May 2021

47 www.drivesncontrols.com May 2021 NEW PRODUCTS n Delta has enhanced its C2000 Plus vector drives which can control the position, speed and torque of asynchronous AC induction motors and permanent magnet motors. The overload capacity has been raised to 560kW, while the 60s overload capacity has been increased from 120% to 150%. The drives’heatsinks have been redesigned to reduce the risk of clogging, and their fans are now IP55 protected (previously IP51) to maximise performance if dust or mist are present. There is a new IP66 keypad that can mount on the control box. It provides a start-up wizard and can store historical data and parameters. www.delta-emea.com Beckhoff has added a new degree of freedom to its XPlanar levitating system for transporting items on production lines. The“movers”that carry the items can now rotate endlessly through 360 degrees under software control, while levitating. The rotation, which can be executed dynamically with a frequency of up to 10Hz, makes new applications possible such as mixing liquids or inspecting objects from all sides. The movers can fly freely in two dimensions over XPlanar tiles and execute lifting movements with a stroke of up to 5mm. A software update implements the new rotation function. www.beckhoff.co.uk Schneider Electric has released a new version (21.1) of its EcoStruxure Automation Expert software-centred universal automation system. The new version offers enhanced cybersecurity, diagnostics, and commissioning functions, as well as expanded libraries and language support. Improved integration with Aveva’s System Platform allows users to take advantage of Aveva’s supervisory, Scada, IIoT and MES software. According to one study, the combination of the Schneider and Aveva software can halve engineering efforts. www.se.com Phoenix Contact has extended its M12 connector portfolio to include push-pull connectors with internal locking. The cross-manufacturer locking system, based on IEC 61076-2-010, simplifies cabling and saves space. The tool-free connection is said to offer significant advantages during installation, especially in confined spaces and applications with high cabling density. Components can be inserted and removed faster, cutting installation times by up to 80% compared to screw connections. www.phoenixcontact.co.uk Siemens has announced a range of motors that achieve IE4 (super premium) efficiencies in power ratings from 2.2kW to 1MW in two- and four-pole versions, as well as from 75kW for six poles, and from 55kW for eight poles. The IE4 Simotics SD motors exceed the requirements of the ErP (energy-related products) Directive 2019/1781, both for the first stage, which applies from July 2021, and for the second, which applies from July 2023. The ErP directive defines the eco-design requirements for electric motors and speed control system and will come into force in two phases. From July 2021, it requires at least IE3 efficiencies for two- to eight- pole electric motors from 0.75kW to 1MW. From July 2023, it requires IE4 efficiencies for two- to six-pole motors from 75– 200kW. The high-efficiency motors will help users to save energy, cut running costs and reduce CO 2 emissions. Siemens explosion-proof Simotics XP motors also exceed current efficiency standards. They are available in IE3 and IE4 efficiencies and will exceed the IE2 requirement that comes into force in 2023. Siemens www.siemens.com/simotics-sd Following Mitsubishi Electric ’s acquisition of the US Scada and IoT analysis software company, Iconics , in 2019, it is offering an extended Scada software range for system monitoring and process control. There are two new products: Genesis64 Basic Scada with essential functions for small production lines; and Genesis64 Advanced Application Server for large-scale monitoring. Mitsubishi’s customers now have one-stop access to Iconics’ Scada systems combined with its own products and services from the edge to the cloud. For example, Mitsubishi PLCs can be connected directly to the Genesis64 software, allowing automatic detection and smooth start-ups, while eliminating the need for OPC servers. The Advanced Application Server software helps to create serverless systems using cloud computing, facilitating the construction of redundant, multi-location or other secure, large-scale systems. The software can also connect to wearable devices such as smart glasses and watches, supporting remote monitoring or commands. The software can be operated by voice commands using AI smart assistant speakers, avoiding the need for operators to touch screens. Mitsubishi Electric Factory Automation https://eu3a.mitsubishielectric. com/fa/en/products/hmi/ iconics/local IE4 motors will meet ErP regs from 2.2kW to 1MW Sick has announced a non- contact radar-based sensing technology for real-time monitoring of the levels of liquids and bulk solids in challenging applications. The SicWave technology uses 80Ghz free-space radar to overcome the limitations of lower-frequency radar sensors or mechanical devices to achieve precise continuous level measurements. The LBR SicWave is a bulk solid level sensor with a range of up to 120m, while the LFR SicWave is a fluid level sensor with a range of up to 30m. Where previously operators have had to opt for switch-point level indication, or have been defeated by harsh environments, the narrowly focused microwave pulses of the new sensors are said to penetrate dust, vapour and material build-ups to produce accurate results. The 80GHz radar sensors are claimed to be 1,000 times more sensitive than earlier 26GHz technologies. The narrow field- of-view avoids possible false signals caused by deposits on walls or other obstructions. Remote set-up and interrogation is done either using a WPAN Bluetooth link to a smartphone or tablet, or via Hart, allowing easy integration with higher level controls and diagnostic systems. The sensors have a 4- 20mA output, enabling signals to be monitored and displayed on a dashboard in a cloud environment via IIoT gateways. The sensors offer a choice of antennae, connections and mountings. They come in IP66/IP67 plastic or aluminium housings, with an IP69 stainless- steel housing available for LFR devices in hygienic environments. Sick 01727 831121 www.sick.co.uk 80GHz level sensors are ‘1,000 times more sensitive’ than 26GHz systems Iconics acquisition leads to extended Scada line-up