Electricity and Control August 2021

FEATURES: · Industry 4.0 + IIot · Energy management + the industrial environment · Sensors + switches · Plant maintenance, test + measurement

COMMENT

INDUSTRY 4.0 + IIOT

What do we need to know? W e do indeed live in interesting times. We live in an increasingly connected world. This applies as much to news that travels quite literally at the speed of light (or 60% of it, depending on the medium…) as well as data logged at our plants. It is also a reminder that in order to optimise what we do, there has to be ‘intelligence’ in the system. Decisions must bemade that arebasedon an understanding of the situation, and the ability for the plant to adapt to those conditions. Equally, emergency or unexpected situations require rapid and often different responses. In the interconnected world we live in, these capabilities are within the reach of every system, every plant, every factory and even individual residences. But the devil, as always, is in the detail. It’s all very well being interconnected, and to be monitoring every variable all the time, but it’s quite another thing to know quite how to use the data you have. Of course you can invest in systems that do all this for you and allow you to optimise your plant and effectively keep it stable no matter what. But, of late, I have been quite astounded in engagements with various organisations that have data piling up and – in effect – falling out of the ether onto the floor. What can be done? We need to recognise that it is so easy to generate data. But data tells us very little unless we analyse it properly. That way we convert our data into information, and the information becomes useful to us. The phrase ‘big data’ is used often – and that really is the challenge! Data is pouring off our sites into our devices and controllers – and what should we be doing with it? I am reminded of the story I heard (and

energy + information in industry

it was a while ago…) about a production facility where, once every so often, a technician would walk the plant and record the readings at a series of meters along the way. These would be reported back to the control room (lots of flashing lights and nice chairs…) where folk (and I am imagining this) in white coats would look at the data, nod sagely – and observe that not much had changed in the past hour. All good. Of course the punch line of the story is: when that particular technician finally retired, and the task fell to another person – the plant immediately became completely unstable and almost had to close down. The truth of the matter was not that any­ thing changed on the plant (which still runs), but the new technician doing the readings actually recorded what was seen on the meters at the time – rather than simply basing the measurement on what the expected value should be. It’s amusing and partly true. But the mes­ sage is clear: be sure you know what must be measured, why it must be measured, and what it is that the measurement actually means. Then you need to be sure that your response is appropriate based on what is being measured. This is all automatic, no doubt – but the principle remains. There is no need for data unless it can be processed and analysed to become information. And once it is information, then and only then do you have knowledge of any value. Enjoy as we explore the use of sensors, as well as test andmeasurement equipment, among the other information-packed topics for this month.

Lead HV is the sole authorised supplier of BAUR cable fault location solutions in Southern Africa, enabling fast and accurate cable fault location. (Read more on page 3.)

Editor: Leigh Darroll Design & Layout: Darryl James Advertising Manager: Heidi Jandrell Circulation: Karen Smith Editorial Technical Director: Ian Jandrell Publisher: Karen Grant Deputy Publisher: Wilhelm du Plessis

Audited circulation: Quarter 1 (January-March) 2021 Total print and e-editions: 9559

Published monthly by: Crown Publications (Pty) Ltd Cnr Theunis and Sovereign Sts, Bedford Gardens, PO Box 140, Bedfordview 2008 Printed by: Tandym Print Telephone: +27 (0) 11 622 4770 E-mail: e-mail: ec@crown.co.za; admin@crown.co.za Website: www.crown.co.za/electricity-control

CROSS PLATFORM CONTENT INTEGRATION: * Electricity+Control Magazine * Online Edition * Bi-monthly Newsletter * Website* LinkedIn

Publisher of the year 2018 (Trade Publications)

Electricity+Control is supported by

Ian Jandrell PrEng IntPE(SA), BSc(Eng) GDE PhD, FSAAE FSAIEE SMIEEE

Electricity + Control AUGUST 2021

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The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher, the editor, SAAEs, SAEE, CESA or the Copper Development Association Africa

CONTENTS

INDUSTRY 4.0 + IIOT

Features

INDUSTRY 4.0 + IIOT 4 Manufacturing needs people Omron Industrial

6 Cobots enable high-mix low-volume production Oliver Giertz, Mitsubishi Electric

7 TSN: An evolving technology Arno Stock, Renesas Electronics

4

8 Products + services

ENERGY MANAGEMENT + THE INDUSTRIAL ENVIRONMENT 12 Investing in renewable energy in Africa Leigh Darroll, Electricity + Control

15 Reducing energy usage in macadamia processing Energy Partners - Refrigeration

16 Products + services

SENSORS + SWITCHES 20 Products + services

12

PLANT MAINTENANCE, TEST + MEASUREMENT 23 Mill maintenance – fuelling stable power supply Babcock Africa

24 Advances in pipeline leak detection KROHNE

25 Modernising plant assets for longevity Patrick Kazadi, Schneider Electric

26 Products + services

Regulars

23

1 Comment

What do we need to know?

