Sparks Electrical News June 2018

ENERGY MEASUREMENT AND SUPPLY

16

PL-100 MINI PROGRAMMABLE LOGIC CONTROLLER

W hen power is lost to a critical applica- tion, such as a hospital, data centre or telecoms installation, it is an automatic transfer switch (ATS) that must make sure the backup generator comes online immediately. Starting the backup generator, switching the load, and then reversing the process when things return to normal is a complex task. Installing an ATS is also complex. A host of sensors, controllers, switches and operator interfaces must all be wired up and mounted in an enclosure or panel. The complexity can be a problem. It makes installation time-consuming and can compromise reliability. When ABB developed the TruONE ATS, it knew that customers wanted them to be safer, more reliable and more economical. The best solution, it believed, would be to eliminate the complexity by designing the world’s first truly all-in-one ATS unit. Fewer connections, fewer faults To achieve this, ABB had to come up with a few design innovations. A key aim was to eliminate all the wire harnesses, distributed electronics, voltage transformers, and external controllers. So instead, the TruONE ATS comprises only the needed par- allel poles to connect sources to load, plus a side- mounted mechanism that drives the pole internal power contacts to the desired position and provides the control needed for full ATS functionality. Another way of ensuring the TruONE ATS was truly all-in-one solution was by using the mains connection to self-power all the functionalities, removing the need for external voltage transformers. This simple idea made it possible to package everything within a single unit. The benefits of ABB’s design are far-reaching. A single stock-keeping unit (SKU) is not just easier to store: it is significantly more reliable. Every connec- W ith GIC’s PL-100 mini programmable logic controller, you can seamlessly and affordably implement automation in your electromechanical process. It is a real-time system designed for multiple input and output arrangements. The PL-100 can control a wide variety of devices to support user’s evolving automation needs. The PL-100 monitors inputs and changes outputs as controlled by the user program, which can include Boolean logic, counting, timing, complex mathematical operations and communication with other intelligent devices. With its free software, compact design, flexible configuration, powerful instruction sets and incredible price, the PL-100 is a perfect solution for controlling a wide variety of applications in the industrial and commercial sectors. Some prominent features include: • Programming using ladder diagram. • Supports up to 112 I/Os including isolated digital

tion which was removed meant one less potential reliability issue – and dozens were removed. That means far fewer potential failure points and loose connections to find during commissioning. Truly simple Having a truly all-in-one ATS solution will also make installation a lot easier. It just needs to be put into an enclosure and fixed with four screws. Overall, installation is around 80 percent quicker than a conventional ATS. With all the assembly work performed on an ABB production line with automation and quality assurance processes, ergonomic studies indicate that TruONE cuts cabling times by up to 90 percent. The TruONE’s complete integration also makes it easier to use. From the start, ABB knew it could improve on the usual set-up with its separate controller, electronics and user in- terface. They’re bulky, add to the installation workload and are then fixed in site. For most jobs, they limit the ATS installation design, par- ticularly the door layout for enclosed solutions. With the TruONE, the HMI provides local control of the ATS functionality. It can be mounted on the switch itself and can be detached tool-free, provid- ing remote control via a 10 m RJ45 cable. This means customers can move the HMI to a different column, grouping it with the installation’s other control equipment. Just being able to detach the HMI from the switch body during commission- ing makes the work that little bit easier – because all the functionality is integrated into the switch it- self, the ATS can still operate even when the HMI is detached. Safer by design Safety is another big benefit. The TruONE’s design inputs (sourcing and sinking), digital transistor- ised outputs with short circuit protection, high speed inputs and outputs. • (PTO/ PWM / S-profile), Analogue voltage or current inputs and outputs. • Programming through a USB port. • Standard RS232/RS485 port with RJ11 for HMI and Scada interface. • MODBUS RTU support. • Stacking using FRC cable up to maximum six expansion modules. • Rugged and designed to withstand • Some of the software features include 128 weekly, monthly and yearly time switches, multi- ple timers, counters including retentive counters, hour meters and many more function blocks. • An independent scale convertor block with vari- electromagnetic interference, vibrations, temperature and humidity variations.

• User friendly software for online and offline sim- ulation that supports regular firmware updates. ACDC Dynamics prides itself on being able to pro- vide the most extensive, high quality range of local and international brands available to its valued cus- tomers.

ous SFBs to convert the corresponding param- eters. It supports up to 16 points conversion for various data types. • The modified preset parameters of the SFBs configured in ladder, can be retained by selecting the ‘Retain SFB Set Value’. • Complete with LED indication for inputs, outputs, run, stop and error.

Enquiries: +27 (0) 10 202 3300

FIRST TRULY ALL-IN-ONE AUTOMATIC TRANSFER SWITCH BRINGS REAL BENEFITS TO CRITICAL POWER APPLICATIONS

NEW CONTACTORS SIMPLIFY MOTOR CONTROL AND IMPROVE ENERGY EFFICIENCY G lobal machine and equipment builders de- signing panels for global markets need to select the right components to meet nu- merous international standards as well as address changing energy-efficiency guidelines. To address these needs, Rockwell Automation has released its new range of Allen-Bradley Bulletin 100-E IEC con- tactors and Bulletin 300 NEMA contactors to help machine builders design smaller, more energy-effi- cient panels. Traditionally, contactors have been used to switch electrical loads in numerous applications, such as mo- tors, fans and pumps. However, large-size contactors are increasingly used in applications to isolate or by- pass these loads and for switching of resistive loads. To accommodate this change, new lines of contactors feature a universal coil, which offers operators more flexibility when controlling with multiple voltages. “Typically, with contactors, you need to specify what voltage you want to control with,” said Adrian vanWyk, Business Manager Power and Components Business Sub-Sahara Africa, Rockwell Automation. “With these new lines, the contactors can be controlled with 40 to 50 different voltages, ranging from 24 to 500 V ac or dc, with only four different coil options.” Previous options were available in multiple voltages and often required an ac or dc coil to control applica- tions. With the introduction of the universal electronic coil, operators canmore easily control voltage onmul- tiple applications with fewer parts. “These coils are also much more energy efficient,” said van Wyk. “With the new device, operators can operate the same applications with a smaller power supply.” In addition to the universal coil, the new contactors are significantly smaller than previous product lines.

means that dangerous line voltages no longer need to be connected to the door, increasing the level of protection for operators as the detachable HMI is completely isolated. In addition, the selector switch is housed next to the ATS mechanism and can be accessed easily to switch to manual opera- tion with no need to open the panel door. Some customers will wonder if all this integration compromises flexibility. In fact, the opposite is true. Snap-on accessories, including current transformers, communication modules and terminal shrouds, all mount within the TruONE’s footprint without tools or the need for an enclosure or panel to hold everything together. Up until now, ATS designs have just been collec- tions of components installed within an enclosure or a panel. For such a critical piece of equipment, that’s no longer good enough. Reliability require- ments can only continue to increase and the company believes ABB’s TruONE ATS will soon become the go-to ATS solution for critical power applications.

Enquiries: www.abb.com/lowvoltage

The Bulletin 100-E IEC contactors have a 25 percent smaller footprint while the Bulletin 300 NEMA contactors are 45 percent smaller than previous prod- uct lines. “The new contactors are smaller in size than previous lines,” said Tony Hart, global product marketing manager, IEC Contactors, Rockwell Automation. “A more compact contactor allows for a smaller panel and a smaller enclosure.” The new contactors replace the Allen-Bradley Bulletin 100-D and 100-G IEC and Bulletin 500 NEMA Size 6-8 contactors. While the previous line fea- tured contactors for applications from 115-1200 A, the new contactors are de- signed for applications from 116 to 2 650 A.

Enquiries: www.rockwellautomation.com

SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS

JUNE 2018