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Market Outlook 2014

Innovation In Smart Robotics

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MCI (P) 009/07/2013 | ISSN 0219/5615 | PPS 1561/06/2013 (022960)

Market Outlook 2014 | Robotic Control | Chemical Plant Instrumentation | Renewable Solutions

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ISSUES & INSIGHTS

26

Market Outlook 2014

After several years of economic worry and talk of recession, economies around the world are seeing signs of recovery and growth once more. IAA spoke with six organisations that share their views and outlook for the coming year in terms of market expansion and technology trends going forward.

Process CONTROL

32 32

Optimising The Operation Through Advanced Process Control

Controlling processes in a range of plants that may handle chemical or other vital operations is a complicated task, which requires advanced equipment to ensure safety and reliability. By Prasad B V N, AspenTech

SOFTWARE & NETWORKS

36

Innovation In Smart Robotics

Enabling technologies for the proliferation of robots in industrial and commercial applications.

By Christian Fritz, National Instruments

INSTRUMENTATION & MEASUREMENT

39

Improve The Flexibility Of Chemical Plants With Industrial Wireless

Wireless technology is changing the way engineers work and business is done, while at the same time helping to reduce cost and improve productivity. By Bharat Sharma, Honeywell Process Solutions

39

42

Instrumentation For Biodiesel Fuel Production

This article describes the production processes from the perspective of the measuring instruments that are used to control operations for biodiesel producers. By Quinton Williams and Mary Costain, Invensys

energy

45

Success For Solar Powered Family Car

46

Five Keys To Wind Farm Bankability

Stella, the world's first solar powered family car, made its debut in Singapore. IAA met with the team and interviewed Loh Kin Wah, executive VP, sales and marketing, NXP Semiconductors, at Nanyang Polytechnic, School of Engineering, where the vehicle was on display. By Mark Johnston

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The Levelised Cost of Energy (LCOE) of wind power is gaining equilibrium with other energy sources. However, the LCOE of wind can vary widely from project to project, and developers need to keep a sharp eye on those factors that influence project profitability. By Dennis McKinley, ABB

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Community Growth As A Corporate Citizen Let’s make the difference.

Greening The World One Measurement At A Time Hioki would like to say thank you. With your help, we have planted 13,123 trees over the last 2 years. Simply by purchasing one of our infra-red thermometers, power meters, power quality analysers, lux meters, magnetic field testers or loggers, you would have taken part in our Green Point Campaign and aided in our efforts to make the world greener.

Visit www.hioki.com/Greenpoint/ for more details

ENQUIRY NO. 649

HIOKI Singapore Pte Ltd • Tel: +65 6634 7677 • Fax: +65 6634 7477 • Email: info@hioki.com.sg • Website: www.hioki.com

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Connect with us at

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Sustainable Energy In Asia

IAA interviewed Kavita Gandhi, executive director of Sustainable Energy Association of Singapore (SEAS) on the energy sector in Asia and its potential for growth.

By Mark Johnston

SECTOR SPOTLIGHT Systems Engineering: Successful Delivery Of Intelligent Products

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Products in nearly every industry today are quickly becoming smart, interconnected, software-intensive systems of systems. The practice of systems engineering must adapt to address these challenges. By Derek Piette, PTC

52

FEATURES

56

The Driving Force

IAA spoke with the executives at Rockwell Automation to understand the concept behind its latest drive introduction, the PowerFlex 520 series, and the company’s future endeavours. By Joson Ng

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EDITOR’S PAGE

Published By:

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MANAGING DIRECTOR

Kenneth Tan

For 2014

SENIOR EDITOR

Joson Ng josonng@epl.com.sg

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Mark Johnston

As 2013 comes to a close, we look forward to a new year with

markjohnston@epl.com.sg

a new set of challenges and possibilities. After several years of

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

economic worry and talk of recession, economies around the world

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are seeing signs of recovery and growth once more. The US and

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Europe, in particular, are still facing many economic challenges,

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Sharifah Zainon

Peh Loon Chin

but talk of growth, while classified as modest, is returning to the

SENIOR SALES MANAGER

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global discussion.

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Asia in particular, with its high growth economies, is seeing SENIOR CIRCULATION EXECUTIVE

increased attention with many companies now conducting their

Brenda Tan brenda@epl.com.sg

global launches in this region. New and emerging economies are seeing increased investment. This trend is set to continue into 2014, with new and emerging technologies that are set to revolutionise the automation sector over the long term.

CONTRIBUTORS

Patrice Denizard, Hayama Hiromu, Francis Cheng, Luc Graré, Ryan Goh, Masanobu Machida, Prasad B V N, Christian Fritz, Bharat Sharma, Quinton Williams, Mary Costain, Dennis McKinley, Derek Piette, Augustine Quek

One standout trend that has great potential for the automation

EDITORIAL CONSULTANTS

Jim Pinto

sector is the Internet of Things (IoTs). With the advent of IPv6

Industry Analyst

and new communication protocols with increased bandwidth

Alastair Ross Director, Codexx Associates Ltd

and storage, we are seeing a convergence of technologies and the emergence of new possibilities for this sector. Greater connectivity

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for data mining and intelligence transfer are coming into play.

These issues and more are discussed in this issue of IAA,

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together with articles on advanced process control, software

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for robotic control, chemical plant instrumentation, renewable

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solutions, and the design and manufacturing of machinery. We also report on the Yokogawa’s Asia Pacific Users’ Conference 2013, together with Singapore International Energy Week 2013.

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FUJI ELECTRIC ASIA PACIFIC PTE LTD ELECTRIC PTE LTD Tel:FUJI +65 6533 0014 ASIA I Fax:PACIFIC +65 6533 0021 Tel: +65 6533 0014 I Fax: +65 6533 0021 www.fujielectric.com/asia I sales@fap.fujielectric.com www.fujielectric.com/asia I sales@fap.fujielectric.com FUJI ELECTRIC ASIA PACIFIC PTE LTD FUJI ELECTRIC ASIA PACIFIC PTE LTD Tel: +65 6533 0014 I Fax: +65 6533 0021 Tel: +65 6533 0014 I Fax: +65 6533 0021 www.fujielectric.com/asia I sales@fap.fujielectric.com www.fujielectric.com/asia I sales@fap.fujielectric.com 12/5/13 9:29:16 AM

Industry News Singapore: Infineon Technologies will supply next generation security chips for Singapore's Contactless e-Purse Applications (CEPAS) cards, and the Limited Use Transit Tickets used for cashless payment of, for example, bus or taxi fares, parking fees or retail services.

The Limited Use Transit Ticket features the company’s my-d Move while the latest generation CEPAS card features its SLE 77 security controller. The first CEPAS cards powered by Infineon chips were introduced by The Land Transport Authority (LTA) of Singapore in 2009.

Since then, approximately eighteen million cards have been issued.

LTA is taking advantage of the fast

deployment capability and performance of the SLE 77 to improve operation efficiency, passenger throughput, and the convenience and reliability of the ticketing system. For example, SLE 77’s reliable and flexible Solid Flash technology meant a more efficient and shorter certification turnaround time.

The SLE 77 is already certified by CEPAS Compliance Test Centre (CCTC).

“Infineon’s security chips have enabled Public Transport in Singapore to leverage high performance products at a much lower cost; and to bring products to market faster and more efficiently," said Silvester Prakasam, director of Fare Systems for the LTA.

Ruben Schade, Sydney, Australia

Infineon To Supply Next Generation Security Chips For Singapore’s Contactless Electronic Purse And Transport Applications

Ez-Link cards with SLE 77 chips could be deployed as early as 2014.

Rockwell Automation To Acquire Jacobs Automation Singapore: Rockwell Automation has agreed to purchase Jacobs Automation. Jacobs Automation provides a motion control solution called the iTrak System. This technology improves performance across a range of packaging, material handling, and other applications for the global machine builder market.

“The combination of iTrak technology with our Integrated Architecture will be a game changer for machine builders,” said Victor Swint, VP, Motion Control Business, Rockwell Automation. “It will provide customers with new technology to

Like

enhance performance and flexibility so they can quickly respond to changing market demands.” iTrak’s technology enables independent control of multiple magnetically propelled movers on straight and curved paths.

The system enables machine and equipment builders to reduce cost and complexity, whilst allowing end users to standardise on one platform for better optimisation, improved reliability, and faster system deployment. “iTrak is a disruptive technology providing faster speed and greater flexibility for machine builders,”

said Keith Jacobs, president, Jacobs Automation. “This integrated solution will increase productivity, reduce energy consumption and provide more rapid changeovers by adjusting machine speed and geometry during operations. Rockwell Automation has the resources and presence with global OEMs to make it a new industry standard.”

Jacobs Automation, based in Erlanger, Kentucky, will be integrated into Rockwell Automation's motion business, within its Architecture and Software segment. The acquisition is expected to close January 2014.

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Industry News

Tognum Asia Reaffirms Commitment To Singapore With APAC Headquarters Singapore: Tognum Asia held a groundbreaking ceremony on November 25, 2013, announcing the construction of their new enlarged Asia Pacific headquarters in Singapore. The premises will consolidate the areas of application engineering, sales and service support, distribution management, marketing and communications under one roof.

The move will enable the company to better serve its regional clients, by bringing together all business functions and over 300 staff members into one facility.

“We are very pleased that Singapore remains the location of choice for Tognum Asia’s APAC headquarters.

We welcome Tognum Asia’s plan to expand and upgrade its operations in Singapore for the region. Tognum Asia’s expansion plans further reinforce Singapore’s proposition as a home for business. Using Singapore as a control tower, companies like Tognum Asia are as such able to better manage and control their growth strategies in Asia and beyond,” said Lim Kok Kiang,

(L-R) Tan Chin Kiat, director of operations and logistics, Tognum Asia, Dr Michael Haidinger, chief sales officer, Tognum AG, John Paterson, chairman of Tognum AG supervisory board, Doris Schlieszeit, CFO and MD, Tognum AG, Wong Fong Fui, chairman and group CEO of Boustead Singapore Limited.

assistant MD, Singapore Economic Development Board.

Boustead Projects will be in charge of construction, and upon completion, will lease back the premises to Tognum Asia. The facility has 24,800 sq m of floor space, covers a total of 1.75 hectares and is located at the Tukang Innovation Park.

The complex, designed to consume less energy and be more environmentally friendly, will include a training centre, enabling the company to offer a greater number of staff and partners from throughout the region, the opportunity to develop their maintenance and operational skills.

Manhattan Supply Chain Commerce Solutions Provide Platform For Growth At Shanghai Pharma Singapore: Shanghai Pharmaceuticals (Shanghai Pharma), a national pharmaceutical group headquartered in Shanghai, China, has successfully deployed the latest version of Manhattan Associates’ Warehouse Management Solution (WMS) at a new warehouse facility in Shanghai, China. This project success will enable the company to continue growing in the years ahead as well as help it get closer to its customers.

The scalable nature of Manhattan’s WMS means the company is able to handle extremely high throughput within its new Distribution Centre (DC), ensuring a continuous, smooth

operation during peak periods. The solution has also reduced operating costs within the DC and allowed the company to improve customer service through improved service levels.

According to the company’s Logistics Department, “We saw improved benefit from this latest deployment of Manhattan’s supply chain commerce technology. We wanted to establish an advanced supply chain systems capability that would not just manage the new warehouse and logistics facilities, but would also serve as an independent, open and intelligent platform that could drive further

improvements in inventory accuracy, deliver productivity improvements in our warehouses, drive down costs throughout our distribution network and serve as an enabler for business growth. We have achieved all of this with the latest version of Manhattan’s industry-leading solutions and technology platform.”

The scalable nature of the Manhattan solution helps it comfortably handle its order processing peaks each week, when throughput volumes can surge by 200 to 300 per cent. Today, the company is processing a daily fulfilment volume of up to 35,000 cases per day.

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OPTIMUM PERFORMANCE. STREAMLINED PRODUCTIVITY. GREATER EFFICIENCIES. Precision and accuracy in printing can help prevent costly errors for greater productivity in mission-critical operations. Zebra Technologies, the global leader respected for innovation and reliability, offers a comprehensive range of barcode printing solutions designed to help you create accurate labels, tags and receipts for more efficient tracking, identification and management of vital assets in the warehouse environment.

Leverage the rich features and intuitive interface of Zebra ZT200™ Series Industrial Printers to print accurate barcode labels for smoother and more efficient warehouse operations. Enable your warehouse staff with the rugged construction and robust network performance of the Zebra QLn420™ Mobile Printers to create labels quickly, reliably and on demand at the point-of-application in the toughest warehouse environment.

Visit www.zebra.com or email SGMarcom@zebra.com to find out more on how Zebra Printing Solutions can help you maximise productivity and operational efficiency, for greater performance, productivity and profitability throughout your warehouse environment.

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Industry News

YCH Group Chairman And CEO Dr Robert Yap Awarded Lifetime Achievement Award For Logistics

Dr Robert Yap, chairman and CEO of YCH Group receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award for logistics at the 5th World Chinese Economic Forum award ceremony.

Singapore: Dr Robert Yap, chairman and CEO of YCH Group, a regional provider of integrated end-toend supply chain management solutions was awarded the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ for logistics at the 5th World Chinese Economic Forum award ceremony held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The award, first established in 2011, honours distinguished individuals who have made significant fundamental contributions to their communities and respective industries.

Award winners demonstrate a lifetime commitment in positively

impacting the regional and global community through their dedication, selfless service and innovative leadership.

The WCEF Lifetime Achievement Awards also recognise recipients’ efforts and commitment to enhancing business, trade or community relations with China. YCH is one of the pioneer Singapore firms to enter the Chinese market, in Shanghai, in the mid1990s. It has since built a logistics network in the country with presence in gateway cities across the Eastern, Western, Northern and Southern zones of China.

Hioki Releases iPad App For Memory HiCorders Nagano, Japan: Hioki E E has developed and released the HMR Terminal to the App Store, a free iPad-only app that empowers users of the company’s Memory HiCorders to analyse waveform data on their tablets. The company claims to be the first in the industry to release a software tool capable of analysing waveforms on a tablet PC. The app supports the MR8740 (54-channel model), MR8741 (16-channel model), and MR8847 series (with models capable of measuring up to 16 channels).

Memory HiCorders are used to record multiple channels of highresolution data over extended periods of time, they have always posed challenges in terms of how to best facilitate easy viewing of large volumes of recorded data. The volume of data generated by these devices continues to increase, with recent models capable of capturing 54 channels. At the same time, the method used to view waveforms, which typically involves moving to the location the user wishes to view on the instrument’s display, is essentially unchanged.

Consequently, ever-larger amounts of time and effort must be expended in order to find and analyse areas of interest

The iPad-only app is designed to empower users of the company’s Memory HiCorders to analyse waveform data on their tablets.

in recorded waveforms.

The company developed the HMR Terminal based on the concept of improving the efficiency of waveform analysis by taking advantage of the manner in which tablets, such as the iPad, whose popularity has exploded in recent years, are used to radically reassess how users view waveform data.

Drag-based waveform scrolling

and pinch-based zooming in and out allow users to view enormous waveform spaces in an intuitive, stress-free manner just as if they were interacting with a map. Once memorised, a diverse selection of gestures such as swiping in from the right side of the screen to display the cursor and flicking between screens offer advantages in terms of ease of use and convenience.

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CC

MM

ENQUIRY NO. 644

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Industry News

Sydney, Australia: Bentley Systems, a company dedicated to providing software solutions for sustaining infrastructure, has announced that it has acquired the MOSES software business from Ultramarine. Used around the world, MOSES is an analysis and simulation software for complex projects involving the transportation and installation of offshore structures, including the launch of jackets and floatover of topsides.

The integration of MOSES and SACS enables comprehensiveness in offshore engineering, in particular for the analysis and design of Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) structures.

David Hollister, Bentley CFO, said: “Bentley’s acquisition and the mainstreaming of SACS advanced the breadth of capabilities available for the design of offshore infrastructure — for instance, now including wind farms. SACS’ wider adoption and rapid development since becoming a Bentley offering underscores our commitment to the offshore industry.

The addition of the FormSys naval architecture technology to SACS in November 2011 expanded its reach to address FPSO units and other floating systems. The acquisition of MOSES now extends our software’s capabilities to include the most complex analyses of all types of offshore installation projects. We will be working closely with Ray Nachlinger, creator of MOSES and CEO of Ultramarine, as we integrate SACS and MOSES to deliver unrivalled FPSO design tools.”

Swisslog And Power Automation Systems (PAS) Announce Cooperation Agreement In Asia Pacific

The PAS proprietary system (seen here) is based on PowerStor, a cart-based Automated Storage and Retrieval System used for multiple deep storage of palletised loads.

Shanghai, China: Swisslog Asia Pacific will now include the PAS technology as part of their solution portfolio. The PAS proprietary system is based on

PowerStor, a cart-based Automated Storage and Retrieval System (AS/ RS) used for multiple deep storage of palletised loads. PowerStor provides automated storage and high throughput for large quantities in high-density warehouses and is also very effective in existing, space restricted or oddshaped facilities.

The solution has been successfully installed for a number of North American, European and Australian customers since its foundation in the year 2000. With the cooperation of Swisslog APAC and PAS, more customers throughout the region will benefit from high storage density and efficiency of their solution.