3 Cover article Cables – the crucial conduit for the security of energy supply

29 Reskilling, upskilling + training Social development in the just energy transition

30 Engineering the future A new narrative for a Net Zero world

31 Cybersecurity Learning from the Kaseya global ransomware attack

25

32 Write @ the back Ground-breaking plastics recycling technology

2 Electricity + Control AUGUST 2021

COVER ARTICLE

Cables – the crucial conduit for the security of energy supply

I t is essential that energy customers are always provided with a reliable power supply – even when our power supply is undergoing further modification. A high-performance power network, where downtimes are as short as possible, plays a crucial role in ensuring security of supply. Often, faults on underground cables do not just result in the partial or total failure of the power supply. If these faults are not located quickly and accurately, they can also lead to high repair and restoration costs. It is only through fast and precise cable fault location that costs and downtimes can be kept to a minimum. With BAUR you have an expert partner by your side, enabling you to, quickly and accurately, locate damaged cables – whatever the application. You can thus provide your customers with a reliable power supply and use your resources efficiently. We are dependent on functioning networks – together we can ensure that power keeps flowing. Portable devices for cable fault location Our portable devices offer the highest level of precision, easy handling and unlimited mobility. Fast and precise cable fault pin-pointing The protrac ® pin-pointing system is used for the precise pin-pointing of cable and cable sheath faults. Combining acoustic and electromagnetic fault pin-pointing with sheath fault location in one system, it is ideal for universal applications. Mobile cable sheath testing and fault location BAUR offers solutions like the Shirla sheath test and fault location device which is used for cable sheath testing, and for the pre-location and pin-pointing of cable faults that

have an earth contact or low resistance. Faults can easily be pin-pointed with the Shirla and the distance to fault can also be determined in metres.

Compact and multifunctional The compact cable fault location systems BAUR offers are used for the pre-location and pin-pointing of faults on low- and medium-voltage cables. Thanks to the novel operational concept and the integrated location methods, cable fault location with models like those in the Syscompact range is faster and easier. The combined unit with integrated filter and time domain reflectometer allows for precise cable fault location in all cable types. These units are supplied with a complete cable reel system and ready for installation into any vehicle or trailer. titron ® is a fully automatic, centrally controlled, and intelligent system for cable fault location, cable testing, and diagnostics. With the innovative operational concept and high-performance technology, the titron ® system carries out measurements faster, more easily, and with greater precision. All the test van’s functions are controlled centrally via the BAUR software. The intuitive user interface of the BAUR software provides optimal support to asset managers and measurement engineers in their workflows. Lead HV (Pty) Ltd is the sole authorised supplier of the BAUR cable fault location solutions in Southern Africa. □ The intelligent system for cable fault location, testing, and diagnostics

BAUR Syscompact 2000M Pro.

Using the protrac ® pin-pointing system.

For more information contact Lead HV. Tel: +27 (0)10 447 3792 Email: info@leadhv.co.za Visit: www.leadhv.co.za

BAUR titron ® – Mobile workspace creating knowledge on the go.

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INDUSTRY 4.0 + IIOT

Manufacturing needs people The concept of the ‘lights out factory’ that is 100% automated is often presented as something to which manufacturers should aspire – but is it a realistic goal? (And is it aspirational?) Omron Industrial offers some perspective.

T here are a number of fully ‘lights out’ factories operating today around the world. The Foxconn plant in Shenzen, China (Foxconn is a leading global manufacturer of electronics), has been cited by some as a leader in the fourth industrial revolution, but such examples are few and far between. The concept is finding most traction in situations where a lack of human interaction is a benefit. These include applications where there is a risk of product contamination, such as in food processing or the manufacturing of specialised electronic components. It may also include sectors where product margins can be higher – such as pharmaceutical production – where a return on investment is more readily achievable. These examples in the main require a high-volume low- mix production scenario to make them viable, and this is at odds with the broader move towards low-volume, high- mix production as manufacturing businesses aim to create greater choice for their customers. The 100% automated, fully lights out factory is not a realistic goal for a large proportion of manufacturing businesses currently operating. However, for all manufacturers, there is a point somewhere between zero and 100% automation where the greatest return on investment in automation technology can be found. Beyond that point, it becomes unviable to continue automating. Decision making in manufacturing A key reason why a fully lights out factory is not viable is that manufacturing needs people. As advanced as today’s

automation technologies are becoming, there are situations where human flexibility is still the best solution to handling complex processes – for example, where improvisation or complicated decision making is required to react to an unexpected event. In the most basic of examples, let’s consider a bottle filling line. If a bottle jams, it isn’t easy to rectify using automation. However, for a person working on the line, this is a relatively straightforward issue to deal with. A significant benefit of digitalisation is that it enables the collection of valuable process data that can be analysed to identify the root causes of production problems. This can then inform the adaptation of lines and machinery to minimise, or even eliminate, machine stoppages. Sticking with the bottle filling line example, it would be possible to redesign the filling machine’s guides to eliminate the bottle jam. But, if a later batch of the supplier’s bottles’ falls out of spec, the issue could reappear, despite best efforts. It is possible to put in steps to measure the bottles before they are fed into the line, but then there could be a material issue that can cause another machine fault. Essentially, plant owners or operators can keep adding steps to optimise a line but can never truly guarantee that all the potential problems are eliminated. It is examples such as these which can mean that it is not practical to automate the last 10% (or more) of a production facility to achieve the lights out factory. Increasing automation also leads to the trend of the manufacturing workforce shifting from traditional operational duties to supervisory roles.

