Electricity and Control May 2025

Control systems + automation

Kobus Vermeulen, Direct Sales Executive, Process Automation at Schneider Electric, highlights the value of turbomachinery, o—en overlooked and unrecognised for the central role it plays in industrial operations. Control solutions for turbomachinery T urbomachinery has a long history and today refers to machines that transfer energy between a rotor and a fluid, including gases and liquids. It includes devices by improving machinery e”iciency, turbomachinery control systems minimise resource usage, again aligning with sustainability goals.

When arguing the case for automated robotic systems, safety is oŽen cited as a major, and valid, benefit. The same can be said for turbomachinery control systems which o”er real-time monitoring and diagnostics that enable quick identification and resolution of po tential issues, enhancing workplace safety. Automated safety protocols further mitigate risks by reducing reliance on human intervention, so minimising the chance of errors and ensuring safe operations. Control solutions In action At Schneider Electric our Turbomachinery Control (TMC) solutions are optimised for generators, compressors, and drives. These solutions include anti-surge control, performance control, load sharing, and decoupling control to optimise e”iciency and stability. A major advantage of Schneider Electric’s TMC solutions is that they o”er mechanical retrofit capabilities, which means organisations can upgrade aging control systems to improve machine performance and extend the lifecycle of turbomachinery. Our TMC solutions also incorporate advanced algorithms and process automation strategies to protect compressors from surging and ensure smooth operation. And Schneider Electric TMC solutions o”er safety and reliability features designed to reduce the risk of catastrophic failures and process disruptions, enhancing overall plant safety and productivity.

like turbines, compressors, and pumps. Turbomachinery also plays a crucial role in power generation, aviation, and many industrial processes. The history of turbomachinery spans centuries. The ear liest forms of this technology can be traced back to water wheels, which appeared around the first century BC in the Mediterranean region. Fast forward to the 1930s and the first gas-powered turbines lit streetlights and later found applica tions in aviation and power generation. Now, almost a century later, turbomachinery can be found in most industrial settings. And at the heart of it all are ad vanced control systems which enhance current turbomachin ery operations and take it to a new level. Facing modern challenges Where turbomachinery plays a central role, as it does in so many industrial processes, its continuous operation is non-negotiable. However, various factors add layers of complexity to the operation of turbomachinery today. ƒ Optimising e”iciency: rising energy costs and pressure to minimise carbon footprints make it essential to opti mise machinery performance and reduce waste. ƒ Regulatory compliance: most industries have to meet strict emissions and environmental standards which re quire precise machinery controls to achieve compliance without sacrificing e”iciency. ƒ Industry 4.0 integration: the shiŽ towards smart manu

Kobus Vermeulen, Schneider Electric.

For more information visit: www.se.com

facturing demands control systems that integrate seamlessly with IoT devices and data analytics platforms, enabling real-time decision-making and en hanced connectivity. ƒ Dynamic operating conditions: fluctuat ing loads and diverse operational sce narios require adaptive systems capa ble of maintaining stable and e”icient performance. The control benefits are real Turbomachinery control solutions assist organisations and support their profitability by optimising performance and reducing en ergy consumption, both universal operational benefits. From an environmental perspective, modern turbomachinery control solutions play a key role in emissions reduction and resource optimisation. Control systems provide precise control over emissions and waste, helping organisations comply with strict environmental regulations Furthermore,

Today, turbomachinery plays a central role in many industrial processes where control technologies optimise its e˜iciency.

MAY 2025 Electricity + Control

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