Electricity + Control January 2016

CONTROL SYSTEMS + AUTOMATION

ROUND UP

Ionisers take static out of manufacturing environments Static is problematic in themanufacturing environment. Static causes dust and this in return comes with its own set of problems. From dealing with the nuisance of products clinging to each other, plastic sheets not separating property to managing possible damage to electrical products.There is also the real hazard of a possible fire which can be caused by a spark in a chemically sensi- tive environment. SMC Pneumatics is able to offer a solution to these ‘every day’ manufacturing problems by means of the three different types of ionisers available from their product range. “When working with plastics you often have an unwanted but unavoidable charge of electric- ity” explains Brian Abbott, Product Manager Pneumatics at SMC. According to Abbott, there are various options of ionisers available depending on the application and the environment. “The bar type is equipped with nozzles which generates charge and air then blows the charge onto the application.This could work in a PET environment for example. It would also be suitable for lamination and web printing.The bar type varies in length and performance options.The nozzles can be equipped with condition monitoring and therefore easy maintenance and replacement of the nozzles are not a problem.The unique thing about the SMC ioniser is that it can be ordered in a variant which is equipped with a sensor.The sensor has a feedback device which is able to determine if a positive or negative charge is required, and then it will generate accordingly.The charge relates back to a voltage so that the unit can measure the charge.This is communicated back to ioniser and ioniser will generate ions to balance out the charge. An option without a sensor is also available. In this case the unit will generate alternate charge which ‘bombards’ the application with positive and negative ions until it neutralisers the ap- plication.This would however be a less energy efficient option. Enquiries: Email sales@smcpneumatics. co.za or visit www.smcworld.com

Control system for Europe’s first hybrid-flywheel energy storage plant Yokogawa Ireland has delivered a control system for Europe’s first hybrid energy storage plant in Rhode, County Offaly, Ireland.The hybrid energy storage plant was officially launched and opened in early November 2015 by Schwungrad Energie, the owner and operator of the facility. Schwungrad Energie has developed this hybrid power storage system in collaboration with the Department of Physics and Energy at the University of Limerick, and will work with the Irish transmissions system operator to connect the plant to the power grid as a demonstration project under its Smart Grid Programme.The Rhode hybrid demo project comprises of two Beacon Power 160 kWflywheels and Hitachi Chemical valve regulated lead acid batteries of up to 240 kW.The plant will have a maximum import capacity of 400 kVA andmaximumexport capacity of 422 kVAwhen completed.The flywheel system, with very high cycling ability, can rapidly absorb short-termexcess grid energy and generate energy as needed by grid operators. Batteries can provide energy over longer durations but have more limited cycling capabilities.The hybrid flywheel will assist in disruptionmitigation, during times of unexpected demand or sudden changes in energy supply and demand. After the completion of construction, the plant will enter a test operation phase fromFebruary 2016.The Schwungrad Energie plant will be the first field test of a hybrid-flywheel energy storage system in Europe. Enquiries: Christie Cronje.Tel. 011 831 6300 or email Christie.cronje@za.yokogawa.com or visit www.yokogawa.com/za

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