Proof of concept A critical step for manufacturers is to identify to what extent and in which areas automation will offer them the best return on investment. This can be quite a complex assessment, but many systems integrators and technology vendors can carry out analysis to develop a proof of concept – extending from single applications to entire facilities. Omron, for example, has a dedicated proof-of-concept laboratory in Milton Keynes, and other high-tech facilities available around the globe. These sites are often used to construct a prototype system to offer a physical demonstration for customers as part of the proof-of-concept process.

A key step for manufacturers is to identify to what extent and in which areas automation will offer them the best return on investment.

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INDUSTRY 4.0 + IIOT

At a glance  For all manufacturers, there is a point between zero and 100% automation where the greatest ROI in automation technology can be found.  In some situations human flexibility is still the best solution to handling complex processes.  Robot technology is a fundamental enabler of the automated factory and cobots offer a particular advantage in high-mix production plants.

Robotic arms can be designed for diverse applications, here packing finished product in a food processing factory. Enabling technologies Ongoing advances in automation technology mean manufacturers can move closer to full automation. Machine vision is a great example. The development of 3D vision systems means more complex pick-and-place operations are now feasible. Where previously items needed to be carefully presented to pick-and-place systems, vision technology can now readily identify objects randomly positioned in transport bins. A fundamental enabler of the automated factory and critical to any lights out projects is robot technology. For the movement of materials, sub-assemblies, and other items around and within the production process, also referred to as intra-logistics, this would be a key consideration. Traditionally intra-logistics would have involved forklift trucks. But in today’s modern factory, mobile robots can automate these tasks, managed by a supervisory control system which ensures that materials are delivered to machines, work in progress is transferred between production systems, and finished goods are taken back to the warehouse. Mobile robots can carry significant loads and work seamlessly with each other and with people when they are working in the same space. In automating traditionally human-operated tasks, where a degree of dexterity is required, cobots, or collaborative robots, offer a good solution. Despite the name suggesting otherwise, they can also be a valuable addition to the lights out scenario. While the collaborative aspect here would not be so important, cobots are designed to carry out more complex tasks, so they lend themselves to replacing manual assembly or processing tasks. They are simple to programme, particularly when compared to more traditional industrial robots. In a high-mix environment with many products and tasks, the cost of reprogramming an industrial robot tends to outweigh its viability. Cobots are comparatively simple to re-deploy for different tasks, offering a particular advantage in high-mix production plants. Where high-speed repeatability is required, industrial robots – such as delta robots – are ideal. In this category,

Robotic arms handling heavy lifting help to streamline the process in automotive manufacturing. advances in tooling are opening up new applications. One example would be the automated packing of fruit. This has always been difficult due to the need for delicate handling, but development in gripper designs has made automating soft fruit packing with industrial robots a practical option. Other recent developments in robotics have identified innovative ways of deploying the technology. Omron’s MoMa is a hybrid concept that combines a mobile robot, a collaborative robot, and a vision system, opening up a new range of possible functions. The combination of mobility and dexterity means tasks previously hard to automate – like dealing with a jam in a bottle filling line – are now easier to tackle. The factory of the future Will the lights out factory become the norm in future? As automation technology continues to advance, the fully lights out operation will become more viable for a growing number of manufacturers in the years to come. Where today a manufacturer may not be able to justify automating the final 10% of the production process, that figure may shrink to 5% and then 2% and may eventually reach 0%. What is important is that manufacturers fully understand where automation can best deliver value to their business today. This is something that technology vendors and systems integrators are well equipped to support. □

For more information visit: www.industrial.omron.co.za

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INDUSTRY 4.0 + IIOT

Cobots enable high-mix, low-volume production

With increased competition, often on a global scale, manufacturers are looking to differentiate themselves by tailoring products more closely to customer demand.This move carries with it an implicit reduction in batch sizes and has seen the rise of high-mix, low-volume production. Oliver Giertz, Product Manager for Servo/Motion and robotics for the EMEA region at Mitsubishi Electric, Factory Automation, explains how collaborative robots are helping manufacturers to increase flexibility, boost quality, and reduce operational costs.

Oliver Giertz, Mitsubishi Electric.

