Control network
September 1st 2008 CC-Link communications has
allowed a modest project to
automate a compressor house to
be expanded to embrace the entire
Yorkshire Fittings' Leeds factory.
The initial project was based on
installation of a SCADA programme
to monitor the performance of a
bank of compressors. The idea
was to optimise energy use, but it
became possible to log detailed
operational data for productivity
analysis allowing a move to
predictive maintenance.
The efficiency gains achieved
with the compressors were almost
immediate and, because of the
data logging, full management
records were produced. The
directors then asked the electrical
engineers if the control network
could be extended into adjacent
areas. There was scope for doing
this and improved productivity was
quickly noted.
Soon, running the network
across the entire site was
considered feasible. CC-Link is an
open field device level network that
provide high speed deterministic
communications, linking a wide
range of automation technologies
over a single cable. More articles from CLPA-Europe: | 