National Instruments To Set Up The First LabView Academy In Indonesia Jakarta, Indonesia: National Instruments (NI) and the Politeknik Negeri Jakarta (PNJ) have entered a strategic collaboration to set up the first LabView Academy in Indonesia. The partnership was formalised with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing.

A first for NI in Indonesia, the LabView Academy at PNJ is an authorised centre providing classroom curricula and hands-on exercises to train students and researchers on the company’s LabView system design software.

“We are delighted to partner with National Instruments in enhancing the learning and research at PNJ,” said Abdillah, SE, MSi, director of PNJ. “Our students will definitely benefit from the trainings that the LabView Academy will offer, giving them a competitive edge when they graduate and advance in their chosen engineering careers.”

Southeast Asia’s largest economy, Indonesia is heavily dependent on growth from industries such as mining

and large-scale manufacturing, which require highly-skilled engineers and technical specialists.

“The objective of the LabView Academy at Politeknik Negeri Jakarta is to help develop capable, industry-ready future engineers. We look forward to a successful collaboration with PNJ,” said Goh Yih-Hsiung, ASEAN sales manager, National Instruments.

Since the opening of its office in Jakarta in December 2011, NI has been expanding its presence in Indonesia, supporting customers and partners across industries from automotive to manufacturing to academia.

Meghan Anderson-Colangelo, Albuquerque, New Mexico, US

Bentley Acquires MOSES Software Business From Ultramarine

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Industry News

Endress+Hauser Strengthens Sales Operation In South Africa Johannesburg, South Africa: In the presence of CEO Klaus Endress and numerous guests of honour from government and industry, the Endress+Hauser South African headquarters was officially opened on October 3, 2013. The new building, situated on the existing site, houses more than just spacious offices and meeting rooms for the 80 or so employees in Sandton. Of the 1,500 sq m of total floor space in the new building, 600 sq m are dedicated to maintaining customer contact. A spacious reception

area, training rooms and a 100-seat auditorium are designed to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and to further strengthen customer relationships.

In addition to offices and conference rooms, the two-story open-plan building offers employees social interaction zones and a cafeteria with covered patio.

A direct link to the existing building ensures smooth operation. This original building, which opened in 1987, has been converted into an expanded logistics and service centre including warehouse, staging area, workshops

Gateway to the African market: Endress+Hauser South Africa opened a new building in Johannesburg.

and a flow calibration centre. In total, the two buildings in Sandton boast 3,700 sq m of floor space.

By 2030, Worldwide Power Sector Could Cut CO2 Emissions

By Amount Equivalent To EU’s Total Annual Emissions Germany: Global power demand is set to increase on average by nearly three percent per year over the current and next decade. Cumulatively, this moderate growth will cause overall power demand to rise by more than half of its current level between now and 2030. If new power plants are added as foreseeable, associated CO2 emissions are likely to increase by a quarter or 3,500 megatonnes.

These are the findings of a published study by Siemens and professor Horst Wildemann of the Technical University of Munich. “If coal-fired power plants were replaced on a wide scale with gas-fueled power plants by 2030, CO2 emissions in the power sector would even drop by five percent compared to today’s levels,” says professor Wildemann. “Of course, it would be illusionary to replace all coal-fired power plants with gas-fueled units — but the potentials identified are really impressive,” he added.

The global CO2 emissions that could be eliminated per year by ending power generation from coal are the equivalent of the entire CO2 emissions of all 28 countries of the European Union.

“In our study we examined the local situations and different needs in various regions of the world,” notes Michael Süß, member of the Management Board of Siemens and CEO of Siemens’ Energy Sector, when presenting the study at the World Energy Congress.

The study shows that — despite extreme differences in regional conditions — all countries fit fairly comfortably into one of five archetypes in the energy context. In countries with only a slowly rising power demand, there are on the one hand the ‘green pioneers’ who bank heavily on renewables, and on the other, the ‘traditionalists’ with only a low proportion of eco friendly power.

Among the countries with rapidly increasing demand for electrical power, there are the ‘energy-hungry’ nations that have already achieved a high level of electrification, and the ‘next-wave electrifiers’ where there are still major gaps in power supply to all households. The fifth group identified is the ‘oil export maximisers’ that are characterised by the challenge to enhance efficiency in the field of oil and gas exploration.

As regional highlights of these analyses, the study found for example that Europe could save some E45 billion (US$61 billion) in its drive to expand power generation from renewable resources by 2030 if those sources were tapped at the best locations — while achieving the same ratio of renewables in the power mix. In this scenario, new solar power plants would be installed mainly in Europe’s sunbelt in the South, while wind power plants would be built in the windy northern regions of Europe.

In the US, the US$80 billion losses per year due to indirect costs of power failures could be saved if the quality of the grid were improved.

And in China, it would be possible — despite the doubling of power consumption — to freeze CO 2 emissions at today’s level if renewable energy sources were exploited at full-scale. However, this would also require nearly double the investment volume. By contrast, emissions could be cut back by almost as much, but at no extra cost, if one third of China’s coal-fired power plants were replaced by modern gas-fired units by 2030.

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Industry News

Agilent Technologies Opens Technology Cooperation Centre With Korea Advanced Institute Of Science And Technology California, US: Agilent Technologies will collaborate with the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), one of South Korea’s top public research universities, to further the development of inorganic analytical technology through research, education and knowledge-sharing.

KAIST has established an Inorganic Analysis Technology Cooperation Centre, which has the company’s mass spectrometry instruments for customers in South Korea’s semiconductor, chemical, energy and material science industries to conduct research or learn about the latest in inorganic analysis technology.

The centre will focus on applications in energy, semiconductors, advanced materials and nanotechnology.

“KAIST is one of the best researchoriented science and technology universities in the world, and we are committed to using the industry’s most advanced analytical instruments and new research applications,” said Woo Mi-ja, director, of the university's KAIST Research Analysis Centre.

“South Korea needs top talent and top technologies to support its drive for technology innovation and leadership,” said Douglas Janson, country operations manager for the company’s Chemical Analysis Group in South Korea. “Through this Cooperation Centre with KAIST, Agilent is offering a two-prong approach to help customers in South Korea.”

“Customers who want to work with Agilent and KAIST on new tests and applications will have access to the latest mass spectrometry instruments,” he explained. “At the same time, Agilent will conduct knowledge-sharing activities such as technology seminars with experts on semiconductor, chemical, HPI, photovoltaic, fuel cell, secondary battery, display, clinic and pharmaceutical so as to help build a sustainable future in those industries.”

The new centre will be equipped with the company's ICP-MS (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry) and ICP-OES (inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry) instruments. It is located in Daejeon at

(L-R) Woo Mi-ja, director, KAIST Research Analysis Centre and Park Won-Gyu of Agilent Technologies in South Korea at a lab located at Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST).

the KAIST Research Analysis Centre, convenient for users in the eastern and southern cities of South Korea.

The centre complements the company’s Customer Applications and Training Centre, which currently serves customers in Seoul and surrounding cities.

Autodesk Announces Intent To Acquire Delcam California, US: Autodesk has announced its intention to acquire Delcam, a supplier of advanced software for the manufacturing industry. Autodesk plans to acquire Delcam for £20.75 per share or approximately £172.5 million (US$279.62 million). The transaction will be structured as a cash offer for all the outstanding shares of Delcam, is subject to customary closing conditions including regulatory approvals, and is expected to close in Autodesk’s first quarter of fiscal 2015.

Autodesk expects to use its non-USbased cash for the transaction. “ To d a y w e a re t a k i n g a n important step on our path towards delivering a better manufacturing

experience,” said Carl Bass, Autodesk president and CEO. “Together, Autodesk and Delcam will help further the development and implementation of technology for digital manufacturing.”

Headquartered in Birmingham, UK, Delcam is a supplier of advanced CADCAM and industrial measurement solutions for the manufacturing industry. The company’s range of design, manufacturing and inspection software provides automated CADCAM solutions for a variety of industries, ranging from aerospace to toys and sports equipment. The company has more than 30 offices worldwide, approximately 600 employees, reported revenues of

£47.1 million for its fiscal year in 2012, and its shares trade on the London Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol ‘DLC.’ “I am very excited by the opportunities from combining Delcam's with Autodesk to create a c o m p e l l i n g p l a t f o r m f ro m which to service both companies’ manufacturing clients,” said Clive Martell, Delcam CEO. “The offer is at a level which recognises the potential of Delcam and provides an attractive opportunity for shareholders to realise value for their current holdings in cash, while at the same time opening up new opportunities for our staff and partners operating within the wider platform of the Autodesk group.”

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Industry News

Emerson Opens New Global Headquarters For Regulator Technologies Texas, US: Emerson Process Management has opened its new US$25 million global headquarters for the design, testing and manufacture of regulator technologies, including pressure regulator and relief valve solutions to help oil and gas, chemical, refining, power and other industries run their processes and operations with optimal, safe and reliable performance.

A corporate anchor tenant in The Gateway development at the interchange of US 75 and the Sam Rayburn Tollway in McKinney, the new global regulator technologies

headquarters is home to a research facility with a flow lab capable of testing regulator products in extreme conditions, as well as various materials and environmental laboratories.

The new McKinney headquarters is one of several Emerson investments in Texas, including a US$34 million Emerson Industry Centre for Hydrocarbon and Energy, and a US$30 million Americas headquarters for valve automation technologies, both in Houston, as well as a US$25 million complex in Austin for the process systems and solutions business.

Emerson Process Management's global headquarters for regulator technologies in McKinney, Texas.

The three-story, 128,000 sq foot (11,148 sq m) headquarters includes offices, a customer training centre, and a fitness centre for approximately 140 highly skilled, professional employees in engineering, research and development, marketing, sales, finance and procurement.

Schaeffler Improves Facilities For Competence Centre Acoustics

Examination of airborne sound and vibration behaviour of car wheel bearings in an anechoic room.

Herzogenaurach, Germany: Schaeffler has expanded its Competence Centre Acoustics within the Technical Development Centre in Herzogenaurach by adding an acoustic testing facility.

Equipped with measurement and computer technology, three test rooms and a so-called ‘wobble room’ have been installed in 180 sq m of floor space.

Professor Dr Peter Gutzmer, CTO, Schaeffler, is delighted with the new facilities: “This is an audible and tangible further extension of expertise at Schaeffler. With the new Herzogenaurach acoustic centre, we

have created optimal conditions to further optimise the globally networked development activities at Schaeffler and adapt to customer needs even better than before.”

Especially in the field of drive technology, customers are paying more and more attention to low friction coupled with quiet operation of the individual system components, and this is also true for bearings in electric motors and devices in the home and office environments.

The company's engineers in the Competence Centre Acoustics

investigate the origins of irritating noise using the latest analytical methods, and give valuable clues as to where and how noise is generated and what can be done to eliminate it right at the beginning of development. Typical tasks include, for example, investigations of airborne sound and vibration behaviour in the vehicle drive train, as well as in the chassis and its components, such as ball screw drives and roll stabilisers.

In addition, the engineers also examine plain bearings and rolling bearings of all types and designs that are used in production machinery, wind turbines and hydroelectric power plants as well as in railway, medical technology or household applications.

Company Notice Change Of Address Fuji Electric New Address (As of October 25, 2013) 151 Lorong Chuan, #02-01A New Tech Park Singapore 556741 Tel:65-6533-0014 Fax:65-6533-0021

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INDUSTRY UPDATES

Topology Pictures Say More Than A Thousand Messages CLEVER network management tools help maintenance personnel in detecting network problems at an early stage. Profinet is based on Industrial Ethernet. In some cases this network structure can be complex due to the exibility of Profinet.

P r o f i n e t Te c h n o l o g y offers additional Diagnostic mechanisms which are related to Ethernet standards such as Simple Network Management P ro t o c o l ( S N M P ) o r L i n k L a y e r D i s c o v e r y P ro t o c o l (LLDP). These mechanisms are Topological overview of a Network Monitoring System. standards which are built-in in a lot of Profinet Devices available on the market. easily localised with the help of these pictures, for Sometimes it is not easy to keep an eye on the example, in plants that are networked with Profinet often complex and exible network architecture of or Industrial Ethernet. The importance of knowing a production plant. But a clever industrial network the topology increases with the number and variety management tool or engineering software which of devices managed in the network. automatically creates pictures of the current Unlike a Fieldbus, such as Profinet, Ethernet does network topology helps maintenance personnel not connect all devices with the same cable and the with error analysis. number of devices from different manufacturers is Navigation devices, bus line maps and street maps significantly larger. Special components, such as are crucial when you want to explore a new city by switches and Wireless LAN access points, are used to car or public transportation. The same is true for connect communication partners in Ethernet; these management of industrial networks, such as those can be used to physically expand the network as found in production plants. Pictures of the network much as necessary. topology can be used to perform diagnostics and In addition to automation terminal devices implement measures even before plant automation (SCADA, Panels), such as controllers, drives is affected. However, it is important to select the and IO devices, standard Ethernet devices (eg: right network management tool; one that is able to printers) found in a typical office environment are automatically create pictures of the network topology occasionally connected. and keep them up-to-date without major effort even if Topology graphics help you to keep an overview, there have been changes to the plant. and they are crucial for a number of critical network management tasks, including correlation and analysis Topology Knowledge Is The Key To Success of events. Not only do they trace problems all the way Such pictures graphically depict the structure of the to their source, topology graphics can also be used network with the physical connections between the to analyse utilisation and weak spots of individual devices as well as their arrangement. Errors can be network paths under very different load conditions.

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Standards And Manageable Switches For Topology Detection It is not an easy job to identify all devices in the Ethernet and combine them into a global and cohesive network topology. Automatic detection function also requires information on switches and WLANs in the network in addition to information on the terminal devices. These are transparent for the actual communication between the terminal devices, however. They merely forward the data packets without participating in the communication.

Fortunately, protocols such as Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP), Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) and Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) are available to determine topology data from the network, such as the ‘learned’ MAC addresses per port.

However, this data can be incomplete or outdated when a port is not used for communication for some time or if the switch does not constantly update this data.

A reliable method was introduced with the LLDP standard (Link Layer Discovery Protocol; IEEE 802.1AB) — also for Profinet — to find out more about the neighbourhood. LLDP helps devices discover information about their immediate neighbours in the network at regular intervals and saves this information for each device in the special Management Information Base (MIB) — RFC 2922; Physical Topology MIB. Mutual recognition using LLDP requires this function to be used throughout the system.

However, a large network can always include devices that do not support this standard. What is more, there are also manufacturer-specific and model-specific differences in the data offered by SNMP. This means topology tools must use a variety of sources and be able to compensate any gaps in the

Working concept of LLDP (Link Layer Discovery Protocol).

data by employing special algorithms. If these gaps are too large or the results too inconclusive, the user can still correct them.

Automatic topology recognition always works when standardised network components with SNMP and Profinet support are used.

Benefits Of Industrial Network Management Tools The range of available SNMP tools starts with simple freeware tools available on the Internet and goes all the way to company network management tools for E100,000 (US$135,520). These tools are no longer limited to merely managing networks. In addition to their high price, they also require the expertise of an IT administrator, who can monitor the database or e-mail applications of the numerous PCs and servers in a company.

Monitoring of the ‘switch topology’, which means monitoring the port interconnection between devices, usually plays a minor role in traditional IT. The IP addresses of the network are often only grouped into subnets in IT tools and the connection of the subnets is displayed by routers or Layer 3 switches.

However, such ‘router or Layer 3 topologies’ only represent a small fraction of industrial networks because all physical connections on the port level are lacking within these subnets. In addition, the networks in automation plants are not only configured in star or tree shape configurations, they are often adapted to the machine designs from the days of Fieldbus technology. This means Industrial Ethernet switches are often distributed throughout the entire plant with only a few ports, and they are often networked in line structures and redundant ring structures, such as Media Redundancy Protocol (MRP). Many Profinet devices have the switch on board integrated.

Industrial network management tools or engineering tools can detect and display these special network architectures. They are using the Profinet protocols Discovery Configuration Protocol (DCP) and LLDP in addition to SNMP to monitor devices and topology at regular intervals. The collected diagnostic data can be displayed by a web browser in the form of various tables and topological diagrams, and they can also be integrated into the plant’s Human Machine Interface (HMI) or Operating Panels.

With today’s technology and standards, Profinet offers powerful tools to document and monitor the healthiness of a complete automation network.

ENQUIRY NO. 8101

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Newsdesk Newsdesk

More Than Devices For

Road Construction Machines

PROVIDING only CAN-connectable devices for road construction machines is not sufficient to be successful in mobile machine automation. You also need to understand how to pave and compact. Moba, established more than 40 years ago, develops and manufactures electronic control devices in close cooperation with its customers not only for road construction machinery.

This includes on-board host computers, levelling and positioning sensors, Human Machine Interfaces (HMI), and software for these devices. Of course, the devices provide CAN and CANopen connectivity.

Grader working on a sports court in Southern The host controller, programmable in IEC 61131-1 Germany using the 3D-matic levelling system. languages (Codesys), features up to three CAN/ CANopen interfaces.

