing solution.”
With the addition of embedded functions
such as an automatic transfer switch, Emax
2 is now equipped to manage the differ-
ent power sources that make up a typical
microgrid.
The new upgrades to ABB’s Emax 2
circuit breaker will enable it to combine
advanced protection, programmable logic,
full connectivity, easy integration and com-
prehensive microgrid energy management
in a single device. ABB is working with
equipment suppliers and consultants ahead
of the technology’s roll-out in the second
half of 2016.
This all-in-one solution integrates both
standard and advanced microgrid func-
tionalities to meet a broad range of on- and
off-grid requirements, improving quality
and saving costs. A complete series of
protections ensure a single unit can cover
all loads and generators, with adaptive
protections that recognise network changes
and automatically set new thresholds to
guarantee coordination in all conditions.
Enquiries: Paul Louw.Tel. +27 (0)10 202 5916
or email
I/O and motion solutions for high-volume applications
EJ-series EtherCAT plug-in modules provide an efficient wiring
solution for machines built in large and medium-sized production
runs. With new motion modules, space-saving compact drive
technology from Beckhoff is seamlessly integrated into a plug-in
module concept, enabling extremely compact I/O and motion solu-
tions that perfectly match customer requirements.
EJ-series plug-in modules make it easy to implement a platform
concept for large-volume production runs without sacrificing cus-
tomisation capabilities.
The modules, with electronics based on the popular EtherCAT
I/O system, are directly inserted into an application-specific signal
distribution board that transmits signals and power to the indi-
vidual connectors. Connections via pre-configured cable harnesses
replace the expensive installation of individual wires, reducing
per-unit costs and minimising the risk of faulty wiring because the
EJ components are clearly coded.
Compact drive technology from Beckhoff, already available in a
BusTerminal form factor for years, is now also available as a plug-in
module concept. In combination with a broad portfolio of Beckhoff
motors and planetary gear units, three newEJ7xxx EtherCAT plug-in
modules now enable especially compact and cost-effective drive
solutions.The EJ7047 stepper motor module was designed for ap-
plications in the medium performance
range. The device features two inputs
for limit switches; the second input can
alternatively be configured by the user
as an output.
This makes it possible to install a hold-
ing brake, for example. In conjunction
with stepper motors from the AS10xx
series, the user can optionally imple-
ment vector control, delivering enhanced
motion dynamics and reduced power
consumption.
The EJ7211-0010 servomotor module
features high performance in an excep-
tionally compact design.This is, in large
part, enabled by the integrated One
CableTechnology (OCT), which combines
motor cable and an absolute feedback
system into a single cable.
Enquiries: Kenneth McPherson. Email
ROUND UP PLANT MAINTENANCE, TEST + MEASUREMENT
Electricity+Control June ‘16 34