EDITOR’S CHOICE
INDUSTRY 4.0 REVOLUTION
SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC
FUTURE PROOFING YOUR MOTOR
MANAGEMENT STRATEGY
By Martin Walder VP Industry Schneider Electric
Manufacturers sit at the cutting edge of
the Industry 4.0 revolution. Technology is
changing the industry as we know it – and
manufacturers need to prepare for the
impact advancements in tech are set to have.
To do so, manufacturers need a clear vision
as to how digitalisation is going to impact
their sector. Whilst this isn’t easy, and there’s
no set answer – manufacturers can take the
opportunity to embrace new and innovative
technology. In doing so, they’ll benefit from
increased insights, and greater productivity.
One of the ways they can do this is in their
motor management strategy.
In today’s market, the manufacturing industry
dominates the industrial sphere. Within the
sector, an incredible volume of power is used
to convert raw materials into finished goods.
What’s more, more than 60% of the energy
in the industry is being used specifically to
power motors. Crucially, this is only set to
increase if we’re to sustain the production
rate for years to come and futureproof the
industry.
Whilst this volume of energy consumption
may not come as a surprise, the amount of
companies without a motor management
strategy in place is surprising. What’s more –
an intelligent motor management strategy is
crucial if we are to reduce our overall energy
consumption and increase plant uptime. In
fact, the manufacturing sector is dependent
on motors, so it’s essential to ensure that they
are protected and fit for purpose now and in
the future.
Think of it like this – with more and more
smart Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)
compatible products available on the market,
if part of the motor were to break, replacing
like for like products would not always
provide the best operational results.
WHAT’S WRONG WITH LIKE FOR
LIKE REPLACEMENT?
Motors starters can be complex pieces of
technology – and like all technology, they are
at risk of faults, damage or breaking down all
together.
There are several different conditions in the
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industry to watch out for that can create
a motor starter failure. This includes, high
or low voltage supply, phase unbalance,
continuous excessive loading, jam or stall
conditions, ground faults, single-phasing,
seized motor bearing or binding mechanical
linkages. businesses will suffer from a lack of insight
and will get left behind in the plant process
information technology race.
When impacted by one of these situations,
many plants are re-ordering a like-for-like
starter. Prior to its failure, it worked well and
it’s a product they know and feel comfortable
with. This however is a short-term solution.
The issue here is that the technology and
capability of the said motor may not be fit
for the long-term. Without smart capabilities, The solution therefore, is to implement a
smart motor management strategy. This isn’t
something that is needed purely for new
machines, but also for upgrades and retrofit.
A smart strategy offers the manufacturer
additional digital based benefits above
simply opting to implement energy saving
technologies.
ENTER: SMART MOTOR
MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES