In the age of digitisation, Pilz is creating another milestone for safe automation: a new, continuous digital process that encompasses creation, simulation and ordering is a key feature of the new safety relay myPNOZ, the world's first safety relay produced in batch size 1. Here, Harald Wessels, Vice President Product Management at Pilz GmbH & Co. KG, and Florian Rotzinger, responsible for safety relays in the automation specialist's Product Management team, report on what exactly this milestone means, both from a technical/technological perspective and for users. “A milestone – What is it that is so brand new on myPNOZ?” Harald Wessels: For our new safety relay we have established a completely new type of process, from creation through to ordering and delivery: customers “create” their own safety relay via our online tool myPNOZ Creator. For the first time anywhere in the world in this sector, you can put your own product together and receive it pre-assembled and ready to install in batch size 1. “You mentioned the online tool. Where exactly is the added value for users?” Harald Wessels: The myPNOZ Creator provides users with logic editor functions, a hardware view with editor, simulation and documentation. In our Creator, customers can assemble their needs-based solution from a wide range of options. The highlight: they can generate their tailor-made product with absolutely no software skills for programming or creation. Users select their safety functions and the corresponding connections; the Creator selects the ideal hardware. The connection logic for the safety functions is defined through the plug-in sequence. The Creator takes care of that: so myPNOZ has an internal safety logic, which is the result of the system structure. “How does this internal logic work?” Florian Rotzinger: For users it’s totally intuitive, as myPNOZ Creator provides support with translating the logic. Users determine the number, type and logic of the safety functions, following a transparent procedure that’s kept simple. Depending on their safety requirement they interconnect E-STOP, safety gate sensors or light curtains using logic AND/OR connections, for example. All users need to bear in mind is that at least one output must be positioned at the end of each safety zone. Users can simply add it in myPNOZ Creator. The online tool displays any logic errors in the safety function sequence via a symbol. Users can also simulate the created logic directly in myPNOZ Creator, in order to verify whether myPNOZ is reacting as intended. And then they can order at the same time; everything is in one tool. “Order immediately? Like an end customer can with trainers or chocolate for example?” Florian Rotzinger: Yes, if the selected logic connections are valid, the myPNOZ Creator automatically calculates which modules are needed and the sequence in which these must be inserted. Alongside the documentation, users also receive a wiring diagram and can order their myPNOZ in the desired configuration almost at the touch of a button. myPNOZ is then delivered pre-configured and ready to install. For users that just means wiring and, thanks to the safety matrix that’s also included, simple and fast commissioning. The type code is printed on the device, so if necessary myPNOZ can be re-ordered at any time in this exact configuration. “So myPNOZ is much more than a “classic” safety relay?” Florian Rotzinger: We have combined proven concepts with some innovative features: myPNOZ is the result of safety expertise gathered over decades. We have taken and then optimised the proven features of our PNOZ safety relays, such as reliability, simplicity, ease of operation during installation and maintenance, and diagnostics. On the hardware side myPNOZ consists of a head module with plug-in expansion modules. The head module provides the voltage supply as well as a higher-level safety function. “How about the expansion modules? Are they looking more traditional or are they also innovative?” Florian Rotzinger: We offer a total of 12 expansion modules: four input modules with two safe input functions per input module, four output modules and four input/output modules. ADVERTORIAL Pilz | +44 (0) 1536 460766 | sales@pilz.co.uk | www.pilz.co.uk Energy and Automation LOVATO Electric: 104 years of innovation powering the future of energy management As this publication celebrates 40 years of supporting industry, it is fitting to recognise manufacturers that have demonstrated similar longevity and commitment to innovation. One such company is LOVATO Electric, currently enjoying its 104th year of business, having been established in Bergamo, Italy, in 1922. From its beginnings as a family-owned business, LOVATO Electric has grown into a globally recognised manufacturer of lowvoltage electrical components, automation products and energy management solutions. Today, the company serves customers in more than 100 countries while remaining committed to the values that have underpinned its success for over a century: quality, innovation and customer focus. As businesses face increasing pressure to improve efficiency, reduce costs and meet sustainability targets, energy management has become a critical area of investment. LOVATO Electric helps organisations gain greater visibility and control over energy consumption through a comprehensive portfolio of monitoring and management solutions. Driving efficiency through energy management LOVATO Electric’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond the solutions it supplies to customers. The company actively applies the same principles within its own operations through the recently inaugurated LOVATO SOLAR project adjacent to its headquarters in Bergamo. The photovoltaic park spans approximately 50,000 square metres and incorporates a 3.3 MWp solar array comprising 6,480 highperformance bi-facial photovoltaic modules. Supported by ten 320 kW inverters and a 3.2 MWh battery energy storage system, the installation can supply up to 80% of the company’s energy requirements. Designed with sustainability at its core, the project includes measures to enhance biodiversity and integrate the installation into the surrounding landscape. Native planting, wildlife habitats and ecological corridors have all been incorporated to support local ecosystems. The renewable energy generated by the site will also support future expansion, including a new 4,200 square metre warehouse serving the company’s growing moulding department. As industries continue their transition towards a lower-carbon future, LOVATO Electric demonstrates how innovation, sustainability and business growth can work together. After 104 years of continuous development, the company remains focused on helping businesses improve energy performance while leading by example through responsible manufacturing and environmental stewardship. 01384 899700 | lovato.co.uk | sales@lovato.co.uk
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