The company, headquartered (when that is not available, it can in Limburg, Germany, was an use 2D data, as well). It combines early bird in CAN technology. A 3D and 2D computers in a single CiA member since 1992, engineers housing. The displays as well as the of the company participated in necessary sensors are also suitable the CiA technical groups, which for 3D and 2D applications. The standardise higher-layer protocols benefit: depending on the project, and associated profiles. the operator can therefore work The machine and the The company has developed with 3D or 2D. corresponding values are depicted clearly for easy reading. electronic control systems dedicated The levelling system is also to graders (a machine with a long usable in smaller projects, such as blade to create a flat surface), pavers (a machine the renovation of a soccer court. To prevent rainwater laying asphalt), compactors (a machine compacting from collecting on the court and to instead allow it to the asphalt), or other mobile machinery. Some of these drain uniformly, the surface must not be completely devices are used in different kinds of machines. flat, but should rather have specific inclines. In addition, the grader does not need to travel in lanes, Graders Need To Be Leveled but can instead be driven in any direction, since the The grader precisely distributes the material in the receiver on the machine constantly captures the blade over the surface, fills holes, and flattens bumps. tachymeter signal and adjusts the blade accordingly.

Via tachymeter or by means of GNSS, the position and Passes can even be made over the corners without height of the machine are constantly determined and a problem. the blade is adjusted accordingly. The operator has Over a distance of up to 200 m, the receiver captures an overview of all operations on the display in the the signal with an accuracy of less than 5 mm. Even vehicle cab. at the edge of the curb, where deviations frequently This is possible due to the 3D-matic levelling arise when working with a laser, the grader with the system. This system, which was developed for 3D levelling system operates with precision, since the graders, dozers, and blades, processes 3D data terrain model can be implemented according exactly

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to the specifications and the existing conditions.

The grader can be operated via the touch-screen display as well as the keyboard. Processing the surface with the 3D system saves time and fuel and improves the quality in the construction process.

When working with GNSS, the 3D levelling system ascertains the machine position with its GNSS sensor.

The control unit compares the machine position with the design data and calculates the deviations.

Corrections for these deviations are performed in

up to 8 m to measure the temperature of the asphalt.

The measurement width can be set individually.

With up to 31 measurement points, the scanner achieves an accuracy of ±2 deg C at typical asphalt temperatures. The temperature profile is displayed in real time on the display. As a result, the operator can react at any time if irregularities occur.

In addition, the profile is stored with the GPS position data and transferred to a USB stick. With the Pave Project Manager software, the user can evaluate and document the data in the office. Alternatively, the data can be sent to a server via GSM, where it can be called up at any time with a web application.

Rollers Need To Be Levelled And Measure Temperatures The quality, and as such longevity, of an asphalt road can be improved considerably through homogeneous and high-quality compaction. The MCA-2000 roller system facilitates controlled compaction during asphalt paving. With the additional function of wireless data transfer, data can now be exchanged quickly and conveniently between machine and Paving machine controlled by the office, eliminating the need to travel from the office big Sonic-Ski levelling system. to the construction site.

The CANopen-based roller the blade controller. The CANopencontrol system uses temperature based levelling system scores with sensors to measure the asphalt the straightforward menu navigation t e m p e r a t u re a n d u s e s G N S S on the 7-inch touchscreen display. positioning of the roller to ascertain the number of passes. By means of Pavers Need To Measure the combination and visualisation of Asphalt Temperature this information on the display, the Quality is a top priority in road operator can immediately identify construction — that includes not where sufficient compaction has In cab display shows the progress of the paving. only the optimum composition of already been performed and where the material, but also an optimum additional passes are still necessary. process flow during the construction work. One aspect By means of the temperature display, the system that plays an important role in the entire process allows compaction to be performed in the optimum chain — from the asphalt plant to compaction — is the temperature spectrum. This prevents the compaction temperature of the asphalt. Temperature differences of asphalt that is too cold, which can damage the and the paving of asphalt that is too cold lead to road material and lead to subsequent road damage. damages, which result in additional costs of up to 46 Matthias Limbach, working with Moba, described percent due to the shorter lifetime of the road. in his presentation at the Mobile Machine Control The CANopen-based Pave-IR system provides, in (MMC) conference, the future of compaction addition to the established temperature-bar, a new controlling. “The use of a GNSS receiver is undisputed: way to use a temperature scanner to monitor the It actually builds the basis for most reliable systems.” temperature during asphalt paving and document However, position accuracy is a matter of price. Using it for the entire project. As a result, contractors can filters would reduce costs, but they provide just optimise their processes and verify the quality of the relative accuracy, meaning that after restarting the paving process. roller, there might be an offset in positions.

The system uses a microcontroller based temperature scanner over the entire paving width of ENQUIRY NO. 8102

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The first public release of both FDI Cooperation’s Field Device Integration (FDI) specification and a demo of the FDI developer toolkits will make it possible for automation suppliers to prepare for developing products and host systems compatible with FDI. The Fieldbus Foundation is one of the founding members of the FDI Cooperation. As part of the release, which coincided with the NAMUR annual meeting, the FDI specification and the latest Electronic Device Description Language (EDDL) specifications were handed over to the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) for the next important phase — the Committee Draft for Vote — in the international standardisation process. FDI will be included in the emerging standard IEC 62769.

The FDI Device Package At the core of the FDI specification is the FDI device package that includes everything a host system needs to integrate an intelligent device. With FDI, a single FDI device package that can scale according to the complexities and requirements of each device represents individual instruments.

Each FDI device package contains a mandatory Device Description (EDD), providing parameter definitions, structure for the parameters for contextspecific views, and automated work processes for device procedures such as calibration. FDI device packages may also incorporate User Interface PlugIns, software components that support advanced device setup and diagnostic functions. Additionally, product manuals, documentation, images, electronic certifications and other attachments may be delivered in the FDI Device Package.

Standard Developer Tools With the release of the FDI specification, FDI Cooperation demonstrated a preview edition of the common cross protocol Integrated Development Environment (IDE), which will help device manufacturers create FDI Device Packages for Foundation fieldbus, HART and Profibus devices.

The purpose of standard developer tools is to ensure that automation suppliers can develop

Todd Jordan, St Peters, Missouri, US

Field Device Integration (FDI) Specification And Developer Tools

high-quality, reliable FDI-based solutions in a consistent manner. A standard set of developer tools significantly reduces development costs and speeds time to market for both device developers and system developers.

The IDE will include a reference host that allows device developers to execute and test a FDI device package against a standard implementation to ensure product quality.

The demo of the developer tools was based on the protocol-independent FDI Common Host Components.

Host system manufacturers implement FDI Common Host Components for device management tools, asset management tools, and process automation systems. FDI Common Host Components allow for rapid development and ensure FDI device packages behave consistently across different systems. FDI Host Components fully support legacy EDD libraries to protect end user investments.

In Conclusion The live demonstration at the NAMUR Annual General Meeting showed FDI functionality in field devices from six different suppliers, all of which are integrated with the help of FDI device packages within a process control system. The demonstration, organised and constructed by Siemens, included typical use cases, such as parameter assignment, configuration, diagnostics, functional testing, and maintenance. This was the first time a commercial system based on common components was applied to interpret FDI device packages.

ENQUIRY NO. 8103

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EtherCAT Technology Group Exhibits At Important Trade Shows Throughout Asia From November 5 to 9, 2013, Shanghai, China, was the venue for the Industrial Automation Show (IAS) 2013 — and therefore the place to be for both automation technology suppliers and industry users. The EtherCAT Technology Group (ETG) was represented at this important event too.

Together with 15 co-exhibitors, the ETG team China presented more than 40 EtherCAT products at its ETG joint booth.

Visitors could get familiar with the products directly, clarify open questions regarding the technology, and get in touch with the co-exhibitors producing the EtherCAT devices shown at the booth. Additionally, one could talk to the EtherCAT experts from ETG on-site and learn more about

the work of this Industrial Ethernet and fieldbus organisation.

Almost at the same time, from November 6 to 8, 2013, the Japanese ETG team represented the organisation at this year’s System Control Fair 2013 (SCF) in Tokyo, Japan. Having the same joint booth concept like in China, the organisation was accompanied by a total of 21 co-exhibitors.

Besides the EtherCAT devices that could be seen at the booth, ETG conducted an EtherCAT seminar on November 7. The topic of this free of charge presentation was ‘Latest technology and specification trends of EtherCAT worldwide’.

At both tradeshows, the 10th birthday of EtherCAT technology was one of the highlights, and besides technological

The ETG team China represented EtherCAT technology at this year’s Industrial Automation Show in Shanghai.

information, visitors could have a look at EtherCAT’s and ETG’s history and milestones in the past 10 years.

ENQUIRY NO. 8104

Impressions from ETG’s latest tradeshow participations in Asia.

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EtherCAT Technology Group Reaches 2,500th Member Just In Time With Its 10th Birthday In November 2013, the EtherCAT Technology Group (ETG) celebrated a special highlight: the organisation turns 10 years old. ETG’s

approach that EtherCAT should be used and implemented by everybody is still the same today as it was in 2003 when

ETG honours its 2,500th member (from left): Yuan Aijin, Yan Xin (both Sany), Beryl Fan (ETG China) and Yang Guoxun (Sany).

the organisation started with 33 member companies at the SPS IPC Drives tradeshow in Nuremberg, Germany.

Just in time for the anniversary, ETG reached the next milestone regarding the number of its members. In the frame of a ceremony at the Industrial Automation Show 2013 in Shanghai, China, representatives of the Chinese ETG team honoured the Chinese company Sany Heavy Industry for being ETG’s 2,500th member. Sany, which was founded in 2003, is a wholly owned subsidiary for excavator R&D, production and sales of Sany Group, which itself is the largest heavy machinery provider in China and the fifth largest worldwide. Manager of the ETG office in China, Beryl Fan, was the one who handed over the certificate and trophy to the Sany Heavy Industry representatives on-site: Yuan Aijin, Yan Xin and Yang Guoxun.

ENQUIRY NO. 8105

EtherCAT Test Centres To best meet the rising demand for official EtherCAT Conformance Tests, ETG has expanded its EtherCAT testing services.

The first test centre in North America will start testing devices in January 2014. In Nuremberg, Germany, the first TÜV-certified Safety over EtherCAT (FSoE) Test Centre now conducts official tests for safetyrelevant EtherCAT devices.

With existing EtherCAT Test Centres (ETCs) in China, Germany and Japan, ETG is about to close the remaining regional gap by accrediting a new ETC in North America, which will begin its activities in January 2014 in Savage, Minnesota

(Minneapolis area). With the opening of the American ETC, the growing demand for official EtherCAT device tests in North America will be even better met through a regional facility. Since the ETG just recently released a complete device standard for the semiconductor manufacturing industry, the services of the North American ETC are of obvious special interest for manufacturers of EtherCAT devices in that market.

In addition, the testing of safety devices will be even better covered going forward: In Nuremberg, Germany, TÜV recently certified the first Safety over EtherCAT (FSoE) Test Centre. Together with the

existing FSoE tools and services such as the FSoE Conformance Test Tool, the implementation support for manufacturers of safety devices is now completed. In particular, the approval of devices for this area becomes significantly easier due to the certification of the test lab by TÜV. After a successful test at an FSoE Test Centre, manufacturers receive an official certificate.

During the final device assessment at TÜV, this certificate is accepted as official evidence of conformance for the implementation.

ENQUIRY NO. 8106

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issues & insights

A

OUTLOOK 2014

fter several years of economic worry and talk of recession, economies around the world are seeing signs of recovery and growth once more.

The US and Europe, in particular, are still facing many economic challenges but talk of growth, while classified as modest, is returning to the global discussion.

Asia in particular, with its high growth economies is seeing increased attention with many companies now conducting their global launches in this region.

This trend is set to continue into 2014.

IAA spoke with six organisations who share their views and outlook for the coming year in terms of market expansion and technology trends going forward.

REC:

Solar Energy Building strong partnerships is important to us with Asia being a rapidly growing region, and with the Chinese market on its way to being the largest globally.

By Luc GrarĂŠ, senior VP, Solar Sales and Marketing, REC We do not expect fundamental changes or new trends from a technological point of view in the next 12 months. All manufacturers, as well as REC, work on cell efficiency improvements weather they produce multicrystalline or thin film solar panels. We also await further research and development in storage technologies since the impact is currently very limited due to the high prices.

From a market point of view, China is expected to be the biggest PV market in 2014, followed by Japan due to their generous incentive scheme.

Beside this, we await in Southeast Asia increasing PV capacities in the Philippines, Thailand and Indonesia.

Other growth regions will be 26

Chile and Brazil, driven by high electricity prices and high inflation rates. In these countries, solar is already profitable without any subsidies where self consumption has become more of an interesting alternative. We see the same trend in Europe, where the feedin-tariffs become less attractive and the electricity prices increase.

Especially in the commercial and industrial segment, self consumption is an attractive and profitable alternative.

Building Partnerships We currently work together with engineering, procurement, and construction contractors, and investors in Southeast Asia and are part of different consortia.

Going forward, we want to further develop on the indirect channel

business model with distribution partners and large installers.

We already have a successful business model in the rest of Asia and our aim for next year is to build new partnerships in APAC based on our Partner and Solar Professional Program.

2014 Challenges On the one side we expect that PV manufacturing overcapacity will continue to be an issue, although less than it was in the previous two years. On the other side, it is more difficult for Chinese manufacturers to access the European market.

For them, the APAC market is getting more and more important and prices will continue to be under pressure.

At the same time, the Chinese market is growing to be the largest

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globally. Altogether, this could cause a shortage of solar panels.

With an estimated demand of 50 GW worldwide in the next year, the solar panels need to be distributed to the right places, so that the contradiction of overcapacity and shortage can be optimally balanced.

This will be one of the biggest challenges we will face in 2014.

Asia Strategy We have established a ver y

Hioki:

successful REC Partner and REC Solar Professional Program in Europe and the US, which we want to roll out in APAC, too. The programs address distributors and large installers by providing them with varied support and benefits that will help them to achieve their business. Our aim is to build a long-term mutually beneficial relationship, based on trust and loyalty. The programs give them visibility over our

distribution strategy and access to the information they need to market and sell our products efficiently.

We are working on a number of enablers to improve our current product, eg: an integrated junction box, four busbars and the backside passivation technology to improve our cell efficiency.

ENQUIRY NO. 8201

On Measurement

We see increased investments into facilities and equipment in the global electronic component, automotive and battery industries, leading to heightened needs for test and measuring instruments. We will take this positive growth cycle as an opportunity to further our growth in the domestic sector. By Masanobu Machida, president and CEO, Hioki The booming population in the Southeast Asian region promises economic growth for the near future. With the many manufacturing bases and infrastructure development advancing at a rapid pace, we foresee the demand for our company’s test and measurement products to increase along with the expansion of economic development.

We p l a c e p a r t i c u l a r importance in bringing products to market that meet local needs.

The ideal business model in the face of these challenges and opportunities is to expand our sales force in each Southeast Asian market and definitively identify our customers’ needs so that we can correctly reflect those demands in our product development.

Product Development We are actively enhancing our

offerings in order to serve three major markets: automotive, electronic components, and alternative energy. We see increased growth in each of these markets in the foreseeable future, and we will customise our product development to meet the needs of these sectors.

However, we do recognise challenges in terms of aptly responding to the increasing miniaturisation of electronic components and accelerating the testing speed of our products.

We have already established non-contacting voltage sensing technology to suppor t the environmental and alternative energy industries.

In addition to our existing offerings, we are also aiming to commercialise our test and measurement technologies to serve new market segments, such as biotechnology and more advanced battery analysis.

Team Effort One of the challenges our company faces as a test and measurement equipment manufacturer is the effect of industrial investments on our business performance. As such, it is important that the products we develop have the strength and competitiveness to withstand such movements in the industry. To do that, it is critical that we directly identify our customers’ needs and make sure the solutions are provided by our products.

We need to leverage not only on our sales organisations around the world but also the technical expertise of our engineering team to do the necessary market research. We also need to enhance our local sales forces to reach as many customers as possible.

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issues & insights

Mitsubishi Electric:

Energy Efficiency In the coming year, Mitsubishi Electric will continue to help companies streamline operational costs, by reducing their appetites for electric power. By Francis Cheng, GM, Industrial Automation Department, Mitsubishi Electric Asia Energy demand continues to rise in Asia. According to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), non-Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries in Asia, especially China, are the leading contributors to the forecasted global consumption growth.

It is estimated that China will account for an increase in consumption of liquid fuels by 420,000 barrels per day (bbl/d) in 2013 and 430,000 bbl/d in 2014. In comparison, the average annual growth between 2003 to 2012 was approximately 510,000 bbl/d. China is the biggest net oil importer globally, overtaking the US in September 2013. This trend is expected to continue through 2014 according to EIA.

of 6.4 percent (excluding Japan).

The somewhat less rosy outlook is a result of lower projections for India, Indonesia, Taiwan and Thailand. This is somewhat offset by improving forecasts for South Korea, Philippines and Singapore.

According to GMA News, Asian Development Bank has also trimmed its growth outlook on Southeast Asia in 2014, from 5.7 percent to 5.6 percent.

In preparation of a possibly tougher environment ahead, companies need to find ways to raise their competitiveness and stay ahead in the field. Some of the most direct approaches include reducing operational costs in areas like energy consumption and maximising production.

Prudent Resource Management

We expect market trends in product development to be about exploring avenues that can reduce energy usage and loss. This can be achieved by inventing or enhancing existing technology.

Part of our strategy in the coming months is to focus on such areas of development, and to provide the industry with products that can help them to lower their costs of operation.

In line with this strategy, our 800-series of variable speed drives is scheduled for launch in the coming new year. Our company is also releasing a number of other products in the first half of 2014, namely programmable logic controllers and graphic operation terminals.

With rising energy needs, our company believes that it is important to continue seeking out methods of conserving this declining resource. Our ongoing product improvement endeavours focus on reducing energy usage in various commercial and industrial automation systems across different industries. These applications include energy production, water and wastewater treatment, oil & gas, transportation and social infrastructure.

Asia's economic outlook for 2014 is a mixed bag. Based on forecasts made by Focus Economics, a downward revision in expectations indicates a regional GDP expansion

Fruits Of Our Labour

Pertaining To Sustainability As companies and governments in Asia become increasingly aware of environmental issues, we should see a move towards greater corporate responsibility in the year ahead. Our approach to technology development is in line with such initiatives too — by introducing products that demand less energy to be produced and consumed. In this way, the company contributes to the environment by enabling users to realise a reduction of CO2 emissions in their operations.

This effectively advances our c u s t o m e r s ' e n v i ro n m e n t a l conservation initiatives when they leave a smaller carbon footprint.

The need to go Green is also becoming more apparent in energy management for buildings.

Since these structures account for about 42 percent of global electricity consumption, there is a need for effective Building Management Systems (BMS).

In certain places, BMS has also become mandatory.

We are well-primed to meet the challenges in 2014. In the new year, we will take the bull by the horns and double up our efforts in delivering cutting-edge technology that meets the needs of the industry. We will also continue working closely with our partners and clients to capture business opportunities, and bring greater benefits to the industry.

ENQUIRY NO. 8203

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Cognex:

A 2014 Vision On a shifting landscape that is hosting greater challenges and opportunities, technology and know-how are pivotal in meeting the needs of manufacturers. By Patrice Denizard, VP, MVSD Sales & Services, KIA & Automotive Asia-Pacific, Cognex Cognex's ID reader and vision technologies are finding applications in various industries such as Food & Beverage (F&B), automotive, electronics and pharmaceuticals. In the electronics sector, Vietnam's mobile phone market is experiencing tremendous growth with mobile penetration increasing from 3.4 percent in 2003 to 153.2 percent in 2012, according to Business Monitor International (BMI). Analysts believe that the country's low-cost smartphone market will be lucrative over the next three years.

Elsewhere in Asia, popular destinations for device manufacturers include Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan. This is due to the availability of good communications infrastructure and a high level of technological literacy.

Advancing With Technology We can play a supporting role to manufacturers that are targeting these Asian markets in the year ahead. In the manufacture of electronics components, lasermarked printed circuit boards are tracked to ensure that there are no mix-ups on the line. Since production volumes need to be maximised for optimum returns on investment, the reading of these laser markings needs to be able to keep up with output.

Answering this need is our ID reader systems, which are able to meet the varying requirements of different manufacturers. The

systems are easily upgraded by simply installing additional reader units to handle any production volume ramp up in future.

In the automotive sector, BMI is forecasting sales in Malaysia to grow 4.3 percent in 2014, subject to risks of taxes or fuel cuts. In the Philippines, foreign companies have set up facilities that serve as low-cost bases of production.

Since car ownership is less than 10 percent, there is potential growth for domestic sales in the long-term.

Despite fuel hikes that will have a short-term impact, Indonesia has mid- to long-term growth potential. More suppliers are expected to invest in the future as parts makers support increasing investments by original equipment manufacturers. BMI also believes that investments into the country will outperform Thailand in the short term. The observed trend is that the latter is falling behind in the number and monetary value of projects.

Manufacturers that are capitalising on the opportunities presented in Southeast Asia should also consider the technologies that can help them succeed. Machine vision provides vehicle manufacturers with the means of ensuring foolproof Quality Assurance (QA).

Applications include ensuring the correct thickness of head gaskets on engines, checking car batteries and verifying the quality of welding processes.

We have already built a solid reputation in many Asian countries with its technology and support. In 2014, we will continue in our efforts to assist companies in meeting QA standards in their manufacturing activities.

Supporting The Cause Part of our ongoing strategy is in providing close pre- and aftersales support to our customers.

We understand that each customer has their own set of needs and that every facility is different, eg: lighting issues, space constraints. Our ability to overcome implementation problems and develop customised solutions is what differentiates us from our competition.

Overall, economic growth in Southeast Asia appears somewhat dampened, based on slightly less optimistic forecasts by the World Bank. Countries like Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand are experiencing a softening in growth due to lower investments, a decline in commodity prices and a slower expansion in exports, according to Reuters.

A g a i n s t t h i s b a c k d ro p , our strategy is to encourage manufacturers to make use of the window of lower production demand to upgrade their QA and supply chain traceability mechanisms. This will prepare them to better meet the requirements of both local and export markets, when the global economy eventually recovers.

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issues & insights

Zebra Technologies:

The Internet Of Things The ‘Internet of Things’ has the potential to revolutionise many industries. But when such change occurs, many challenges are presented as the sands shift and new opportunities are created.

By Ryan Goh, VP, Sales, Zebra Technologies With increased competition and a constantly evolving business landscape, enterprises are looking at the advent of Big Data as a vast mine to gain deeper, more actionable insight into their operations and processes. The richness of Big Data is more than just the volume of data, but also the velocity and value of the data.

However, before organisations can place this data into actionable form, it must be universally accessible and visible throughout the value chain.

The Internet of Things (IoT) contributes to the stream of data that organisations will store and mine by enabling interconnectivity of Internet-aware devices. This ecosystem of connectivity helps provide enterprises with deep visibility into their organisations’ operational events from end-toend, accessible through the Cloud, anytime, anywhere.

Smarter Automation The automation sector is at the heart of the IoT. New IoT technologies will enable smarter machine-to-machine communications and increase operational efficiency, lower costs, and improve productivity.

New device-to-device communication architectures will enable better asset and inventor y management and tracking. Businesses will be able to reduce costs of losing assets due to mislabeling, misplacing, and employee theft — one of the

fastest growing crimes in America that has been estimated to be responsible for 30 percent of all business failures, according to the US Chamber of Commerce.

With IoT technologies, automation networks will also be able to self-configure, selfregulate and suggest efficiency improvements, thereby saving businesses both downtime and money while driving efficiency and productivity.

According to Gartner, The IoT, or rather, the Internet of Everything as it is now, will expand beyond computers and mobile devices in 2014. We expect to see this digitisation process expand beyond assets and machines to include managing people and information over a wider reach.

Challenges For 2014 While IoT is gaining momentum, business decision makers must prepare to address the technology and ser vice implications of deploying IoT solutions. In this aspect, enterprises face several obstacles.

IT complexity is often a barrier to success and requires a method to connect sensors and actuators to the Cloud in a standard, uniform way.

Device management is often cumbersome and often the task requires proprietary tools. There is a need to manage many different types of information sources, with different formats, frequency of updates, quality, and reliability.

Turning all these information into insights that allow for better business decision-making is also a rather complex task. There is a need for middleware that can securely bring together all these information collected from various devices into one easy-to-navigate interface. Connecting legacy devices — the backbone of most organisations — also presents unique challenges. Forrester Research has highlighted that there is currently no unified interconnection standard available that can seamlessly integrate all IoT devices, applications and services in all vertical markets.

Transforming Industries The manufacturing and supply chain sector has traditionally led the way in IoT adoption.

Applications where sensors are used to track RFID tags are placed on products moving through supply chains, in order to improve inventory management while reducing working capital and logistics costs.

IoT presents many more opportunities and new innovations for other businesses and industries. The government sector, for example, can utilise IoT to improve public services and enhance national security.

IoT also has the potential to transform the healthcare sector by enabling more efficient use of medical resources and more accurate administration of drugs and treatment.

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In the transportation and logistics sector, IoT technologies enable businesses to better understand traffic patterns, road congestions and weather conditions to make constant routing adjustment for better delivery efficiencies.

However, for the promise of IoT to be fully realised, continued e d u c a t i o n , a w a re n e s s a n d innovation is required. Gartner has placed IoT near the ‘peak of inflated expectations’ and predicted that it will take another decade to unfold, according to

its 2013 Hype Cycle for Emerging Technologies. In this context, our company sees education and technology innovation as critical in making IoT technologies accessible across all industries.

ENQUIRY NO. 8205

Fuji Electric:

Customer Service Fuji Electric will be expanding in 2014 with new facilities and a competitive portfolio of industry offerings, focusing on localisation to serve customers better. By Hayama Hiromu, CEO, Fuji Electric Over the next 12 months, our company expects growth in the following sectors: oil & gas, modernisation and retrofitting business, energy efficiency & energy management and internet data centre in the Southeast Asian market. These are areas that Fuji Electric will focus on in 2014.

Infrastructural and electric power related investment will be seen as an increasing trend in Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and India. Capital investment increases will be seen as Japanese companies aggressively penetrate into Southeast Asian markets.

As an expert of the energy related business (energy creation, energy management, energy saving) with 90 years of accumulated technology, our company will provide a total solution of service from energy auditing & consulting to products, and technical service to customers that can meet different kinds of customer needs.

Market Dynamics The market is becoming highly competitive and providing

energy efficient technology, products and solutions with local support is the most important.

Also, rising electricity prices in the Southeast Asia region and intensified government regulation for energy saving are a challenge.

Therefore, the company provides Energy Saving ESCO solutions (consulting and implementation of measures concerning the reduction of customer’s energy costs) to overcome these issues.

Business Operation To strengthen our business operation in Southeast Asia, we are establishing a new factory in Thailand to manufacture power electronic products, like Variable Speed Drive, UPS and PCS. We established an engineering centre in Singapore in 2012, and we recently acquired a 67.7 percent stake in Tusco Trafo, one of the leading transformer manufacturers in Thailand, in 2013. This enables our company to provide substation solutions through our Engineering Service

to customers.

The company can provide more competitive products in terms of price and flexibility to customers with shorter delivery times by having a production base in Southeast Asia and engaging in local procurement. We will focus on ‘localisation’ by introducing new products to meet the customers needs in the Southeast Asian market.

Making effective use of the investments in South Asia, we will provide innovative energy technology to all customers.

Key Opportunities & Hurdles We see the developing economies of Myanmar and Cambodia as good markets for future growth. In established markets in Southeast Asia, energy saving and operating cost reduction still remains a key priority to most of our clients.

Due to pending government elections in India and Indonesia, most of the major infrastructure projects will be announced after elections.

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Arlington County Environmental Services, Arlington, US

process control

Controlling processes in a range of plants that may handle chemical or other vital operations is a complicated task, which requires advanced equipment to ensure safety and reliability. By Prasad B V N, VP, Regional Sales Operations & Business Consulting, APAC, AspenTech

Optimising The Operation Through

Advanced Process Control

P

rocess industry companies are under constant pressure to optimise their operations and meet customer demand. Business leaders are continually pushed to the limit to reach commercial targets against tight timescales. Along with market volatility, refining, chemicals and petrochemicals companies are also creaking under the encumbrance of overcapacities and the threat of shrinking margins.

With the underlining economic driver to improve plant performance and overcome strong competition, the ability to precisely control the plant and optimise the operation has always been an important priority for refiners. Many companies have turned to software technology to help address these perennial challenges.

Addressing The Operational Issues Too often companies experience quality variations, inconsistent throughput and high energy costs, which can cause operations to not run to their actual limit. A combination of unreliable operability and manual processes contribute to this problem.

Minimising labour intensive functions, for example, is just one area that can release resources and help to improve process stability. A change of strategy can

help to maintain optimum quality across a range of products and operating conditions.

Instead of operators manually adjusting control units for specific variables in the plant, advanced systems provide models that automate regulatory and constraint control, as well as deliver process optimisation. Hence, Advanced Process Control (APC) is a general term used to describe different types of process control tools and methodologies frequently used for solving multivariable control or discrete control problems. It helps to improve the operation of production processes, resulting in the continuous management and optimisation of complex process interactions.

A dynamic, multivariable interaction model is designed with empirical control software to predict the future path of the process, compare the information to the operating constraints and implement an efficient plan to the target set by the company. The resulting benefits of APC are maximum profits, increased capacity and improved operational performance.

Studies have revealed that APC can save significant annual operating costs and is able to generate additional revenue with payback in less than six months.

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Steps To Identify The Opportunity

Nino Satria, Jakarta Selatan, Jakarta, Indonesia

APC is about real-time data processing to positively impact the overall optimisation of the production process in order to operate in the most profitable way. The project starts by identifying the business opportunity. Once an agreement has been made by the key stakeholders (ie: the business decisionmakers, business consultants and software vendor) that there is scope to maximise further the capabilities within a plant, then a plan is developed to deploy the multivariable predictive control within the operation.

This plan will also determine the factors to achieve higher margins with good return on investment. Once the business feasibility study has been carried out to determine the likely benefits, a pre-test is then conducted with technical staff from the operator (production, scheduling, and so on) and the software vendor. This stage is to ensure that the process is understood by all stakeholders.

A functional design specification will then be created by a software vendor’s lead engineer. This document will outline what the controller will do, what process parameters APC will manipulate and where the process will generate the highest profit from the plant.

The next step is to collect data from the process in order to build the process model. The software vendor will plan step-testing typically over two visits — the first being the pre-test and time will be spent in the control room to ensure that all the relevant regulatory controllers (PID controllers) are tuned as required. Once laboratory data has been collected appropriately and verified — then the process engineers will run a series of single variable step-tests (setpoint changes) one at a time, observe how the process responds and record electronically the process changes that have been made to help optimise the specific area of the operation.

This data will allow the engineers to build a preliminary model of the process. Once this has been analysed at the head office, simulations will be carried out and the software vendor will know what further tests need to be conducted in order to complete the final model and finish the proper steptesting phase. At the same time, the functional design will be edited once more towards its final state.

Step-testing, for example, can be completed today within a short period of time without causing production loss or process interruptions. Recent innovations in step-testing technology also allow data suitable for model building to be generated in a non-invasive manner where an intelligent controller is implemented using the models generated from the pre-test data (realising immediate benefits), which then balances robust closed loop control against making setpoint moves that will generate data with suitable characteristics for model identification.

This capability saves time for the customer and does not cause costly disturbances to the operation. Aspen SmartStep Automated Tester and the ‘Calibrate Mode’ technology of Aspen Adaptive Modelling knows all the interactions in the process and uses the preliminary process model to be able to process simultaneous calculations, elicit information and refine the model accordingly with the minimum interruptions to the plant, while at the same time achieving constraint control of the process. This entire process can reduce the implementation timeline from months to weeks helping to manage the efficiency and time constraints set by the customer.

Design For Flexibility

APC allows for safer and smoother operation of plant processes.

The process industries encompass an incredible range of products, processes and plant configurations.

Therefore, a range of APC solutions are needed to address such a diverse set of production processes. Many companies have utilised solutions from AspenTech. For example, aspenONE APC provides several approaches for advanced control applications: the company’s DMCplus controller, the Dec 2013/Jan 2014 | industrial automation asia 33

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non-linear controller and linear state-space control — all encapsulated in a single, common environment called the Aspen Control Platform.

The DMCplus is a multivariable model-predictive controller for maintaining processes at their optimal operating point. It interfaces to processes directly with the Distributed Control System (DCS) or indirectly through process information management systems, capable of safely pushing processes to multiple constraints simultaneously. The controller scales to the largest control problem size and has been applied to virtually every linear control problem in refining, chemicals and petrochemicals processing.

The controller combines an integrated set of desktop tools for controller analysis and design with an online system for controller deployment.

The release of Aspen Adaptive Modelling provides functionality that incorporates the non-aggressive step-testing discussed earlier while preserving the economic benefits of applications. Configuration Wizards make it easy to configure the DMCplus controllers for step-testing. This is an example of incorporating expert knowledge in the software to enable best practices by first-time users.

This release also upgrades the performance of Aspen Adaptive Modelling by automatically slicing out bad data resulting from problematic PID loop conditions, including valve saturation, PID mode changes, process upsets and bad measurements. This improves control model fidelity. These improvements improve the synergy between multivariable predictive control, intelligent data selection and closed loop model identification. This makes it easier to maintain accurate models as plants change over time.

This control platform is designed to provide flexibility, efficiency and ease-of-use for engineers.

It also provides scalability, and delivers benefits by integrating many of the tools and features required for building, testing, deploying and managing APC applications into one centralised platform.

The results are improved quality, reduced energy consumption, increased throughput, higher yields of products and a lower cost of ownership. The Control Platform provides three control formulations are provided in a single package. Along with choices in control formulations, it provides a complete set of features for loop and controller monitoring, process and product performance management and sustained value. These features help deliver consistent benefits while reducing the maintenance burden for APC solutions.

Prediction and inferential measurements are essential for operators today. These application tools are powerful for the modelling of inferred product qualities. Inferentials are a supplement for

Michael Linden, Bridgeview, IL, US

process control

APC allows for the monitoring of a wide variety of plant processes and personnel.

infrequently measured qualities or critical sensors and are also used to support environmental compliance.

APC provides a rich choice of model types, making it possible to implement linear or nonlinear inferential sensors online. Flexible analyser and laboratory modules automatically adjust the inferred qualities to ensure accuracy.

APC enables the use of on-line simulation based on both empirical and rigorous models. Typical applications include improving controller models, generating shadow targets for operators, providing what-if simulations to aid operators and engineers in identifying and resolving process problems and generating KPIs for real-time performance management.

The Implementation A Kuwaiti chemical company deployed Aspen DMCplus Controller and reduced variability and, in turn, optimised plant performance in ammonia production. The company reduced variations in the methane (CH4) slip by approximately 50 percent, reduced variability in excess O 2 by 75 percent, reduced variability in the primary reformer outlet temperature by 60 percent and improved overall plant stability and process conditions maintenance for ease of operation.

