#SchneiderElectricIndia

Industrial automation is hailed as the next phase of the industrial revolution. A plethora of companies have either already adopted industrial automation or are in the process of doing so. It refers to using control systems and information technology like computers or robots, with an aim to reduce and replace human intervention in industrial processes. These industrial processes pertain to different roles like controlling, sensing, supervision, and monitoring. Industrial automation has many benefits. It helps substantially cut or, in some cases, even eliminate labour costs. It reduces error margins and uses the latest technology to ensure adequate quality control. Industrial automation is widely prevalent and is used to optimize overall performance. What is SCADA? Supervisory Control and Data Automation (SCADA) is a comprehensive automated control system composed of both hardware and software components that work together to supervise different industrial procedures. Apart from this, through SCADA systems, it is possible to record and analyze real-time data. Data collected through various channels is then presented to the user for them to take appropriate control decisions. SCADA systems work locally as well as remotely. These systems are widely used in industries like oil and gas, chemicals, power and energy, and food and beverages, among others. Two crucial elements of SCADA are: • PLC (Programmable Logic Control) • HMI (Human- Machine Interface) Programmable Logic Control (PLC) Programmable logic controllers (PLCs) is a type of industrial computer which is used to oversee and debug different machines and objects. PLC chiefly consists of 4 components which are: • CPU (Central Processing Unit) • Input module • Output module • PLC software In the initial stage, PLCs receive input data from sensors and machines implanted in the physical factory floor through the CPU, which acts as the brain of PLC. This data can include on/off states, pressure levels, liquid levels, temperatures, etc. In the next stage, PLC outputs directions according to its pre-programmed protocols. This can directly command machines to turn on/off. PLCs operate and make control decisions on the basis of pre-installed PLC software. Reworking PLCs does not require any hardware changes; it can easily be achieved by rewriting the software code. Traffic lights are a popular example of PLCs. Human-Machine Interface (HMI) A human-machine interface is a network between the machine and the operator. It is essentially a device that displays a machine’s real-time operational information to give the operator insight. HMI collects data from PLCs and other control level systems like RTUs (Remote terminal Unit) or supervisory level systems like SCADA. It then converts complex machine variables into easily understandable information which the users see. HMIs come in the form of devices like screens, buttons, keyboards, touch screen tablets, etc. How do SCADA, HMI, and PLCs Work Together? SCADA works as the central control system that oversees other subsystems. SCADA communicates with PLC and obtains real-time information about machine functioning. This information, once decrypted, is then displayed on HMIs for the operator’s perusal. Through this, SCADA regulates and directs various equipment operations and can even dispatch emergency protocols. Thus PLC, SCADA, and HMI work together to ensure effortless automation and functioning of industrial procedures. Industrial automation technology is dynamic and a necessity in today’s world. Schneider Electric is among the top companies producing premium HMI, PLC, and SCADA systems, using high-grade and advanced technology. Visit the #SchneiderElectricIndia website today!

The phenomenon of lightning is a harmful situation for not only physical structures in the form of buildings but human beings as well. Each thunderstorm has the capacity to destroy physical structure if it is not properly preserved and safeguarded from the possibility of lightning. The condition of lightning can leave a devastating effect, while transients and surges caused by other circumstances can also result in similar destruction. Even though surges are extremely fast - in fact, they are calculated in nanoseconds, however, they can still result in significant destruction to electronic equipment. Apart from destroying wiring and data cables, electrical surges can also damage computer equipment, telephones and similar electronic goods, gradually wearing down the appliances internal elements. This is where the role of a surge arrester comes into the picture. Any type of equipment can be subject to dynamic over-voltages, which can arise as a result of a lightning situation or a switching event. This develops a voltage spike enhancing the wave’s magnitude to potentially thousands of volts. This could result in rapid damage or significantly lower an equipment’s lifespan. A surge arrester can be explained as a voltage-activated surge protection appliance that protects computers and other electronic devices from surges or transient voltages in electrical power distribution systems or data cables. These commonly arise from a flash of lightning or a switching surge. Surge protection devices fundamentally redirect the excess voltage into the earth wire, instead of allowing it to relay through the electronic devices, while at the same time, enabling the normal voltage to flow along its original path. The applicability of surge arresters is influenced by a wide array of unique factors. These can include the exposure of a building to voltage transients caused by lightning, the robustness or sensitivity of the equipment in question, the type of material used in the elements at the time of manufacturing, and lastly whether there is any unprecedented equipment inside the installation that could possibly produce voltage transients in the future. Types of Surge Arresters - Secondary Arresters - Secondary arresters are arresters that are rated under 1000 V. Secondary arresters are used to shield against secondary surges. Transformer failure rates range from 0.4-1%. 50-70% of all transformer failures occur due to low-side surges. Distribution Arresters - Distribution arresters are 1 to 36 kV rated. Within the distribution type, there are light-duty, normal duty, and heavy-duty arresters. Heavy-duty arresters are also known as a riser pole arrester. Distribution arresters can also be implemented in transformers as under-oil arresters, cubicle-mounted arresters, and elbow arresters. #SchneiderElectricIndia is one of the leading brands in the case of electrical protection equipment.