W hile high-volume production, with its repetitive tasks, has seen increased adoption of traditional industrial robots, we need to think differently in a high-mix production environment where the programming and reconfiguration effort to change from one product to the next can impact on productivity. In high-mix production, there might be several line changeovers needed in a given shift. For many manufacturers, this has meant an increased reli­ ance on manual labour. But that, in turn, increases operation­ al costs when compared with high-volume production – and the greater the mix, the higher the emphasis on manual la­ bour and the greater the production cost for a given volume. Further, high-mix, low volume (HMLV) production requires more stringent quality control processes to be put in place, with the opportunity for production errors increasing as the batch size reduces. At the same time, the levels of changeovers between different

and physically strenuous tasks. This offers improved consistency and reliability in manufacturing while enabling the people to concentrate on more complex jobs. A cobot is also flexible and can quickly learn to adapt to a variety of tasks, from picking and placing to machine tending. A key benefit of cobots is their ease of programming, enabling frequent redeployment and fast set-up without advanced robotic programming expertise. One recent development which can improve the ease and speed of configuration is hand-guided teaching, where the cobot arm is simply moved to the desired position and this is added to the operational sequence at the press of a button. This technology means no complex programming is required. It can also be combined with touch-screen graphical interfaces to implement more sophisticated operations. A digital twin can be used to enhance the speed of set- up and redeployment. Employing a digital representation of the physical cobot, including the virtual capability to evaluate performance, the digital twin can simulate cobot interaction to ensure that it can safely and predictably fulfil the desired task before it is deployed. Cobots’ ease of programming and redeployment make them one of the main enablers of HMLV production and key to reducing operational costs. The increased accuracy of the latest cobots is an important contributor to improving quality in a high-mix environment. As an example, Mitsubishi Electric’s MELFA ASSISTA cobots can provide a repeat accuracy of ±0.03 mm, making them suitable for even the most delicate and precise tasks. Moving towards HMLV production, manufacturers are finding that they can differentiate themselves from their competitors, with the ability to tailor products to specific customer requirements, in the smallest of batches. Further, with the ability to switch production to a different product quickly, manufacturers can become more responsive to changes in the market, gaining an additional competitive advantage. □

Cobots are proving a key

enabler for high- mix automation and offering a good return on investment.

products can often create bottlenecks. However, thenewbreedof collaborative robots (or cobots) is responding to the trend of HMLV production, delivering the required flexibility and the ability to reconfigure processes quickly and easily. Flexibility, consistency and reliability Designed to assist people operating on the shop floor, cobots can take on simple, repetitive

For more information visit: www.eu3a.mitsubishielectric. com

[All images: Mitsubishi Electric Europe B.V.]

Cobots can assist manufacturers to meet individual customer requirements with greater product variety in smaller batches.

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INDUSTRY 4.0 + IIOT

TSN: an evolving technology Time-sensitive networking (TSN) is preparing industrial Ethernet to support tomorrow’s industrial communications needs by providing innovative, beneficial features. Companies are aware of this potential and a lot is happening to realiseTSN-driven connected industries of the future. Arno Stock, Business Development Manager at Renesas Electronics, a CC-Link Partner Association (CLPA) member, looks at whatTSN offers and the latest achievements shaping the future of industrial Ethernet.

Arno Stock, Renesas Electronics.

T SN is a technology that will enable industrial Ethernet to reach new levels. Operating at Layer 2 of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model, it enhances standard Ethernet as we know it by making it deterministic by design. This characteristic, in turn, will benefit end users in various industries by offering them the ability to merge different types of data traffic, leading to more flexible and collaborative environments. In parallel, this allows for the creation of simplified, more economical network architec­ tures as well as unified hardware and software systems. The role of TSN in the connected industries of the future is clear. The technology is needed to support key Industry 4.0 applications, such as edge and cloud computing. A smooth transition In addition to these most obvious advantages, an important feature of TSN is its continuity with existing network tech­ nology. In effect, while it offers unprecedented capabilities, it does so by evolving conventional Ethernet rather than by substantially disrupting the status quo. As a result, busi­ nesses can transition seamlessly towards TSN-compatible industrial Ethernet systems. This alsomeans TSN is compatiblewith legacy standards. Furthermore, it can be combined with additional solutions already available for conventional industrial Ethernet, such as gigabit bandwidth, which is key to support ever- increasing data throughput. It can also accommodate the higher number of network devices and nodes resulting from converged architectures. Additional advantages of mixing TSN and gigabit Ether­ net include the ability to shorten cycle times, increase the accuracy and precision of control loops as well as strength­ ening the ability of a network to transfer various types of data, such as video. Such a solution can also reduce the complexity of distributed control systems, as it is possible to move more functions to a single controller reliably, at the same time making the intended applications more robust and easier to set up and maintain. End users are ready for TSN The multiple benefits of TSN are evident to machine builders and end users. In particular, Renesas is noticing a high level of interest from its customers who are aware the technology will be essential in the coming years. A key aspect that is especially appealing to most of them is the

standardisation/simplification of protocols, enabling the connection of all parts within an enterprise. In order to implement TSN successfully, it is necessary to use a network technology with higher-level protocols, as these are needed to complete the OSI reference model and support TSN applications. An example is the open industrial Ethernet CC-Link IE TSN. In addition, companies require suitable hardware that can use this Layer 2 technology, such as Renesas’ R-IN32M4-CL3 large scale integration (LSI) that leverages CC-Link IE TSN. Driver-level support is also important, as real-time TSN-compatible systems require close interaction between low-level driver software and hardware equipment. To address these aspects with leading solutions, automation vendors need to team up to deliver devices with TSN capabilities that meet customers’ expectations and needs. In this regard, being part of an extensive partnership network, such as the CLPA, is highly beneficial, as it offers a forum where solution providers come together to drive the development and consolidation of key automation products. The future of industrial communications A number of major milestones have been reached to support the useof TSN. Specifically, the IEEE802.1 standards defining the technology are now complete and accessible. The first network solutions have been released to the market – that is, CC-Link IE TSN – the first open Ethernet that combines

TSN technology will play a crucial role in supporting Industry 4.0 applications such as edge and cloud computing.

Electricity + Control AUGUST 2021

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INDUSTRY 4.0 + IIOT

profiles, particularly for industrial automation, as well as the development of new applications for wider use, not confined solely to industrial settings. To support the global adoption of TSN, it will soon be essential to set up unified conformance testing to ensure that different solutions are interoperable, leveraging the full potential of TSN. Open technologies, such as CC-Link IE TSN, are therefore likely to be favoured. The transition towards TSN will be especially exciting as it is a natural evolution of Ethernet, supporting its continu­ ous improvement. In time we will benefit from more building blocks which will open up new functions and higher perfor­ mance while supporting existing, still functioning systems. □

At a glance  As well as delivering new capabilities and multiple benefits,TSN provides for continuity with existing network technology.  Automation vendors need to team up to deliver devices withTSN capabilities that meet customers’ expectations and needs.  A number of milestones have been reached to support the use ofTSN, including completion of the IEEE 802.1 standards defining the technology.

gigabit bandwidth and TSN capabilities. In addition, the first prototypes and complete products have already appeared, with devices available and ready for use now. More testbeds are ongoing or planned to take place in the short term. These will contribute to making the technology more mature and support its large-scale implementation. The sector is working towards the finalisation of IEEE

For more information visit: www.eu.cc-link.org

INDUSTRY 4.0 + IIOT : PRODUCTS + SERVICES

Compliance testing for high-speed Ethernet cables

Bringing together UNH-IOL’s expertise in cable assembly and backplane compliance tests with Rohde & Schwarz test solutions, these two organisations are paving the way for automated compliance tests in line with the latest IEEE 802.3 Ethernet and InfiniBand standards. Test and measurement specialist Rohde & Schwarz and the University of New Hampshire Interoperability Laboratory (UNH-IOL) are extending their ongoing collaboration to expand Ethernet and InfiniBand compliance testing. They have pooled their expertise to provide methods of implementation (MOI) for precise, fast and error-free compliance testing of high-speed cables and backplanes in line with IEEE 802.3 (up to IEEE 802.3ck) and InfiniBand standards (up to rate designator HDR), using vector network analysis test equipment from Rohde & Schwarz. Data rates and data traffic are continuing to grow and such high data rates need to be transported between computer modules or high-speed data networks. The lat­ est specifications, for Ethernet IEEE 802.3ck, planned to be published in autumn 2021 (northern hemisphere), will allow data rates up to 800 Gb/s. InfiniBand, a communi­ cations standard to address very low latency and very

high throughput rates, opts in the extension planned for 2021 even for throughput rates up to 1 200 Gb/s when combining several links. Long-distance transmission in both standards is handled via optical links. But to bridge short distances, high-speed copper cables are used. To secure reliable data transmission with these extremely high data rates, cable compliance tests are implemented to provide confidence in the products. UNH-IOL is a worldwide reference centre for cable compliance tests, and cable manufacturers turn to the interoperability laboratory for their testing services. During 2020, Rohde & Schwarz provided the laboratory with a state-of-the-art R&S ZNBT40 multiport vector network analyser with 16 integrated test ports, covering up to 40 GHz, to support efficient testing. UNH-IOL has created the MOI for IEEE 802.3 Ether­ net and InfiniBand based on its experience. The MOI describe exactly how to perform compliance test meas­ urements on high-speed cables and backplanes to fulfil the corresponding specifications. Martin Stumpf, Market Segment Manager High Speed Digital Design Test at Rohde & Schwarz says: “The MOIs along with the included state files provide excellent guidance for the industry and describe the test steps as well as the calculations of channel operating margin (COM) and effective return loss (ERL). Later this year, we plan to provide automatic scripts based on our R&S ZN run test sequencer software that will simplify compliance tests further. We are excited to pursue this goal with the UNH-IOL.” Bob Noseworthy, Principal Engineer at UNH-IOL says: “After a successful collaboration with Rohde & Schwarz to develop this MOI, we look forward to further collabora­ tion to extend UNH-IOL high speed cable conformance testing capabilities.”

Rohde & Schwarz provided UNH-IOL with a R&S ZNBT40 multiport VNA with 16 integrated test ports to support efficient testing.

For more information visit: www.rohde-schwarz.com

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INDUSTRY 4.0 + IIOT : PRODUCTS + SERVICES

AI-driven engineering for system architectures

Siemens Digital Industries Software recently released its Simcenter™ Studio software, a web application designed to discover better system architectures, faster. Simcenter Studio offers a distinctive advantage for designing products by finding the most suitable system architectures in a shorter time than can be done otherwise, searching through thousands of possibilities using artificial intelligence and system simulation. The results are automatically generated to meet the user’s specific design requirements. This AI-based generation of system architectures is the latest addition to the Simcenter™ software in Siemens‘ Xcelerator™ portfolio. Engineers working on time-sensitive projects generally rely on individual expertise and known rules, and usually evaluate only a limited number of system architecture variants before choosing the ‘right’ concept. Simcenter Studio allows them to overcome this constraint by using AI-based techniques to expand the design space and perform rapid evaluations of system concepts – so organisations can identify the most promising designs earlier in the development programme. This new generative engineering approach to design complex systems serves well for various industries, including the automotive, aerospace and heavy machinery industries. “The expansion of generative methods to system

architectures will provide a clear competitive advantage for companies that design complex systems,” said Peter Bilello, President and CEO, CIMdata. “With this new offering, Siemens has demonstrated leadership in bringing together AI and system simulation for the conceptual stages of system design.” The integration of system simulation inside computational notebooks in Simcenter Studio is unique to the market and is complemented with an automatic generation of controllers to enable realistic trade studies. This allows for reliable and comprehensive evaluation of the most important key performance indicators in business and engineering decisions.

For more information visit: www.sw.siemens.com

Simcenter Studio uses AI-based techniques enabling engineers to expand the design space and evaluate system concepts quickly.

INDUSTRY 4.0 + IIOT : PRODUCTS + SERVICES

Industrial software provider joins open-source working group

Industrial data analytics and information management software provider, Flow Software Inc., has joined the Eclipse Foundation as a participating member in the Sparkplug Working Group. The Eclipse Foundation, which has been the home for open-source implementations of the MQTT IoT protocol since 2011, introduced the Sparkplug Working Group in 2020 to broaden adoption of the Sparkplug topic and payload specification for MQTT. Flow Software joins other influential IoT suppliers and users in the working group, incuding: Canary Labs, Cirrus Link Solutions, Chevron, Inductive Automation, HiveMQ, and Opto22. Flow Software has a history of supporting the MQTT standard, starting in 2018 with the introduction of its MQTT Consumer module. This module supports the integration of Flow Information Platform data into any MQTT enabled software products. The MQTT Consumer module supports the Sparkplug topic and payload specification, allowing data to be easily consumed into Sparkplug enabled software products, like Canary’s Historian and Inductive Automation’s Ignition. Chief OperatingOfficer at FlowSoftware, GraemeWelton, commented, saying: “Our participation in the Sparkplug Working Group gives us the opportunity to contribute to the development of Sparkplug and highlights the commitment we have made to keeping our product open to standard Endress+Hauser’s Memosens has revolutionised liquid analysis technology, enabling simple, safe and connected liquid analysis. It converts the measured value to a digital signal and transfers it inductively to the transmitter, ensuring safe data transfer and providing increased availability of the measuring point and trouble-free processes. With Memosens 2.0, liquid analysis measuring points become IIoT ready. The new technology is currently available for pH/ORP, conductivity and dissolved oxygen sensors and will be extended to the complete sensor portfolio for liquid analysis. Memosens 2.0 sensors store data such as operating IIoT-ready sensors for liquid analysis

The Eclipse Foundation’s Sparkplug Working Group supports open-source implementations of the MQTT IoT protocol. communication and data transfer protocols, for the benefit of our customers. We are excited to be working with the Eclipse Foundation on such an important initiative.” In the past decade, MQTT has become the most pop­ ular IoT-specific messaging protocol for consumer and enterprise applications. The Sparkplug topic and payload specification for MQTT was developed to ensure interop­ erability within industrial applications, strengthening MQTT as the de facto standard for the global internet of things and paving the way for the large-scale digital transforma­ tion of manufacturing, utilities, and processing industries. hours, minimum and maximum temperatures and meas­ ured values, calibration histories and load matrices. All this data can be analysed and used for more precise pro­ cess management. The sensors also provide a basis for predictive maintenance strategies with Endress+Hauser’s Heartbeat Technology and enhanced IIoT services via the Netilion ecosystem. Memosens 2.0 combines cutting-edge technology with practicality to simplify liquid analysis. Because the Memosens sensors are equipped with integrated electronics they can be calibrated and adjusted under lab conditions that are favourable for the operator – and stable to ensure precise results. Replacing sensors in the field can be done simply, facilitated by the lockable

Non-contact, inductive signal transmission eliminates problems caused by moisture and replacing sensors on site is simple and safe.