In another implementation, a Czech refinery and

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Frank Hebbert

Staying updated with the state of a plant is important for safety and improving productivity.

petrochemical group reduced energy costs with the APC solution while realising estimated annual energy savings of approximately €2 million (US$2.71 million).

The company also reported a return on investment from the technology within six months.

Summary APC is a powerful technology that enables companies to increase throughput, improve product quality, reduce energy and raw material usage, as well as increase overall operational efficiency while keeping

the process between safe limits of reliable operation.

Simply, there are myriad benefits, which help process manufacturers maintain quality and satisfy customer demand.

Today, the use of APC has been widely adopted across the process industries. Not only can it efficiently scale to any control problem size, it has also been successfully applied to virtually every control problem in refining, chemicals and petrochemicals processing. In the highly-regulated environment in which process industries operate today, APC can significantly help manufacturers to reach the limits of the operation and optimise performance, whilst also squeezing out the last drop of profit that can be achieved from the business.

This real-time technology and implementation will handle complex changes to all process parameters in a way that the operation is aligned to realise the benefits of operational excellence. The adoption of APC software tools will keep manufacturers compliant with industry regulations, ensure the business is agile and sustainable to remain competitive in a highly dynamic marketplace.

ENQUIRY NO. 8301

SENSORS SAFETY RFID

INDUCTIVE SENSORS

ECO

DESIGNED TO COST

ENQUIRY NO. 665

 Money-saving sensors and connection cables  High quality and long life expectancy due to Contrinex ASIC technology  High frequencies for fast detection speeds  Good shock and vibration resistance

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software & Networks

Innovation In Smart Robotics Enabling technologies for the proliferation of robots in industrial and commercial applications. By Christian Fritz, senior product manager, Advanced Machine Control & Robotics, National Instruments

A

fter turning the dial to heavy duty and pushing the start button, Modi waits for the click which indicates that the interlock mechanism successfully locked the door of the washing machine.

Shortly after, the water starts to flow and the machine indicates that the soak and scour phase is in progress.

Now it is time for Modi to move on to the next washing machine.

Modi is short for MoDiBot, or Mobile Diagnosis Robot, an autonomous test platform for household appliance testing, developed by engineers at Loccioni, a provider of test, measurement, and automation solutions from Italy. MoDiBot works in a test laboratory, allowing scientists and researchers to apply new technologies and validate the algorithms and applications of their autonomous systems to put them on the touchstone for adoption in the lifecycle test laboratories of white goods manufacturers around the world.

An Emerging Priority Without a doubt, robotics technology is an emerging priority. While in the past, robots were mainly used for repetitive tasks in industrial manufacturing, today they play an important role in applications characterised with one of the three Ds: dull, dirty, or dangerous. As such, it is no surprise that robotic technology is adopted for applications in homeland security, inspection, exploration, healthcare, logistics, and even the entertainment industry.

According to Dr Cristina Cristalli, director of the Research for Innovation Group at Loccioni, robotics is an excellent way to move and place sensors and measurement equipment, opening a new perspective for the automation of reliability testing. While she described some challenges, as well as the technologies required for the adoption of autonomous platforms for one very specific use case, she also explained that most of the robotics systems used across industries and

application areas share the same core components and architectural approach.

The combination of one or more robotic manipulators (arms) mounted on top of an autonomous platform is a common mechanical solution. Based on this combination, the industry and research community has developed many application specific variations over the last few decades; however, robots are far from being ingrained in our everyday life and robotics technology has not been adopted at the same rate as information technologies or RF technology.

Embedded Systems A significant part of the innovation takes place in the ‘smarts’ of the robot where a common architecture includes a network of interconnected embedded systems. Some of these embedded systems perform small and dedicated tasks such as battery management, motor control, or sensor fusion and are based on lower footprint Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs) and microprocessors.

Additionally, most robotic systems contain one or more high-performance embedded systems that use the latest processor technology to execute

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requirements and start working on their software development right away.

Software Development System

mission-critical tasks, ensure safety, perform image processing, and run advanced control algorithms.

Overall, robots are complex mechatronical systems and programming them often requires a large team of PhD-level experts.

Processor Performance The big innovations are in the embedded control systems, software tools, sensor technology and battery and energy efficiency technology. No matter how complex the hardware architecture might be — Sense, Think and Act is a common paradigm to implement innovative robotic applications.

A big impact on the adoption of robotics comes through the ever increasing processor performance.

Only recently available in desktop PCs, powerful multi core-processors have been adapted for embedded systems. These processors are attractive for robotics systems because lower footprint embedded systems comply with the tight power, space, and weight constraints of the robotics industry.

Powered by real-time operating systems, they are capable of executing many of the mission-critical tasks, close control loops, and can perform I/O operations and communicate with other devices.

Additionally, the robotics industry is adapting PLDs like Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) for tasks that require custom hardware, extreme speed and reliability, or parallel execution.

These Commercial Off-The-Shelf systems (COTS) come equipped with a set of middleware and drivers to abstract the complexity of the hardware and do not require embedded design expertise. Other systems, like the National Instruments NI CompactRIO, allow customers to add I/O, communication, motion, and vision capabilities based on their application

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the-chain Moving energy made easy

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ENQUIRY NO. 651

LV robotics module.

The computational components alone, however, will not simplify the development of robotics applications. According to Dr David Barrett, well-known roboticist and professor at Olin College: “The robotics industry badly needs an industrial grade, hardened, richly supported software development system to build intelligent, autonomous, mobile robots that can sense, think, and act in the complex real world around them.”

In other words, industry needs a software tool that abstracts the complexity of these interconnected high-performance computational devices and provides ready-to-use building blocks for the most common tasks in robotics applications such as sensor connectivity, navigation, localisation, path planning, obstacle avoidance, or vision guided motion.

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software & Networks

Multicore compactRIO

Over the last couple of years, industry and the research community developed these types of tools in the form of open source software packages like Willow Garages Robot Operating System (ROS) or commercial tools like NI LabView Robotics, a graphical system design tool that supports different models of computation for the implementation of robotics applications and makes it possible to deploy to different targets such as multicore processors, real-time processors, or FPGAs. Known as one of the most productive engineering tools for test, measurement and automation applications, LabView has a big community of proficient programmers. With LabView Robotics, these engineers are ready to adopt robotics technology for the next generation of their products, similar to the Loccioni engineers, who were able to come up with an innovative concept for the life cycle test of white goods.

The Key Role Of Sensors Besides embedded control systems and highproductivity software tools, sensors and sensor connectivity play a key role; as such, it is not surprising that the current proliferation of sensors is shaking up the robotics industry. The availability of compact MEMS sensors (Micro-electromechanical systems) that are heavily used in commercial products such as smart phones or controllers for entertainment consoles have led to a price erosion for accelerometers, gyro sensors, and even more standard sensors including light, pressure, or temperature.

But it is not solely about price. The MEMS technology also simplifies the processing of sensor information because the devices include signal conditioning and translate the sensor information into useful data that is sent back via standard protocols such as I2C. The reuse of commercial technologies sometimes goes even further. Rather than capitalising on price advantages for components used in commercial products, the robotics industry adapts the commercial

product directly. USB cameras or the popular Kinect controller from Microsoft are good examples that demonstrate this trend.

Energy Efficiency And Storage The last key area of innovation to deploy robots to the field is the area of energy efficiency and battery technology. Operated in a research laboratory, robotic systems usually stay connected to a power outlet. While this might work for some applications areas, there are many use cases of robotics where the autonomous operation requires independent energy sources often in the form of batteries.

Implementing energy efficient operation of the robot actuators and using low power embedded control systems can help reduce energy consumption.

At the same time, there has been a lot of innovation in battery technology, which is driven by the focus of the automotive industry on alternative energy sources for modern vehicles and the increasing use of mobile devices like laptops, tablets, and smart phones. The robotics industry can capitalise on the heavy investment of global players such as Toyota, GM, Apple or Samsung.

In Conclusion All of these technologies were essential components in the design and deployment of MoDiBot to the first life cycle test facility. Robotic technology allowed the manufacturer to perform automated testing of dozens of devices at the same time and around the clock.

The same technologies that enabled Loccioni to develop their test system will help to grow the adoption of smarter robots in industrial and commercial applications and will transform robotics technology into a commodity engineering discipline rather than simply a research exercise. Ultimately, this will make it possible for robots to leave the laboratory and settle into our everyday life.

ENQUIRY NO. 8401

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instrumentation & Measurement

Improving The Flexibility Of

Nino Satria, Jakarta Selatan, Jakarta, Indonesia

Chemical Plants With Industrial Wireless

I

n today’s chemical plants, reducing costs and accelerating schedules are ever-present challenges. They also need to effectively focus resources on critical production areas and quickly adapt or change operating and commissioning priorities. This allows schedules to be compressed as required by market demands.

New technology developments such as industrial wireless are having a profound effect on plant operating strategies. By enabling greater workforce mobility and connectivity, wireless allows manufacturers to diversify production, and change from a single-chain product to producing multi-chain products, in an efficient and flexible way to help meet the needs of clients.

Demand For New Technology During the next decade, pharmaceutical manufacturers will be under greater pressure to utilise technology advancements to improve their operational agility.

Wireless technology is changing the way engineers work and business is done, while at the same time helping to reduce cost and improve productivity. By Bharat Sharma, Asia Pacific Business Leader - Modular Systems & Process Instruments, Honeywell Process Solutions.

Already a vital enabler of research, technology is also essential to other functions from clinical trials to commercialisation. New mobile solutions that streamline these processes and speed time-to-market are rapidly being deployed.

Wireless technology will be the cornerstone enabler for plant operations to increase visibility, quickly adapt to market changes, improve production efficiency and rapidly configure equipment controls for new products.

Industrial wireless networks provide better coverage on the plant floor than traditional wired systems, and allows personnel to interact efficiently with a wide range of equipment. Workers can spend more of their time paying closer attention to processes using devices such as hand-held tablets. For example, an operator assigned to multiple production units can receive alerts at any time and respond to abnormal situations along with performing routine tasks.

With wireless technology, manufacturing facilities are able to eliminate fixed workstations and hardwired controls, and introduce modular equipment configurations. This approach provides remote access to production equipment and minimises the number of user interfaces in sterile process areas.

Should any workstation have a fault there is no longer a need to shut down a process while the station is fixed or replaced. The flexibility offered by the wireless network and mobile workstations provides a perfect backup system. Furthermore, when a new product is being launched or a recipe changed, the mobile stations can be moved throughout the plant as required. This eliminates the need to install new operator stations.

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instrumentation & Measurement

Thanks to advanced wireless solutions, pharmaceutical plants can reduce operating costs, better monitor critical systems, improve production efficiency, track assets, and support decision-makers in making informed decisions in real-time.

Impact On Plant Personnel From field operators and control engineers, to production and maintenance technicians, wireless technology has a significant impact on personnel across the plant enterprise. It enables workers to reliably perform all of their current tasks on mobile devices hosted on a common grid that is shared with production units, sensors and control devices.

The best illustration of how wireless improves manufacturing performance comes through the eyes of the actual people working on the plant floor and having immediate access to data from operations.

For quality and production technicians, their daily routines are improved by reducing the amount of time they spend manually collecting data and later logging it into a database. With wireless technology, the collection and entry processes are automated, allowing the technician to spend more time focused on areas with the potential for real added value.

Wireless reduces maintenance costs through better equipment monitoring and notifications. With thousands of assets being monitored simultaneously, the maintenance engineer can respond to a call by accessing equipment records and maintenance procedures online, allowing the problem to be diagnosed on the spot. The equipment’s status will be updated and maintenance records will be logged — all while the engineer is still on the plant floor — eliminating the need for paper logbooks.

For the controls engineer, wireless technology offers quick deployment and greater system agility, which is another key to a successful plant transition from a fixed configuration to a modular design. With wireless technology, equipment modules can be installed and production units configured without wiring and verification costs.

For the plant manager, the strength of wireless technology is in its ability to lower both the initial capital cost of an automation project and the total cost of ownership while at the same time providing immediate access to plant information. The results are reduced operating costs and product losses.

Meeting The Challenge: Tata Chemicals Tata Chemicals Limited, one of India’s manufacturer of inorganic chemicals, operates the largest and most integrated inorganic chemicals complex in India at Mithapur in Gujarat, a state in western India. The chemical complex that produces several

Tata Chemicals Plant. The largest and most integrated inorganic chemicals complex in India at Mithapur in Gujarat, a state in western India.

products, including cement, iodised salt and synthetic soda ash.

The company was experiencing problems accessing data in the cement plant control room.

In addition to data problems, maintenance and troubleshooting of the signal were challenging. In the cement plant control room, the tapping of signals from remote process control areas and other distant locations, including the gas scrubber proved to be difficult and inconsistent. The long distance made maintenance and troubleshooting of the signal that much tougher for engineers.

It needed a wireless solution to extend its control network securely to remote locations that would also provide seamless communication with existing control applications.

The Solution The company considered several vendors for a wireless solution and ultimately chose Honeywell’s OneWireless because of the solution’s robust features, as well as the its proven track record with other solutions at the company’s chemical plants, including Honeywell’s Experion Process Knowledge System (PKS) and field instruments.

The company installed OneWireless solutions at the Mithapur cement plant. The implementation included wireless transmitters, gateway with SMPS and Lantronix converter. It also included serial interface card and FTA communication assembly for communication with the control system.

The OneWireless network is an industrial wireless mesh network that extends the process control network into the field to deliver applications that improve plant efficiency, reliability and safety. The wireless mesh network is formed with industrial wireless nodes, called multinodes, that self-discover to create an industrial mesh network within seconds.

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“Tata Chemicals has been continuously raising the bar in technological competence and gaining recognition as an innovator. Honeywell has proven to be a vital partner in supporting this endeavor and helping us to embrace technology to continuously improve performance,” said Chetan Joshi, deputy manager, Instrumentation, Tata Chemicals, Mithapur.

The Benefits Since implementing OneWireless, the company can now reliably tap transmitter signals from remote locations and bypass the entire looping of signals.

The company has gained improved data accessibility and reliability,and has cut the costs of expensive instrumentation cables. Other benefits include:

“The OneWireless system is working very well.

We have gained many benefits by going wireless and the challenges we experienced tapping longdistance signals have been eliminated,” commented Mr Joshi.

Conclusion New technology plays an increasingly important role in the pharmaceutical industry. Many manufacturers are now achieving significant advantages by installing industrial wireless networks. This advanced solution enables personnel to travel anywhere in the facility with the mobility of wireless versus hard-wired fixed clients, and reduces maintenance compared to wired alternatives. Production operations also benefit from cost savings due to fewer personnel required to commission wiring and start-up, as well as increased flexibility allowing the plant to change direction quickly and easily.

ENQUIRY NO. 8501

ENQUIRY NO. 640

• Improved safety and compliance.

• Decreased installation, operational and maintenance costs.

• Control network can securely access remote locations.

• Increased reliability and improved production efficiency through more accurate data enabling better decision making

• Reduced maintenance requirements compared to wired transmitter alternative

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instrumentation & Measurement

Ramzi Hashisho, Saida, Lebanon

This article describes the production processes from the perspective of the measuring instruments that are used to control operations for biodiesel producers. By Quinton Williams, director, Foxboro Channel Sales, and Mary Costain, manager, Foxboro Product Marketing, Invensys

Instrumentation For

Biodiesel Fuel Production I

n 1892, the gasoline engine was only six years old when Rudolf Diesel developed and patented the first diesel engine as a more efficient power source.

“The diesel engine can be fed with vegetable oil and would help considerably in the development of agriculture of countries which use it,“ he said when he introduced his invention to the world at the 1911 World Exhibition in Paris. However, while he did prove that pure vegetable oil could be an alternative to the petroleum-based diesel fuel, the viscosity was too high for practical use.

Since that time, both the diesel engine and the biodiesel fuel production process have evolved considerably to minimise the viscosity problem, while the need for a fossil fuel alternative has grown steadily. Biodiesel has become increasingly attractive as a non-toxic, biodegradable fossil fuel alternative that can be produced from renewable sources.

In addition to peanut oil, which powered the first

diesel engine, biodiesel can be produced from oils in soybeans, sunflower seeds, cottonseeds, rapeseeds, palm, and even in some forms of algae (Figure 1).

It can also be produced from used vegetable oils (cooking oils) and certain animal fats.

The remaining hurdle is to reduce the cost of production low enough that it can compete with gasoline, which will come as biodiesel producers improve and automate production operations.

Reducing Viscosity The following are among the production methods available to minimise the viscosity of vegetable oils, making them practical for use in internal combustion engines: • Transesterification, also known as alcoholysis — involves heating the oil with a catalyst and an alcohol to change its chemical structure.

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• Pyrolysis, also known as thermal cracking — involves heating the oil with a catalyst, but in the absence of air or oxygen.

• Micro-emulsification — disperses the vegetable oil into a solvent such as methanol, ethanol, or butanol.

• Blending — involves mixing vegetable oils with existing diesel fuel.

It is worth noting that maintaining ideal storage conditions throughout the entire product lifecycle is critical to standards compliance, quality, and costeffectiveness of the biodiesel production process.

and time consuming, but must be done so the fuel meets ASTM D 6751 standards for biodiesel fuel (Newly emerging computer-controlled continuous flow processes, eliminate the need for the washing cycle).

