The efficient use of energy in machines and buildings is a current issue not only because of legal requirements. Consistent and transparent recording of energy data and grid quality also lays the foundation for further savings potential. Machines can be actively protected against risks from fluctuating power quality. At the same time, valuable status information for predictive maintenance can be derived from the energy readings.
A prerequisite for this is that the energy data from machines and energy distribution systems can be easily integrated into existing systems. Platform-independent communication via OPC UA or MQTT simplifies the exchange of information and the integration of further devices in an energy management system (ENMS).
Beckhoff customers use energy measurement technology in a variety of ways. Whether machine-integrated as EtherCAT Terminals, in combination with the IoT Coupler as retrofit solution or as distributed power measurement in energy distribution systems: regardless of the purpose, the right solution can be configured based on the extensive modular component system from Beckhoff.
Savings potentials through the use of energy measurement technology:
- Identify consumers with high consumption in operation and standby
- Reduce energy costs by avoiding expensive load peaks
- Prevent damage to machines due to insufficient grid quality
- Detect anomalies by comparing actual and target energy data
Distributed power measurement from Beckhoff offers cost advantages, particularly in low-voltage main distribution boards (LVMDs) and machines with a large number of loads to be measured: In a compact format, up to 6 current channels can be measured within only 12 mm installation space. The associated voltage values are measured once in the system and distributed via EtherCAT. In combination with the Beckhoff IoT solutions, transparent, flexible and cost-effective energy management becomes possible.
Maximum availability and economical operation of production machines are essential for their competitiveness. In order to optimally supply machines with highly automated control and drive systems and protect them from damage, continuous diagnostics support operators and manufacturers alike.
Integrated in a machine, energy measurement technology provides several types of diagnostics:
- Basic analysis based on the power quality factor (PQF): relevant energy parameters are combined into a simple single indicator.
- Advanced analysis: all voltage, current and energy data, including harmonics, are available for processing in the PC-based control system.
- Detailed analysis: fast measured values combined with PLC libraries provide maximum diagnostic depth and measuring dynamics.
Further information about our technologies and products for energy and power measurement can be found here: