Electricity + Control May 2018

CYBER SECURITY

Figure 3: The TIA Selec- tion Tool. Software-based support tools such as the TIA Selection Tool from Siemens make the every- day procedures involved in panel building simpler and much more efficient.

companies can profit even more by using appro- priate tools that already have configuration know- how on board. The best example from Siemens is the Simaris planning tools. SIMARIS design and SIMARIS curves enable users to quickly and ef- fectively design a selective solution according to the recognised rules of technology and applicable standards (VDE, IEC). Suitable components and distribution systems are selected automatically. Simaris design supports users in network calcu- lation and dimensioning for example, whereas Simaris curves provides a convenient means of creating characteristic tripping curves as well as characteristic cut-off current and let-through ener- gy curves. Siemens also provides a powerful cal- culation tool by the name of Simaris therm for heat rise verification in the control panel. Among other things, this tool helps to meet documentation re- quirements arising from standards and guidelines. And then there are selection tools to make day- to-day work easier for users. These include Sizer for drives, TIA Selection Tool for many automation components, and product configurators. Based on technical characteristics or specific applications, products can be selected in a targeted fashion, thereby saving time and, in many cases, providing a better solution. Quick access to product data, im- ages, 2D/3D models, dimension drawings and im- portant documents speeds up engineering. Even availability can be checked here at an early stage, which saves valuable time in day-to-day work and ensures that commissioning deadlines are met. Conclusion The holistic approach of Integrated Control Panels comprises finding specific solutions for specific challenges, whereby Siemens experts can call upon many years of experience and know-how, sound data and tools as well as a coordinated product and system portfolio.

cation of any relevant changes. But they do more than merely pass on information. In workshops, guides and other publications, Siemens custom- ers can learn about tips and tricks that can help them to implement any changes to standards and legislation. The new edition of the DIN EN 60204-1 standard concerning electrical equipment for ma- chinery, which is expected shortly, is already on the agenda. Siemens also keeps its users up to date regarding changes on the North American market (UL and CSA standardisation). That is im- portant because receiving relevant information quickly can be essential for competitiveness in a demanding market environment like machinery production and especially in panel building. Utilising the benefits of digitalisation Those involved in the engineering and manufacture of control panels have to deal with deadline and cost pressure on a daily basis. And then there is the fact that no two orders are alike. Individualisation is constantly gaining ground. Control cabinet design- ers and builders are being forced to become more efficient to assert themselves against global compe- tition. In this context, digitalisation not only consti- tutes a challenge but also provides a great many op- portunities. A supply of reliable data at all times and in every working environment is an essential pre- condition in digital processes. That is why Siemens now not only provides its product data via its own tools but also supplies platforms run by partners from the CAE field, such as Eplan or WSCAD, by means of a regular exchange of data. And that is not all: the company is also developing more and more interfaces for its own tools such as the TIA Portal and the TIA Selection Tool to enable a standardised exchange of data during the engineering process. Engineering tools speed up the job Data is the basis for getting digitalisation off to a successful start. However, when dimensioning and calculating aspects of control panel design,

There are enough reasons for some aspects of configuration to have become long-running issues.

Carolin Meuschel. Email Carolin.Meuschel@siemens.com

Acknowledgement Images courtesy Siemens.

Electricity + Control

MAY 2018

17