Extending processing time further is a period of drying to remove the water, and filtering to remove residual particulates. Additives, such as anti-Nox are added to the biodiesel, before it is ready for use. The soap and glycerin are drained off and pumped for additional refining for use in co-products.

Temperature and pressure must be measured during transesterification and there, the relatively low 66 deg C (150 deg F) temperatures and 20-psi pressures present a minimal measurement challenge.

However, there is still a need to measure levels, flow, temperature, pH, and associated pressure.

Transesterification: Continuous Process

Figure 1: Biodiesel can be produced from oils in soybeans, sunflower seeds, cottonseeds, rapeseeds, palm, and even in some forms of algae.

Continuous process transesterification offers significant opportunities for efficient high volume production of biodiesel, including, eliminating the costly washing, and drying phases. A popular method uses continuous stirred tank reactors in a series.

The flexible process allows CSTRs with various volumes to be arranged in succession for optimum production. For example, CSTR 1 a larger volume tank allows a longer residence time to achieve a greater extent of reaction. Alter the initial product glycerol is decanted, a faster reaction can take place in CSTR 2, with a 98+ percent completion.

An essential element of the CSTR design is sufficient mixing input to ensure that the composition through the reactor is constant. As such, success is very dependent upon precise consistent measures of all process variables.

Transesterification: Batch

Producing Biofuel Through Pyrolysis

Transesterification is a method widely used f o r c o m m e rc i a l p ro d u c t i o n o f b i o d i e s e l .

Transesterification, so named because biodiesel is chemically structured as an ester. Figure 2 depicts a typical batch reaction transesterification process.

The oil is heated to a designated temperature, at which a catalyst, (often calcium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide} and an alcohol, often (methanol or ethanol) are mixed in. This results in a chemical reaction in which the triglyceride molecule from the alcohol neutralises the free fatty acids and removes the glycerin, as such producing an alcohol ester. This separates the material into three layers, with the biodiesel on top, a soapy substance as the middle layer, and glycerin on the bottom.

After some settlement time the biodiesel must be washed to remove any soap, alcohol, or impurities that may have entered the process. Washing is costly

Pyrolysis is another method of reducing viscosity to make vegetable oils useable in internal combustion engines. In fast pyrolysis, shown in Figure 3, the oils are rapidly heated to 450 - 600 deg C (842 - 1,112 deg F) in the absence of air. Heavy vibrations produced at this temperature break molecular bonds separating atoms at random positions, producing organic vapours, gases, and charcoal. The vapours condense into bio-oil. Typically, 70 - 75 percent by weight of the feedstock is converted into oil in this method.

Pyrolysis has some very specific advantages.

Because it is more of a physical than a chemical conversion, it enables decoupling of process steps in time, place, and scale. The liquids used in the process are easier to handle and are more consistent in quality than those used in transesterification. The process produces a clean liquid, which requires no additional washing, drying, or filtering.

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instrumentation & Measurement

Figure 2: Transesterification process

Figure 3: Pyrolysis is a method of reducing viscosity to make vegetable oils useable in internal combustion engines. In fast pyrolysis, shown here, the oils are rapidly heated to 450 - 600 deg C (842 - 1,112 deg F) in the absence of air.

Instrumentation requirements for pyrolysis are similar to those for transesterification, including temperature, pressure, level, flow, and pH. Although temperature and pressure measurement requirements are much more demanding, given the 450 - 600 deg C (842 - 1,112 deg F) temperatures and vacuum conditions that the process requires.

requirements of the federal EPA act clean air criteria.

Based on today’s diesel engine performance, BZO is the highest recommended blend. Beyond a 20 percent blend has proven to be inefficient in diesel engines.

Like any petroleum based diesel fuel, biodiesel needs to blend with additives to keep it from gelling in extreme cold weather.

Micro-Emulsification Techniques

Summary

Micro-emulsification, is the third method of controlling viscosity of biodiesel. The process involves dipping vegetable or other organic oils into solvents such as methanol, ethanol, or butanol to disperse micro-emulsions (co-solvency). The micro-emulsion dispersions are transparent, thermodynamically stable, and easily pass through fuel filters. Droplet diameters of micro-emulsions range from 100 to 1,000 Angstroms. A microemuision can be made of vegetable oils with an ester and dispersant (co-solvent); or of vegetable oils, an alcohol and a surfactant, and a cetane improver, with or without diesel fuels. Water (from aqueous ethanol) may also be used for lower proof ethanol, as such increasing water tolerance of the micro-emulsions.

As the US increasingly seeks domestic fuel alternatives to foreign oil, biodiesel is a very promising fuel alternative. The biodiesel fuel production process has evolved considerably to minimise the original problems with viscosity.

Today, biodiesel is an increasingly attractive, nontoxic, biodegradable fossil fuel alternative that can be produced from a variety of renewable sources.

The new challenge is reducing the cost of biodiesel production low enough that it can compete with gasoline, which will come as biodiesel producers improve and automate production operations.

Process measurements and instrumentation can be very valuable to ensure that product is produced safely, cost-effectively, and according to ASTM specifications. in addition to a solid price/performance value with instruments, biodiesel producers need ease of implementation, flexibility, scalability, low maintenance, and support. These needs are being met with recent advances in instrumentation technology.

Furthermore, with on going improvements in design and materials, and methods of delivering technology and support, careful evaluation of instrumentation can reduce both equipment and operating costs significantly, while improving overall biodiesel production efficiency.

Blending Biodiesel Although not necessarily suitable for large-scale commercial application, viscosity problems in biodiesel can be managed through blending. Biodiesel can be blended in any amount with petroleum-based diesel fuels, including Diesel #1, Diesel #2, or JP8.

Where B100 is the name for pure biodiesel, 520 would be a fuel that contains only 20 percent biodiesel and B10 a fuel that contains only 10 percent biodiesel.

B20 is a standard blend that meets the minimum

ENQUIRY NO. 8502

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energy

Success For

Solar Powered Family Car Stella, the world’s first solar powered family car, made its debut in Singapore. IAA met with the team and interviewed Loh Kin Wah, executive VP, sales and marketing, NXP Semiconductors, at Nanyang Polytechnic, School of Engineering, where the vehicle was on display. By Mark Johnston

S

tella, which was sponsored

by NXP, won the gold medal in the inaugural Michelin Cruiser Class at the World Solar Challenge 2013. Designed and driven by Solar Team Eindhoven from The Netherlands, Stella emerged victorious after completing a six-day race across the Australian outback. The vehicle completed the 3,000 km racing route with an average speed of 67 km/h with three people on board.

It also achieved a top speed of 120 km/h with a full load of four people demonstrating the horsepower of this solar-powered vehicle.

IAA: How far away do you believe a commercially viable solar car is?

Loh Kin Wah (LKW): Most of the technologies are available and of course solar cars or for that matter green cars are one of the important factors of government policies.

I think Singapore is being very progressive at the moment with its thoughts on electric vehicles.

We are providing Singapore with a view of what an electric car powered by solar would be. You can see that this car is already energy positive, which essentially means every car self generates its own energy and that is a completely different concept.

Meaning, you have many vehicles

actually generating electricity back into the grid.

IAA: Where do you see this concept in 10 years time?

LKW: We cannot speak about the manufacturing because we are not involved in the manufacturing of a car or for that matter the solar panels. However, in regards to the electronics that drive the car’s efficiency and the connectectivity that helps with traffic congestion and so on, that technology is now available. We are also doing a trial at the moment in Singapore, with this technology being available in 2014/2015.

IAA: Do you see the implementation of this model as viable for commercial rollout?

LKW: This is the first pilot, there are still new technologies that come about, and there are some interesting discussion now about the concept with most of the car OEMS. That industrialisation of the concept is now sitting on the laps of the manufacturer.

IAA: Can you discuss the technology used in this vehicle?

LKW: There are four different technologies all together in this vehicle. Firstly, there is car to car communication, which sits on what we call 802.11p. This is a standard

that is used for mobility. The permenant link is very important and and so the car is compliant to 802.11p. Meaning you could maintain this link via a guaranteed distance of 1 km. The car can maintain a permanent link at a high speed of up to 300 km/hour.

The second technology we call the telematics. The car is sending information from the car to a third party. Someone collects this information and figures out what the information is, giving back intelligence to the car. That is what we call a top automotive telematics platform. This platform is running on 3.5G, over cellular.

The third technology is the controller, which is actually the mastermind of all the technology in the car. The controller runs the transceiver and the network within the car. Lastly, the difference between a normal car and an electric car is the voltage, so the controller of the area network, which we call CAN has to be a special one. An electric car is run at a higher voltage, so there must be isolation between the CAN and the high voltage. In this electric car we use, what we call, Isolated CAN. Taken together, these are four important technologies that aid the vehicle save energy and improve safety and connectivity.

ENQUIRY NO. 8601 Dec 2013/Jan 2014 | industrial automation asia  45

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energy

Five Keys To Wind Farm Bankability The Levelised Cost of Energy (LCOE) of wind power is gaining equilibrium with other energy sources.

However, the LCOE of wind can vary widely from project to project, and developers need to keep a sharp eye on those factors that influence project profitability. By Dennis McKinley, director of Wind Power, ABB

L

evelised Cost of Energy (LCOE) is an assessment of the economic feasibility of an energy source that incorporates costs over the lifetime of the project. Major cost categories include capital, fuel, and maintenance. While being touted for low fuel costs, wind is essentially free, wind energy often requires significant capital expenses that raise its LCOE. Furthermore, the variability of wind energy can be hard on equipment, making it one of the more maintenance-intensive of the renewable sources.

The good news is that advancements in technology as well as focused efforts to control carbon emissions during energy production have brought wind costs inline with other sources. The following chart, adapted from the US Energy Information Administration’s Annual Energy Outlook for 2013, compares the LCOE of new generation sources coming online in 2018.

Only natural gas offers a significant LCOE advantage over onshore wind development.

However, while natural gas has some unique advantages over other fuel sources and is likely to be a strong contender for the foreseeable future, it

has drawbacks as well. Perhaps the biggest is that the fuel requires an extensive network of pipelines and refinement facilities to bring the energy from the ground to point of use. In comparison, wind is converted into useable energy at the turbine. With the appropriate connectivity and available grid capacity, even small wind farmers can ‘ship’ their goods almost anywhere, using the vast array of power lines already available.

Many energy experts do not necessarily see the race to grid parity as a competition between sources of supply. According to Alfredo Parres, Head of ABB’s Wind Sector Initiative: “Utilities should look at optimising the energy mix. Given the current state of technology and the variable nature of many renewable sources, natural gas and wind are more partners than competitors.”

Risk Of all the issues that keep wind farm developers up at night, risk has to be the biggest. From site selection to project development to operations, producing

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developers often rely on pre-negotiated Power energy from wind is not as easy as it might appear to the general public. Gunnar Ohras, senior financial Purchase Agreements (PPAs) to secure funding for advisor at ABB, stresses the importance of controlling the project. These agreements specify milestones risk: “We talk about bankability quite frequently when that must be met in order for the PPA to remain reviewing projects. You cannot get financing for a effective. potential wind project unless you can prove that the Selecting the right supplier is key to ensuring the project is bankable. Of course, your financial models project is commissioned as scheduled, and global must show that the project will be profitable, but equipment suppliers offer significant advantages. obtaining financing is also about showing you have Some power equipment, such as high voltage mitigated the risks.”

Thankfully, there are ways to reduce the risks inherent in wind development. Whether offshore or onshore, site studies can help developers create profitability models and select the most appropriate location for new wind development.

However, the developers must also take into account grid connectivity when considering the suitability of a location. A Grid Integration Analysis can help the developer understand issues such as whether system upgrades will be necessary and what challenges might occur downstream.

Once a project begins, environmental concerns can still delay a project, but advancements in underground cabling can reduce this risk.

When Sweden wanted to connect the island of Gotland with the mainland, the developer had difficulty getting the necessar y permits for What Would higher barcode read rates mean to you? overhead transmission. ABB’s What Would higher barcode read rates mean to you?

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ENQUIRY NO. 548

Of course, once a site is selected, funding approved, and environmental permits in place, the race is on to develop the wind farm within the scheduled timeframes. For wind farms, this is especially important as

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energy

Once again, technology holds the key to increasing efficiency and addressing environmental concerns. High Voltage DC (HVDC) cables are a primary solution for lowering energy losses over long distances.

Reliability And Maintainability Quality of energy is perhaps one of the biggest concerns expressed by utilities looking at increasing the penetration of wind power on the grid. The variable nature of wind energy leads to a highly unstable output that can have a negative impact on grid frequency Wind farm development also benefits from using suppliers whose people live and work in the region. and voltage, tripping protection relays, and leading to blackouts. transformers, come with relatively long lead times.

The benefits of increased renewable penetration can Factoring in design, manufacturing, and delivery, easily be offset by increased reliability concerns unless it can be as long as a year. That time can be cut stability issues are properly addressed. drastically by working with a supplier who has “As turbines and wind farms get larger and experience in all aspects of wind farm development, generating capacity increases, grid operators including transformers. Lead times can be cut have been forced to establish more stringent grid even further, often by months, when working with connection rules, commonly called ‘grid codes’, to a supplier who can manufacture the equipment ensure fluctuations do not disrupt the main grid,” regionally. says Michelle Meyer, senior product manager, Power Wind farm development also benefits from using Conversion, ABB. “Wind farm developers need to find suppliers whose people live and work in the region. a way to compensate for variability.”

Mainstream Renewable Power develops, finances, Variability can be addressed with backup sources builds, and operates wind farms all over the world. of power such as the diesel generators used in smaller scale developments such as a microgrid.

Efficiency However, the use of diesel power defeats the goal A c c o rd i n g t o t h e U S E n e rg y I n f o r m a t i o n of the utility or institution looking to increase the Administration, about seven percent of energy penetration of renewables on the grid and decrease generated is lost in transmission and distribution. their CO2 output.

While that may not seem like a lot, it is important Flores Island in the Azores is remote from the to understand the benefits of reducing that central grid in Portugal. For years, they relied on loss. According to the American Wind Energy power generated by Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) generators Association, a single 1.67 MW turbine can produce and a hydro power plant. In an effort to reduce the over 5,000 MW/h of electricity per year and reduce cost of diesel power generation, the utility installed CO2 emissions by over 3,000 tonnes. a number of wind turbines. The solution was not The greatest losses often come when energy has perfect, and they soon discovered they had to limit to be transmitted over long distances. By its very the amount of wind power injected into the system nature, utility scale wind energy is a long-distance to avoid power fluctuations and blackouts. energy source. Offshore development holds great The company solved this dilemma for the Flores promise for utility-scale projects because of the Island microgrid with a storage solution called strength and the reliability of offshore winds. Onshore PowerStore that uses a compact and versatile wind development is often more attractive because flywheel based grid stabilising generator to protect of the lower LCOE, but can entail wrangling with the grid against fluctuations in frequency and voltage. individual groups who object to the development due High-speed software controls the power flow into to noise, a perceived lack of aesthetics, or a potential and out of the flywheel, absorbing and injecting real environmental impact. power within an isolated power network as needed.

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Safety The energy industry is an inherently dangerous business, and wind energy is no exception.

Complicating matters, the entire industry is experiencing a shortage of skilled workers as older workers retire and fewer young people choose technical degrees. Many energy companies are turning to technicians with associate level degrees just to keep up with maintenance.

One way to promote safety is to reduce the amount of maintenance needed. “Reducing the part count in components such as the PCS 6000 converter results in a lower predicted failure rate,” adds Ms Meyer. “When possible, we will also design using self-healing components. For example, metalised film capacitors can be designed with insulation systems that restore their original insulation properties after a breakdown.”

When maintenance is required, it is important to minimise the amount of time it takes. The company arranges power modules inside the cabinet in such a way that it is easy for qualified personnel to replace them when necessary. In addition, all subassemblies

with the exception of the line reactor are sized so that they can be carried by one person.

The Future Is Now Historically electric grids have been powered solely by fossil fuel-based sources, which meant the cost of electricity rose when the cost of the fossil fuel commodity increased. Wind and other renewables offer an alternative to the ups and downs of commodity pricing.

The future looks bright for wind, but the energy industry is exceptionally fast-paced. New political dynamics, new market opportunities, and new technologies can change the opportunity landscape almost overnight.

For wind developers, weathering the ups and downs of the industry requires a sustained focus on those factors that influence profitability. Only then can wind remain on par with other sources and earn its rightful place in meeting the growing needs of an energy-hungry world.

ENQUIRY NO. 8602

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energy

Sustainable Energy In Asia development path and to cater to the needs of growing population and consumerism.

IAA: How do you see the renewable energy sector growing in Southeast Asia going forward?

IAA interviewed Kavita Gandhi, executive director of the Sustainable Energy Association of Singapore (SEAS) on the energy sector in Asia and its potential for growth. By Mark Johnston IAA: What are some of the energy challenges Asia faces, and how can renewable energy help addresses these challenges?

Kavita Gandhi (KG): Great advances have been made over the years in the area of renewable energy generation as well as energy conservation.

The Asian population, as well as the industry, is growing at a fast rate, and governments across the region are striving to meet the high-energy demand.

