Power consumption of automation equipment in manufacturing processes such as robot assembly cells, laser cutters and sub-systems such as paint lines can now be managed over a PROFINET network through a new vendor-neutral energy saving profile developed by PROFIBUS International (PI) and a working group including many of the major equipment suppliers to the automobile automation and production industries.
Starting from an initiative proposed by AIDA — the group of German automotive manufacturers who were seeking to improve energy efficiency in their automated manufacturing plants — PROFIenergy offers an open and standardised means of controlling energy usage during planned and unplanned breaks in production. No external hard-wired systems are required, and the profile can be integrated into individual components by means of a firmware update. Implementation into the first products is expected later this year.
PROFIenergy technology will be described and explained further at the annual PROFIBUS and PROFINET User Conference, scheduled for 29-30th June at Stratford-on-Avon. Several other papers at the conference will discuss how PROFIBUS and PROFINET systems can be integrated into energy management programmes, particularly in relation to energy efficient drives.
This major convention for users and potential users of modern automation systems offers the choice of three parallel styles of presentation, for each delegate to create the most effective and relevant learning experience in relation to a plant and experience. These three streams offer technical and user experience presentations; hands-on practical training and demonstrations of the hardware, fault finding techniques and remote diagnostics; and thirdly an exhibition of equipment from relevant suppliers, where experts and presenters will be on hand to explain how to apply their solutions on your plant application.
Information and registration details about this event can be found at www.profi-bus.co.uk