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INDUSTRY 4.0 + IIOT : PRODUCTS + SERVICES

CAN communication viaWiFi or Bluetooth

The Eclipse Foundation now manages Sparkplug under the Eclipse Tahu project and uses the working group to invite collaboration from technology partners in ongoing specification development, compliance certification, and industry education. “With the broad adoption of Sparkplug across sectors, the working group is well positioned to bring market leaders together to drive industrial standardisation,” said Mike Milinkovich, Executive Director of the Eclipse Foundation. “We are happy to welcome Flow Software, an influential early adopter in industrial data analytics and information management, to contribute to Sparkplug’s goals of achieving new levels of interoperability across the IIoT ecosystem.” The Flow Information Platform (Flow) simplifies the crea­ tion and sharing of operational and strategic decision sup­ port information across an organisation. Using Flow, an or­ ganisation can combine and transform data from multiple sources into a single namespace. This can then be shared with people via configurable dashboards, or with other systems via configurable integrations, including MQTT Sparkplug. Flow is a ‘DataOps’ platform that takes in and transforms complex data into KPIs, making it accessible when it is needed most. Flow is available through a global network of distributors and system integrators. bayonet connector and automatic sensor identification by the transmitter. Process safety is also increased as non-contact digital data transmission eliminates the effects of moisture, corrosion and salt bridges, with alert messaging if the signal transmission is disturbed. Galvanic isolation ensures interference-free measurement and EMC safety. The Memobase Plus software provides full traceability of all sensors used, supporting operation according to strict guidelines in regulated industries. Memosens 2.0 offers error-free flexibility formeasuringpoints inhazardous areas, as all Ex sensors can be connected to all Endress+Hauser transmitters with the respective approval. Replacing sensors on site can be done easily and quickly; using pre-calibrated sensors reduces process downtime and regular regeneration extends sensor life­ time. Lab calibration reduces the standby hours required from analysis experts. All these features contribute to re­ ducing operating costs. Memosens sensors are proven in use in wide rang­ ing industries, from chemical and food production, to life sciences and power generation, to water and wastewater industries. Memosens 2.0 is backwards-compatible and can be integrated easily into existing systems, taking them another step towards future-proof liquid analysis. For more information contact Endress+Hauser. Tel: +27 (0)11 262 8000 Email: info.za.sc@endress.com, visit: www.endress.com For more information visit: www.flow-software.com

Since its launch five years ago, the Anybus ® Wireless Bolt™ has provided thousands of industrial applications with wireless Ethernet access. Designed for bolt-on machine mounting and with a rugged form factor, it is today proven and trusted in demanding industrial applications. Use cases vary from warehouse installations and automated guided

The Anybus Wireless Bolt CAN enables CAN-based machinery and applications to transfer CAN data over a robust wireless link.

vehicles (AGVs) to manufacturing of food, underground mining or rough outdoor applications. Building on this success, HMS has launched the Anybus Wireless Bolt CAN, enabling CAN-based communication to the host equipment. The new Anybus Wireless Bolt for CAN enables CAN-based, heavy-duty machinery and applications to transfer CAN data over a robust wireless link. Wireless communication is established over either a fast Wi-Fi connection or a reliable Bluetooth link. The CAN data is transported over a TCP/IP link which enables other standard Wi-Fi infrastructure also to connect to the wire­ less link, if required. A typical use case would be in enabling wireless access to CAN data from an industrial vehicle, such as a bulk material transport truck. For example, with the Anybus Wireless Bolt CAN, J1939 CAN data is easily communicated to a handheld tablet, giving the operator full control and visibility of a bulk material filling process in progress. Anybus Wireless Bolt CAN is fully transparent in trans­ porting CAN data; it works with any CAN-based protocol, including CANopen. This opens the possibility to create mobile automation islands in any manufacturing process – the Anybus Wireless Bolt CAN will bridge the CANopen line wirelessly. The Wireless Bolt product family provides a range of wireless connectivity options for industrial networks and IoT applications. In addition to the new Anybus Wireless Bolt CAN it includes other versions which can connect to the host equipment using serial and industrial Ethernet connectivity. On the wireless side of the Wireless Bolt, the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth options were recently complemented with a version that supports the new LTE standards NB‑IoT and CAT-M1, supporting IoT applications.

For more information contact IDX Online. Tel: +27 (0)11 548 9960 Email: info@idx.co.za Visit: www.idx.co.za

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ENERGY MANAGEMENT + THE INDUSTRIAL ENVIRONMENT

Investing in renewable energy in Africa Enel Green Power has been a key player in South Africa’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producers Procurement Programme (REIPPPP). Participating successfully through past bidding rounds, the South African office currently has 13 renewable energy projects in operation or under construction in southern Africa. Leigh Darroll spoke toWilliam Price, Country Manager for Enel Green Power South Africa (EGP RSA), about the projects the company has completed, future opportunities, and EGP RSA’s particular approach to community development, local enterprise development, and creating shared value.

William Price, Country Manager, EGP RSA.