As energy demand increases, there is a need to raise the awareness of clean, efficient and cost effective energy solutions to achieve sustainable economic growth. Asia is currently the world’s leading market for such technologies and solutions to meet the needs of its energy hungry

KG: In Southeast Asia, the combined capacity of renewable energy in 2015 will increase five folds from 2010 levels in six key ASEAN countries namely Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. We have never seen growth of this scale in renewable energy until now.

Governments in these countries have pledged to embark on more renewable energy projects, and increase their percentage of energy efficiency. They are focusing on renewable sources of energy to meet their countries’ growing energy needs as their economies develop.

IAA: What trends do you see in the renewable energy sector, in terms of technology and policy?

KG: One very clear trend is growth in solar due to lower costs in materials. Some of our members such as Phoenix Solar, and ecoWise are working on some of the largest solar and biomass projects in Singapore.

Phoenix Solar is working on the 1.2-1.4 MW plant being installed by Sheng Siong, and the biomass plant at the Gardens by the Bay is run by ecoWise. Other members such as Sunseap and Grenzone are working on many solar modules in Singapore. As such we can see that more and more companies are looking to harness renewable energy as it becomes more economical.

In addition to costs being lower, the return on investment has been reduced from more than 10 years to around 7-8 years now.

Given that solar panels can last around 25 years, this is a very good investment.

IAA: How can SEAS help companies wanting to implement sustainable practices and policy in Singapore?

KG: SEAS works closely with various government agencies such as International Enterprise Singapore, SPRING Singapore, National Environment Agency, Economic Development Board, JTC Corporation, etc. serving as a bridge between the sustainable energy industry and the Singapore Government.

SEAS has been instrumental in securing various government grants to assist industry in the adoption of sustainable energy solutions. For instance, SEAS leads the national SME Energy Efficiency Initiative, targeted at helping Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) adopt the energy efficient solutions provided by its members with support on grants, advisory, and training.

SEAS has also just launched its first white paper which shows how renewable energy can make up 10 percent of Singapore’s energy mix by 2020 without government subsidies and how this can be done. By revising existing regulations, this means that more businesses can go into renewable energy and others can make use of renewable energy.

ENQUIRY NO. 8603

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sector spotlight

Systems Engineering:

Successful Delivery Of Intelligent Products I

ntelligent products have driven significant societal changes in the past decade, saving lives, enabling instant global communication and access to unlimited information, making travel safer, changing the way warfighters engage the enemy, and enabling consumer products to do more than anyone ever imagined.

Along the way, discrete-manufactured products have become a highly complex system of systems, in which products are interconnected with each other and with supporting ecosystems that remotely perform defect repairs, add new features, analyse sensor data, change product configuration, automatically schedule service, deliver wide-ranging information to the user, and more. The possibilities for interconnected intelligent products seem limitless at this point.

Intelligent Products Are All Around Us Evidence of systems thinking in products and services began to influence our personal lives years ago with the advent of complex systems of systems, like the global telephone network and cellular phones that were always on and continuously connected to the carrier’s network.

Maira Kouvara, Athens, Aghia Paraskevi, Greece

Products in nearly every industry today are quickly becoming smart, interconnected, software-intensive systems of systems.

The practice of systems engineering must adapt to address these challenges. By Derek Piette, director, ALM Solutions Management, PTC

The paradigm has now evolved to the point that the mobile device itself is treated as simply a platform for continuous delivery of customer value, in the form of applications, services, and information. Even hardware design flaws can be seamlessly repaired or worked around by delivery of software updates.

The latest generation of automobiles has already been transformed through the use of numerous advanced sensors, ‘drive-by-wire’ technologies, and increasing use of software throughout the vehicle. Automakers are now in the process of transforming the latest generation of stand-alone vehicles into systems of systems by connecting them to information and service networks. This approach is enabling capabilities that could never be realised with disconnected vehicles, no matter how sophisticated they are.

Intelligent Products Add Complexity In addition to great opportunity for innovation, this paradigm shift is also creating a paradox for manufacturers. Such capabilities naturally require greater complexity in all facets of the product lifecycle. Beginning with the first industrial revolution

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over a century ago, manufactured products have shifted from mechanical to electro-mechanical to mechatronic to software-dependent designs. These transitions enabled manufacturers to innovate rapidly while lowering costs, improving quality, streamlining compliance, and delivering products to market faster.

The same transitions have introduced dramatic increases in complexity, which is at the root of the paradox, because product complexity stands in the way of achieving those goals. More complex products require a much deeper understanding of needs, risks, and requirements before designing the product, more complex designs, more complex manufacturing processes, and more complex support processes during the service life of the product. All this adds up to greater cost, lower quality, less compliance, and longer development cycles, which work together to inhibit innovation.

Greater Risk, Lower Quality The cost of product liability and regulatory compliance is ratcheting up rapidly. Increasing complexity in products makes it even more difficult to ensure the product will function as intended regardless of the way it is used, the environment in which it is used, and the length of time it is in service.

In today’s rapidly escalating liability and regulatory environment, manufacturers face huge risks if one

The Challenges That Product Complexity Bring To Engineering

Increased Development Cost And Longer Time-To-Market It simply costs more to specify, design, and build a more complex product. In fact, as the volume of features, code, and electronic components in a product increases, complexity tends to rise at an exponential rate.

This creates additional o v e rh e a d t h a t c a n b e detrimental to the organisation, driving up costs and elongating development cycle time.

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Intelligent products bring complexity challenges not only to design and engineering, but also to the product development process itself. One way to categorise this complexity is through the lens of the classical engineering triple constraint of cost, schedule, and performance.

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Admeijer, The Netherlands

sector spotlight

of their products fails in a catastrophic way. This, in turn, forces them to pour additional effort into the identification, management, and mitigation of risk, as well as more expensive quality assurance, verification, and testing processes.

Barriers To Innovation Good ideas for new products and enhancements to existing products are often set aside due to concerns about cost, schedule, and risk that arise from the added complexity required to implement them.

Furthermore, engineers distracted by the massive complexity that are already in products have less time and energy to focus on innovation. Consequently, they tend to shelve a new idea before it can be vetted.

New Kinds Of Complexity As sophisticated and highly complex discrete products become apart of even larger systems of interconnected products, the level of complexity not only increases but takes on new characteristics.

Systems engineering originally arose to address the complexity of monolithic systems. Since a system of systems tends to exhibit new kinds of complex behaviour, systems engineering practices must be adapted and enhanced to address them.

Increasing Use Of Software The last — and equally important — of the challenges driving change in systems engineering is the explosive growth of software in manufactured products.

Software-intensive products can do more — better, faster, cheaper, and with greater reliability — than mechatronic products of roughly equal capability.

Those advantages, however, come with a mirrored set of challenges that, when not managed, can undo all the gains and then some. Organisations that are unaccustomed to managing these profound differences are often surprised by unwanted and costly consequences.

Other Factors Driving Changes In Systems Engineering While product complexity has played a predominant role in driving changes to the systems engineering discipline, other forces have also come into play that are likewise driving changes to the practice of systems engineering.

Better, Faster, Cheaper Product manufacturers have begun to extend the reach of their products, resulting in revenues to global markets. This has naturally driven more competition, as new competitors are constantly entering any given regional marketplace, yet are also able to reach the

The integration of technology is enabling more streamlined design processes and greater mobility.

same global marketplace.

Consumers and manufacturers have clearly benefited from the resulting innovation, lower product cost, and faster time-to-market. But there is another side to this matter. The relentless drive for ‘better, faster, cheaper’ also places enormous pressure on manufacturers to improve their methods of bringing products to market. Many of the business, engineering, manufacturing, and service processes still widely in use today are crumbling under the strain and failing to scale to meet the need.

Rapid Advances In Technology Recent technological advances in critical areas affecting product manufacturing, such as materials science and nanotechnologies, sensors, and wireless connectivity, are affecting manufacturers and systems engineers in profound ways. These advances are enabling game-changing product innovations at a rapid rate and each individual advance requires an adaptation of practices, methods, and tools across all engineering disciplines.

Of course, such changes within each discipline require adaptation in related disciplines as well. All this adds up to a lot of pressure on systems engineers, who have to adapt to each new technological change rapidly and effectively so as to take full advantage of it.

Systems Engineering Must Be Iterative As previously stated, the greater the complexity of the system under consideration, the less likely manufacturers will be able to drive out critical risk early enough to efficiently and effectively design and build the product right on the first try. By iterating through early steps in the lifecycle — starting with systems requirements and architecture and continuing through component design and verification — engineers can ‘learn what they do not know’ and adapt system requirements and architecture accordingly.

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Systems Engineering Must Address The New Product Lifecycle The complexity of today’s smarter products demands an even more holistic product lifecycle approach that begins when the initial needs for a new product are defined, and continues until the product is finally retired from use.

In addition, the paradigm shift from the discrete product as the primary source of revenue to intelligent products and servitisation as the primary revenue stream means that systems engineers must not only focus more on the service part of the product lifecycle, but also adapt to seeing the lifecycle in a whole new way.

Systems Engineering Must Validate Requirements Early And Often The process of requirements validation, or determining that the requirements are correct to ensure that the right product will be built, must adapt so that system requirements are more thoroughly validated much earlier in the product engineering lifecycle. Numerous methods and tools must be employed together to accomplish this goal.

Systems Engineering Must Be Model-Centric Specifically, modelling and simulation must take on a new role in the practice of systems engineering.

Text and static diagrams have been the primary and central tools of specification and communication for the systems engineer for decades, but the complex nature of intelligent products and systems is driving a shift toward models. In general, models are a less ambiguous and more holistic tool of specification and communication in engineering.

Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) is merging with system simulation languages to form an integral means of capturing and validating all aspects of system requirements and architecture in

one seamless model. This transition could potentially transform the entire systems engineering practice.

Conclusion Systems and software engineering must work together seamlessly. As previously shown, software is not like hardware, so software complexity and change are not like hardware complexity and change. It is interesting to note that systems and software engineering are more alike in many ways than systems and hardware engineering, and this parallel nature has not gone unnoticed by leaders in the systems and software engineering professions.

The close relationship between systems and software engineering is not merely coincidental. It is an outgrowth of the fact that software, by its unique nature, lends itself to being treated as a system in nearly every facet: architecture, design, modelling, simulation, development, testing, and so on.

Therefore, as software continues to grow in volume along with its role in products, the value of the high correlation between systems and software engineering methods increases as well, and leads systems and software engineers to share and adapt each other’s methods and tools.

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Systems Engineering Must Be Highly Collaborative Since the biggest challenges in building a complex system of systems are crosscutting and holistic in nature, it no longer makes sense to have engineers organised into teams by discipline.

Instead, manufacturers are learning that they must reorganise into smaller, multidisciplinary teams in which all key engineering disciplines are represented — usually including systems, mechanical, electrical/electronic, software, manufacturing, and service engineers.

I n t h i s e n v i ro n m e n t , m u l t i d i s c i p l i n a r y collaboration is not only encouraged through proximity but must be enabled by lean, iterative processes and advanced collaboration technologies.

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F

ollowing the debut of the PowerFlex 525 in March 2013, Rockwell Automation launched the PowerFlex 523 in October 2013. Commenting on both launches, Jimmy Koh, global marketing manager for the company’s compact AC drives, told Industrial Automation Asia (IAA) that the PowerFlex 525 was well received globally.

Wi t h t h e l a u n c h o f t h e PowerFlex 523, the company now has two drive offerings for the OEM market, designed to lower

total cost to design, develop and deliver machines.

Key Differentiators During the inter view, it was not difficult to notice some differentiators that the AC drives possess. According to Mr Koh, one of the key features is the ease of installation. This application is critical because some processes are time-sensitive. He said: “Traditionally, (drives) come in standard pieces. When they arrive (at a plant), they are mounted and

subsequently programmed. This is a time-consuming process.

With the power and control modules, which can be physically s e p a r a t e d , p ro d u c t i v i t y i s increased as time savings are achieved. The independent nature of the power and control modules allows users to carry out installation and programming concurrently.”

The programming experiences have also been enhanced by the onboard USB port. Whilst the power module is being wired into

The Driving Force IAA spoke with the executives at Rockwell Automation to understand the concept behind its latest drive introduction, the PowerFlex 520 series, and the company’s future endeavours. By Joson Ng

From left: Victor Lim, Anne Chng & Jimmy Koh

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According to Mr Koh, the design of the new line of compact drives not only enhances user experiences, it also improves machine builders’ competitiveness.

a machine, engineers can take the control module to a computer and with a standard USB cable, download drive configuration files and flash firmware using a transfer application onboard the control module. This module does not require power other than that provided via the USB. Besides using a standard USB connection for uploading and downloading drive-configuration files, users can experience easier configuration. They can program the drive through its built-in Human Interface Module (HIM), which displays data on the drive’s LCD with scrolling QuickView text and detailed explanations of parameters and other codes. The HIM also has multiple language options to address global needs.

Knowing that users can spend quite a bit of time programming to suit different applications, the PowerFlex 520-Series of AC drives come with the AppView and CustomView tools to help speed configuration by providing groups of parameters for common applications and allowing users to save their settings to new

parameter groups. These tools can be accessible via the HIM, as well as configuration software.

As Mr Koh further pointed out, “the design of our new line of compact drives not only enhances user experiences, it also improves machine builders’ competitiveness. We have gone beyond the typical emphasis on specification alone.”

Apart from its merits in the installation phase, Victor Lim, commercial marketing director (Asia Pacific), said that operating temperatures are also an important consideration during the design stage. The versatility or the ability to work across various climates is part of his philosophy on “giving customers choices.” It is also a key selling point for markets in Asia, Africa and the Middle East, where temperatures can fluctuate greatly as the environment changes.

Getting Closer To The Market The improvements or innovations found on the drives did not come easy, nor was it purely visionary.

Mr Lim said the team worked hard to incorporate the company vision and the needs from the market, which are well-suited for the company’s Asian clientele.

He said: “Just to give you a better perspective, the company’s global compact AC drives team sits in Singapore. Not many competitors have their global drives team based in Singapore.

The company recognised that it is important for the team to be able to reach out to their key growth market, understand its pulse and provide offerings that are needed by the market. This is also important for the company to extend its global footprint.”

Expansion & Marketing Strategies Expansion is always on the forefront of every forward-thinking company. Although the methods

may differ, the aim is always the same. For Rockwell, they prefer to build a strong relationship with their customers.

Said Mr Koh: “We believe in getting closer to our customers.

Our first line to our customers is, in fact, our internal sales team. In whatever we do, we make sure our sales team understands not just the product, but our value proposition and how each of our company offerings could be bundled together to provide an integrated solution.

We advocate team effort by sharing strategies on what works best for some key markets and making joint customer visits.

We want to build trust, which is especially important to Asia in building relationships. Walking the talk and understanding our customers goes a long way toward sustainable business growth. This also aligns well with our company tag line: Listen Think Solve.”

In Asia, the company adopts a broad-brush approach in establishing presence. As Mr Koh said, China remains a big focus because he believes that if a company is successful in China, it can be successful elsewhere. Apart from China, India is the next focus and the company views Southeast Asia as its emerging market.

In terms of marketing, engagement is the key word for the company and interaction is the fundamental basis in the company’s marketing endeavours.

This is evident in the events they organise or are involved in.

Anne Chng, marketing communications manager (Southeast Asia) said: “For Southeast Asia, we will continue with our roadshows, the Rockwell Automation On The Move (RAOTM). It is a roadshow that enables customers to see our company’s innovative technologies. Next year, we are Dec 2013/Jan 2014 | industrial automation asia 57

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features

concentrating on organising two; one will be in Malaysia and the other one in Surabaya, Indonesia. The aim is to bring our roadshows to our customers without them having to travel too far to attend our exhibitions.”

The roadshows in the region are actually a spinoff from the successful Automation Fair held annually in the US, according to Mr Lim. He said the fair sees partners come together to offer solutions. Calling the fair the “big mother ship,” he revealed it attracts some 13,000 to 15,000 visitors over the duration of the show, which is typically two days.

Engagements do not stop at the trade show level. He said the company brings the machines to the provinces, factories and even to the schools after the conclusion of a roadshow. For him, it is a good way to introduce the company to future engineers and leaders.

The Internet Of Things The Internet of Things (IoT) is an abstract concept with plenty of room for interpretation. In a nutshell, it involves connecting physical objects to the Internet and seeing how they will be able to identify themselves to other devices. For a company like Rockwell, IoT can be described as the ‘breath’ of the company and everything that it represents.

IAA asked the company how it sees the IoT space impacting its business and what challenges are associated with realising a successful IoT implementation strategy.

Mr Lim said: “IoT and Ethernet IP are actually our breath; we are a strong advocator of Ethernet IP network. Look at all our products; there is a single source of network that we want our products to be on. At this moment, this is a welladopted network compared to the

rest of the networks. The whole thing about Ethernet IP is that it is a very safe and secure enterprise for our customers. Our concept is very open, anybody can join the consortium.”

Elsewhere in Barcelona, Spain, where the Internet of Things World Forum was held recently, the company’s chairman & CEO Keith Nosbusch gave a speech on Industrial IoT in Action.

He said that the global population is rising and it looks set to exceed 7.6 billion by the year 2020; of which, more than 70 million will cross into the middle class annually, adding some US$8 trillion to consumer spending.

This point, coupled with increased demand on industrial production, will result in market consumerism.

For instance, there will be more demand for water (+30 percent),

vehicles (+100 percent), steel (+80 percent) and energy (+150 percent).

