More and more companies are seeking energy-efficient and clean energy networks. The key is that each company needs its own specific measurement measures. Through “Total Energy Monitoring,” Weidmüller has developed a comprehensive energy management solution for smart applications, integrating hardware, software, and consulting, and helping companies around the world implement their own requirements.
In the past, energy consumption was often overlooked. A company's energy consumption was typically measured as a whole, rather than in individual production sites, equipment, or machines. Today, the situation is different due to economic reasons, increasing resource scarcity, and regulatory requirements. Successful companies are often those that monitor their production facilities and areas to optimize energy consumption – in other words, those that increase transparency and connectivity.
Weidmüller's rapid growth in this business area demonstrates the company's progress in energy management-related fields. This project, initiated by Weidmüller at the end of 2013, was introduced to the manufacturing company approximately one year later and has become part of Weidmüller's Automation Products and Solutions division today.
One-stop service for measurement, analysis and consulting
▲All hardware components can be easily integrated into existing production environments and form the basis for energy analysis and assessment of energy-consuming units.
Comprehensive energy management solutions encompass sub-areas such as energy monitoring and management, power quality, and data processing and analysis. Previously, implementing the required systems required customers to collaborate with multiple partners, necessitating significant time and financial investment. Recognizing that developing these systems is a complex undertaking, Weidmüller has expanded its product portfolio from a few measuring instruments to hardware, software, and services, in line with other vendors.
The hardware includes a Class A power analyzer, energy logger, and u-mation automation solution. With Weidmüller's EnergySuite software, users can easily collect, clearly present, and analyze data. The Cookpit function enables automated status reporting and process assessment.
Weidmüller provides customized solutions based on the client's equipment, objectives, and applications. At the outset of a project, Weidmüller works with the client to define the relevant energy-consuming equipment. Based on this, Weidmüller provides a conceptual definition of which points need measurement, what hardware is required, how components communicate, and what effects should be achieved. Continuous system support is also an issue.
“Many parameters need to be specified. Typically, we install measuring devices at network nodes. Since power quality is a critical parameter for the efficiency and availability of industrial equipment, we recommend continuous monitoring in accordance with EN 50160 and IEC 61000-2-4. This measurement can then be extended to the production line and individual machines, and even the machine process,” explains Torsten Hocke, who has been Weidmüller’s Business Development Manager since May 2015. Weidmüller also provides support for subsequent optimization implementations – both short-term and long-term. Services offered include EMC workshops, consultations and analyses, as well as introductions and support for the ISO-50000 standard.
Information advantage is key
There are even more opportunities for manufacturing companies. They can not only use energy data to make the production process more user-friendly, but also assess its dependencies and integrate it into simulations and forecasts. This will bring us into the realm of data-driven analytics, also known as "data analytics." More specifically, system providers can, for example, proactively reduce peak loads, detect anomalies in the production process, and automatically switch systems to standby mode.
“We have completed projects globally that meet these requirements,” reported Michael Piekarzewitz, who has been working with his team to drive energy management projects since 2016. “A prime example is a system implemented at a leading automotive plant in Asia. Using a collaborative development concept, we addressed energy quality and energy management issues with this solution – initially at our China headquarters, and now continuing to roll it out within the group and globally.” Therefore, Weidmüller can ensure its product portfolio is globally available, with our experts around the world providing on-site customer service, and our proprietary technologies constantly evolving. Topics such as energy monitoring and management, energy quality, data processing, and analysis are relevant to every manufacturing company – including across a wide range of markets employing different standards.
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