I n South Africa, Enel Green Power currently operates five solar power plants and four wind farms, with another three wind farms under construction and scheduled to come online towards the end of 2021. In total, with the most recent completion of the Oyster Bay wind farm, the already operational power plants have an overall capacity of more than 800 MW. In addition to South Africa, Enel Green Power’s operations in Africa extend to Kenya, Ethiopia, as well as a solar plant in Zambia, all of which are managed from the Johannesburg office. With its long-established performance in renewable energy globally, Enel Green Power shares its expertise on renewable energy across all new ventures. The development of the solar plant in Zambia, for example, gave engineers and technicians employed in the South African office the chance to share their skills with colleagues in Zambia, extending the exchange of knowledge through the southern African region. Price likes to describe the company’s core business as “selling green electrons”. “As an independent power

producer, we develop, build and operate renewable energy plants to facilitate that business.”

In South Africa The South African office is structured around three business units. Business Development looks at new development opportunities, identifies potential sites for renewable energy generation, evaluates the resource available, and considers the feasibility of a project. Engineering and Construction manages the execution of projects. Beyond the initial planning, detailed design and, in turn, construction are subcontracted. Engineering and Construction is responsible for managing construction progress – working from head office and/or on site. Operations and Maintenance sees to the ongoing operations of owned assets with staff based in the office and on site. As an Independent Power Producer (IPP), Enel Green Power South Africa invests in new power generation plants. In most instances it operates as developer, owner and operator, although different models can be employed, depending on the specific requirements of the off-taker or client. “As an IPP, we initiate the value chain which cascades down to local engineering firms, construction contractors and subcontractors, manufacturers and suppliers and allied services,” Price explains. Regarding the REIPPPP, he says EGP RSA welcomes the opening of Bid Window 5 after the extended hiatus in the programme, which was disruptive for the sector. This was particularly so for manufacturers that had invested locally and were forced to shut down when the continuity pipeline was cut by a seven-year gap that followed the conclusion of the fourth bidding round. Price sees the REIPPPP as an exemplary programme in terms of spurring investment, generating power, creating jobs and contributing to local economic development – all measures supported by the criteria (such as percentages of local labour, percentages of local manufacture) stipulated in the bidding requirements. As an IPP, EGP

EGP RSA’s solar power plant in Upington, Northern Cape, has an operating capacity of 9.9 MW.

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ENERGY MANAGEMENT + THE INDUSTRIAL ENVIRONMENT

The solar PV plant at Paleisheuwel in the Western Cape has an operating capacity of 82.5 MW.

With regard to enterprise development, Price highlights an example from the 148 MW Nxuba wind farm near Cookhouse in the Eastern Cape, which came online towards the end of 2020. EGP RSA wanted to create a video illustrating community involvement in the development and operations of the project and sought a local videographer to do the job. It provided support to the young entrepreneur who tendered for the assignment, and assisted in providing business skills training and basic materials for the new start-up, as well as drones for some of the filming. The video testifies to the professionalism and skill of the producer. This new business continues to operate locally, serving other businesses in the area. Inanother example, alsoat theNxubaproject, the turbines here saw the first use in South Africa of concrete tower sections, which were manufactured in nearby Somerset East, creating additional jobs during the construction phase of the project. This is a great demonstration of driving local manufacturing, using local labour and boosting local economic development. FDI constitutes more than money Price emphasises that while foreign direct investment is typically thought of only as a sum of money, it is about much more than that. It is about shared knowledge, skills, technologies, best practice learnt through global

RSA, as well as all tenders it receives from contractors and suppliers have to meet those requirements. In his view the REIPPPP offers a model for other African countries looking to increase renewable energy generation, although it must be implemented consistently. The opening of Bid Window 5 promises a renewed commitment to the energy transition. Creating shared value One of the company’s core operating principles is the concept of creating shared value. This encompasses the sharing of knowledge, skills, training and investing in local development in all its projects. A certain percentage of projected gross proceeds and returns from ongoing operations is invested back into socio-economic development of local communities, including enterprise development, skills development and the development of other local assets where appropriate. In each project, Enel Green Power South Africa will undertake an asset mapping in the local community to identify potential needs, which are considered in terms of specific UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) relating to education, healthcare, food security, and energy provision. It consults with the local community, inviting the people to identify their needs and to set up a project steering committee that will work with EGP RSA to take identified projects forward. For enterprise development, for example, EGP RSA will finance start-ups and work through the start-up process with the entrepreneurs, offering guidance and support, to the point where a new business is up and running. All projects are evaluated in terms of their contribution to the respective SDGs and evaluations are reported to the IPP Office on a regular basis. Enel Green Power’s perspective is that wherever it develops new business, setting up a new power plant using renewable energy resources, the local community should prosper too. Localised job creation is fundamental to this and in South Africa EGP takes the approach of preferential procurement to prioritise local businesses. For example, a new plant will need security services and EGP RSA will issue a tender for local service providers. Similarly, for ongoing maintenance on electrical systems or civil works it will give preference to local service providers, building up a local workforce.

Renewable energy projects create valuable job opportunities from initial engineering design, through construction, operations and maintenance. The Nxuba wind farm in the Eastern Cape, completed towards the end of 2020, has a generating capacity of 148 MW.

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