Drives & Controls June 2022

n TECHNOLOGY June 2022 www.drivesncontrols.com 16 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC HAS launched a condition- monitoring technology for rotating machines that analyses motor currents rather than relying on traditional vibration-monitoring techniques. It claims that this approach offers several advantages, including accurate prediction of imminent machine failures, the ability to operate in harsh environments, and the ability to provide data that can be used to cut energy consumption and optimise machine performance. Schneider suggests that the technology could help to avoid the 15 hours of equipment downtime that the average manufacturer experiences every week, potentially resulting in losses of millions of pounds. One of the biggest advantages of the technology – called MCSA (motor current signature analysis) – is that you do not need to place sensors on the motor. They can be installed in the clean, dry environment of an MCC (motor control centre), where they are protected from dirt, moisture and wear, helping to improve reliability. Data can be uploaded to the cloud using 4G communications, further reducing the time and cost of installing MCSA sensors for an entire production line. The motor, in effect, acts as a transducer that senses load variations and converts them into changes in current. The system analyses waveform frequencies to indicate machine conditions, giving early warnings of any deterioration or on-load alterations. The sensor data is aggregated by a cloud-based asset management system, which can be supported by expert services. A set of machine-learning algorithms first model a motor’s “normal” behaviour. If values start to drift out of the normal range, these are detected and classified by recognising variations in the motor current signature. Once installed in an MCC, the new technology starts a learning phase and, using expert analysis, understands the system’s frequency patterns. This can take 2-6 weeks and allows the system to detect anomalies that develop over time. After the learning phase, the system monitors the installation around the clock. The sensing technologies and analytical methods can detect a broad range of potential failure modes for motors including stator shorts, bearing deterioration, loose rotor bars, coupling misalignments, winding degradation, mechanical or electrical imbalance, and more. If it detects issues or potential failure modes, the system can send a warning, weeks or even months before a failure occurs, depending on the failure mode. This allows maintenance teams to order spare parts and schedule repairs when they will have least impact. MCSA failure analysis can also give clues to electrical conditions upstream of the motor that may be causing an issue. The technology offers: n cloud-based analytics: both known and unknown failure patterns can be predicted with a claimed accuracy of more than 90%, and minimal false positives; n the ability to work in harsh environments: the system is installed inside control cabinets, not on the motor, eliminating potential failures resulting from harsh environments; and n identifying mechanical and electrical issues: as well as measuring mechanical issues, the system provides data on power functions and energy consumption, delivering energy- saving and performance- optimisation insights. Schneider is marketing the technology as part of its EcoStruxture Asset Advisor (EEA) for Electrical Distribution and Rotating Equipment service and says it could help to reduce the 25 million motor failures that occur every year. The service is aimed at critical rotating equipment such as motors, compressors and pumps. Failures of such equipment result in a 5% reduction in production capacity for the average manufacturer and the consequent downtime can be costly. Schneider describes the new technology as“a gamechanger” that could reduce downtime by an estimated 15 hours per week and boost productivity. https://bit.ly/3wBRkVI Motor monitoring tech eliminates the need for on-machine sensors Schneider’s MCSA motor monitoring technology avoids the need for on-machine sensors and places equipment in the protected environment of an MCC instead INTERROLL HAS launched a platform-based material-flow system that, it says, will boost the productivity of manufacturing processes “significantly”. The modular, plug- and-play LCP (light conveyor platform) system allows integrators to implement scalable belt conveyor sections quickly to meet the automated material-flow needs of individual customers. Belt conveyors based on the new system can be assembled frommodules without needing any engineering. An autonomous machine control system, based on an optional PLC, allows the system to start operating quickly. Connection to an external PLC with user-specific programming is possible. The system is designed to transport smaller items, as well as boxes or polybags weighing up to 50kg. The conveyors, which can handle inclines or declines, are driven by compact drummotors with efficiencies of more than 85%. The modular system can be planned and assembled using Interroll's Layouter PC tool, shortening lead times. Predefinedmodule sizes in different lengths and widths reduce production and delivery times. During the development of the new platform, it was subjected to endurance and load tests, and developed in accordance with DMFA (design for manufacture and assembly) standards. It provides emergency shutdowns at the push of a button, and operates quietly. https://drivesncontrols.news/36qggw n Plug-and-play conveyor boosts automatedmanufacturing productivity