He said that IoT will help improve the standard of living for everyone. In the manufacturing field, it can bring about a safer, more accessible food supply, and enhanced protection from catastrophic production failures.

In terms of resources, more efficient wastewater treatment and affordable oil & gas production are made possible with IoT. All in all, he said that for IoT, the greatest value at stake is in manufacturing, which accounts for 27 percent of the total value.

According to him, industrial IoT enablers are the cloud, mobility, big data analytics, smart things and security.

ENQUIRY NO. 8801

Facility Visit IAA took a look at the company’s Customer Briefing Competency Centre (CBCC).

The centre showcases the company’s advanced automation products, integrated control and information architecture and provides an educational experience for professionals at all levels.

The CBCC includes a working model of a complete Integrated Architecture solution, integrating multiple control disciplines such as discrete, motion, process, batch, and motor control on a single platform to provide a safe and secure production environment. It also focuses on the expanding process capabilities of the company, including safety, high availability and asset management.

Visitors to the centre can learn how to gain a competitive advantage with the convergence of information, communication, control and power technologies.

ENQUIRY NO. 8802

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ENQUIRY NO. 650

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eBOOK EXCLUSIVE

As mobility takes off and connections increase, the amount of data that needs to be stored and processed will increase dramatically. The coming year will not just see people connected, but ‘things’ too, creating many opportunities but also many challenges. By Andrew Milroy, VP, ICT Practice (Research), Frost & Sullivan

IT Outlook 2014:

T

he coming year is set to be the year when the focus of both IT buyers and IT sellers, shifts to the Internet of Things (IoT). In 2014, more data will be generated by machines (‘things’) than by human beings. This creates enormous opportunities: • To analyse and use vast amounts of data.

• To store data and source application functionality in/ from the cloud.

• To create, manage and support apps that enable the operation and management of IoT implementations.

• To provide high speed connectivity between objects and the people, who work with them and use them.

Indeed, the explosion of IoT activity over the next few years

eBook Exclusive Dec2013Jan2014.indd 26

Pascal Montsma, The Netherlands

Ubiquitous Connectivity And The Internet Of Things will be driven by the nexus of low cost sensors, cloud computing, advanced data analytics and mobility.

for tools that can visualise this data will increase as organisations seek to improve evidence based decision making.

Big Data

Cloud Computing

Using powerful analytics tools to take full advantage of the huge amount of data available is becoming common. Big data projects are increasingly being viewed as priorities. As individuals, we see the results of such projects all the time. For example, have you noticed how the ads that are served to you in your Facebook news feed, are increasingly well targeted?

The IoT is set to create much more data than is created by human beings. This data will be used to enable organisations to increase efficiency and effectiveness, grow revenues, innovate and transform the way they do business. Demand

In mature economies, cloud computing has become mainstream. Organisations in most mature economies, as we predicted, now need to find a justification for not using cloud computing as opposed to on premise alternatives, rather than the converse. The new cloud opportunities will be driven by the IoT. Data generated by low cost sensors will be stored and analysed in the cloud. Applications which drive the functionality of sensors and other mobile devices will also be hosted and developed in the cloud. These cloud computing opportunities will multiply as the IoT becomes more widespread.

12/9/13 2:55:09 PM

Apps

apps. From an IoT perspective, these networks will be necessary to rapidly and reliably transmit growing volumes of data between sensors and devices.

The app explosion will be further accelerated by the IoT. These apps will be developed in the cloud for deployment on any device or sensor. Platforms that allow this app development will become more widely used.

Leading technology vendors, such as Salesforce.com, Microsoft, VMWare, Amazon and Google, will battle for dominance, as the provider of the cloud platform on which apps are developed.

A professional services market centered around the development and management of apps will become increasingly significant in 2014.

Some Specific IoT Opportunities

Mobility And High Speed Networks

Ralaenin, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

The penetration of smartphones has surpassed 50 percent in many economies. This is driving businesses to find ways of engaging their customers directly on their smartphones. Expect to see apps become the primary form of engagement with organisations.

In other words, the first thing that people will do when they want to interact with their bank, airline, favourite retailer or restaurant, is find an app that enables and enhances that interaction.

High speed networks will need to be deployed to enable this heavy use of increasingly sophisticated

The number of connections to and between devices is due to increase astronomically as the Internet of Things emerges.

eBook Exclusive Dec2013Jan2014.indd 27

The biggest revenue opportunity today for an IoT ecosystem is transportation and logistics. The deployment of low cost IP enabled sensors within ‘things’ that move products around as well as within products themselves, opens huge opportunities beyond supply chain optimisation.

Airbus is an excellent example of the use of sensors to drive performance in the transportation sector. The components that make up an A380 are fitted with sensors that can monitor ‘wear and tear’ in real time. This allows Airbus to create a dynamic maintenance process optimised by data continually being generated from components that are being used.

From a technology perspective this requires a huge amount of storage and application functionality, as well as data analysis. Cloud computing, big data technologies and lower cost sensors will enable aircraft manufacturers and airlines to transform and optimise their maintenance processes.

Other industries are opening up to the opportunities created by the IoT. Smart cities, connected cars, and connected health are examples of transformations that are being driven by IoT. There is also a lot of interest in how the IoT will impact manufacturing.

Soon, managers in the manufacturing sector will monitor and manage machinery from their mobile devices. The activity of specialised machinery such as drills will be monitored using myriad of sensors. This will enable manufacturers to replace expensive machinery based on usage rather than

based on the amount of time the machine has been installed. These developments and others have huge implications on the way manufacturing plants are designed, operated and maintained.

Key IoT Challenges The IoT is dependent on cloud computing, high speed connectivity and powerful data analysis tools. Issues around reliable connectivity and enterprise grade cloud computing services still exist. Reliability and performance issues will need to be addressed to allow the potential of IoT to be realised.

As more machines operate independently of human beings, the potential risks associated with security breaches multiply.

Hacking a self driving car or an aircraft navigation system could have devastating consequences.

Te c h n o l o g y v e n d o r s m u s t continually ensure that IoT technology is secure and that there are processes to address security breaches.

Although the ever increasing number of ‘things’ is expected to be IP enabled, it remains important that standards emerge, as ‘things’ may not be able to communicate with each other and the people that engage with them. There remains a risk that we create an ‘Internet of Silos’.

In Conclusion As cloud, data analytics, mobility and connectivity technologies mature, the IoT will open up enormous new opportunities across industries. Activities that were once the domain of specialised industry vendors will become open to the world’s leading technology firms.

Technology vendors will place much greater focus on industry specific activities as they seek to fully benefit from the IoT and connected industries.

12/9/13 2:55:11 PM

EVENT REVIEW

Yokogawa’s Users’ Conference 2013

Satoru Kurosu, president & CEO, Yokogawa Electric International officially opening the Technology & Automation Fair at the Yokogawa Users’ Conference, Asia Pacific.

The inaugural Yokogawa Users’ Conference, Asia Pacific was held over three days at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Malaysia from August 27 - 29, 2013. Total participants numbered 450, with 50 sponsors supporting the event. More than 120 papers were presented during the course of the conference covering a range energy-efficient technologies.

The conference covered many trends in the upstream, downstream, power, energy management, plant safety, plant security and the latest industrial standards; which sought to enable users to gain strategic perspectives from eminent speakers of major energy companies.

On why the company decided on Kuala Lumpur to host this event, Satoru Kurosu, president & CEO, Yokogawa Electric International

Senior executives of Yokogawa and partnering organisations officially open the inaugural Asia Pacific Yokogawa Users’ Conference.

commented: “During the past few years, Malaysia has achieved excellent progress spanning all the industries and it has contributed significantly to our business in South-East Asia. The venue, KLCC, is centrally located next to Petronas headquarters, and it is convenient for our customers to attend. In future, we plan to rotate this Asia-Pacific event across several countries in the region.” Mr Kurosu also added:

“We are planning to have the next users conference in two to three years’ time. Maybe in 2015 when Yokogawa celebrates her centennial anniversary.”

The conference was themed ‘Let’s build a sustainable future together,’ which brought users f ro m S o u t h e a s t A s i a , N e w Zealand, India and Middle East on a common platform to meet, discuss and exchange ideas for a sustainable future.

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The Highlights Some of the highlights of the conference included the Technology & Automation Fair, which showcased many products from some of the company’s partners. Technologies that made use of virtual reality were on show, such as a plant operation concept known as the Mirror Plant. The Mirror Plant is a concept whereby a plant model is created that fuses the virtual and real worlds with the purpose of overcoming restrictions of time and space. In addition to this there were many novel sensors on display and other technologies, both from Yokogawa and its partners that benefits the industrial automation sector.

In addition to the Technology & Automation Fair there were opportunities for brainstorming and customised training by consultants and industry experts.

One such brainstorming session related to cybersecurity, but with many more organised throughout the course of the conference.

Social and cultural events were also organised for spouses to experience the rich cultural heritage of Malaysia.

Wireless Demonstration The company also demonstrated the use of field wireless devices in a water level control application.

The industrial automation

wireless communication standard, ISA100.11a, was adopted by the company for use in its industrial wireless devices.

The system in question made use of a wireless D3 valve p o s i t i o n e r f ro m F l o w s e r v e Corporation and the Centum VP integrated production control system, wireless gateway devices, and the DPharp EJX B series wireless differential pressure/pressure transmitter from Yokogawa.

The field wireless devices all incorporated ISA100 Wireless technology, which featured a 1-second data update t i m e . R e d u n d a n t w i re l e s s communications paths were e m p l o y e d t o e n s u re h i g h reliability.

The company is working on the application of wireless

technologies that can be suitable for both monitoring and control purposes throughout plants.

The demonstration conducted by it showed for the first time how Centum VP could be used under actual plant conditions in a wireless control application.

To broaden the use of ISA100 Wireless technology and related services in plant-wide wireless applications, the company has been aggressively promoting its ‘Wireless Anywhere’ business concept. The ISA100 Wireless technology ensures high reliability, application flexibility, network expandability, and compatibility with a variety of wired communication standards such as Foundation fieldbus, HART, and Profibus.

The company provides field wireless products that make use

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Mr Kurosu commented: “Global warming is a big concern for future generations and all of us have to play our part. Yokogawa places a high priority on protecting the environment, and we manage our business accordingly. Using our control, measurement and information technologies, we supply environmentally friendly products and green, energysaving solutions that helped our customers to reduce their environmental footprint.”

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EVENT REVIEW

The Exhibitors

Executives and visitors are invited to view the exhibitions at the Technology & Automation Fair, part of the inaugural Asia Pacific Yokogawa Users’ Conference.

of dual redundant technologies.

In addition to ensuring a higher level of reliability, The company’s ISA100 Wireless solutions allow massive scalability and enable long-range communications.

This realisation of a wireless control system with high-speed response and high reliability gives the organisation great momentum as it works to assure the success of an integrated single wireless infrastructure in plantwide monitoring and control applications.

See, Know And Act See, Know, and Act are the three components that make up the company’s Vigilantplant strategy.

This concept was mentioned several times during the course of the conference and is an important component of the company’s business. In essence it ecompasses the three concepts previously mentioned, See, Know, and Act. • See clearly — Digital field instruments deliver stable and accurate process m e a s u re m e n t s w i t h l o w installed cost and near z e ro m a i n t e n a n c e . We b enabled technology allows

these intelligent devices to continuously upgrade their capabilities online while keeping the customer informed of the plant floor conditions with dynamic predictive intelligence.

• K n o w i n a d v a n c e — Integrated asset management software leverages digital field information and keeps the production system in its best condition. The company’s suite of advanced process control software utilises predictive software intelligence to further optimise the process, while a robust plant information management system integrates real-time production data and enables flexible production management.

• Act with agility — Broadband control system handles the wealth of bilateral digital field information with no performance bottlenecks.

Advanced operation assistance technology further enhances operational efficiency, enabling valuable operational expertise to be shared through an intuitive software environment.

The conference featured more than 50 exhibits featuring over 100 products and solutions. Some of the companies exhibiting included Belden, Weidmuller, MTL Instruments, Dwisolar, Badotherm, Oliver values, Phoenix Contact, Datum Struct, Wika Instrumentation, Pepperl+Fuchs, Ecom Instruments, Rittal, Vega, and Oakwell Engineering Limited.

Datum Struct showcased their Control Centre Design and Build (CCDB). The company adopted a holistic approach when doing design and build for a 21st century command and control centre, for example, the oil and gas industry.

They started with understanding the customer requirements and then looked at different design factors, like a study of the ergonomics of the control centre, and interior design and fit out of the control centre. From there they go into the console desk design based on the customer requirement, and so on.

“This is the first Yokogawa User’s Conference in Asia Pacific.

It has exceeded my expectation as a show, from the opening to the customers that Yokogawa brought along, especially Petronas and the oil companies. This show is definitely a show that is worth participating in,” Ken Low, director, Datum Struct (Singapore).

In the case of Vega Instruments, G o h B o o n Te c k , d i re c t o r, Vega Instruments (Singapore) commented on the event: “Yokogawa has a good mix of customers coming in.” Vega Instruments and Yokogawa have partnered on a number of projects, including a waste water treatment plant in Singapore and on Palm Oil projects in Malaysia.

August 27-29, 2013 Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia ENQUIRY NO. 8901

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EVENT REVIEW

Singapore International

Energy Week 2013

Milo Sjardin, head of Asia Pacific Bloomberg New Energy Finance, Singapore speaking at ‘Renewable Energy Future, Doubling Renewable Energy Share - REMAP 2030’.

Augustine Quek reports on the latest trends and activities in the energy sector at the 2013 edition of Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW), from October 8 to November 1, 2013.

On the October 28, 2013, against the backdrop of the glitzy lights of the Sands Casino, about 2,000 people took part in lively discussions on energy issues at the adjacent Sands Expo and Convention Centre.

The 2013 edition of Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW) began with a keynote address

by Qatar gas CEO Sheikh Khalid Ban Khalifa Al Thani.

He spoke about the diverse challenges facing the global gas market — including the pricing, outlook and structural issues in the key geographies of North America, Europe and Asia.

The Opening SIEW also saw robust discussions on its first day, with the Singapore Energy Summit turning its spotlight on the challenges facing the global energy sector, and Singapore’s domestic energy programme and its growing potential as a regional gas hub. S Iswaran, minister in prime minister’s office, second minister for home affairs and trade & industry, gave several details at the opening of the Singapore Energy Summit (SES).

S Iswaran, minister in the prime minister’s office and second minister for home affairs and trade and industry, Singapore speaking at the Gas Asia Summit.

The minister mentioned the completion of the S$1.7 billion (US$1.36 billion) Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Terminal on Jurong Island, which started commercial operations in May this year with two tanks and an initial throughput capacity of 3.5 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa). The terminal’s capacity will increase to 6 Mtpa by the end of the year when a third tank is completed. The government has already announced plans for a fourth tank and associated regasification facilities, raising, throughput capacity to 9 Mtpa by 2016.

In addition to these initiatives, he also said that the government is taking steps to maximise solar energy potential in Singapore when the technology becomes commercially viable. Solar output data across Singapore is being collected, while power system operations are being enhanced to include solar forecasting capabilities.

Energy Agency Report Southeast Asia’s energy future was addressed in a special International Energy Agency report on

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Doubling Renewable Energy At the roundtable on ‘Renewable Energy Future, Doubling Renewable Energy Share — REMAP 2030’, the findings of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) were revealed. In theory the global contribution of renewables technology could double by 2030 — providing the pace of deployment was accelerated. Without accelerated deployment, current and planned policies could only increase the renewable energy share from at most 18 percent in 2010 to around 21 percent in 2030.

However, the study predicted that the uptake of renewables in Asia would be slower than the rest of the world. This is due to the high costs of renewables as well as the large subsidies provided for fossil fuels.

The Asia Future Energy Forum The Asia Future Energy Forum looked at the need for cost-effective energy storage to make renewables viable. A similar theme was also explored at Asia Smart Grids, where energy storage is seen as key to solving the problem of the intermittent nature of renewable energy.

Currently, storage systems such as pump-hydro storage, compress air energy storage, flywheels and batteries are being used to make energy supply more reliable. But more time, research and resources would be required to bring energy storage systems closer to commercial viability.

Photovoltaics Asia Pacific Conference The second day also saw the Photovoltaics Asia Pacific Conference (PVAP), which consists of the Solar Leaders Dialogue, Global PV Financial Summit, and PV Technology Conference. Describing business sentiment towards the current state of the PV industry, Dr Shi Zhengrong, the founder of Suntech, a solar panel manufacturer, said: “The market went from nothing, to huge, to a crash. Very few manufacturers are making money at the moment.”

Indeed, the combination of lower levels of government support, excess production capacity

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The Gas Asia Summit was marked by a significant announcement on the expansion of Singapore’s LNG market by Mr Iswaran. Gas supplies were also the focus at Downstream Asia 2013. Emerging shale gas and light tight oil from the US may become global game changers, according to Anon Sirisaengtaksin, chairman, PTT Chemical International at the plenary session.

He also said that Interconnectivity between the East and West will accelerate the impact of the shale gas evolution in the US on the global petrochemical feedstock structure. It was noted that a shift from the conventional naphtha to gas-based feedstocks could lead to an oversupply of lighter chemical products such as ethylene derivatives, driving prices and revenue downwards.

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ENQUIRY NO. 657

the second day of SIEW. It focused on a range of challenges facing the region — from growing energy demand to critical policy initiatives. Speaking to a luncheon audience, Dr Fatih Birol, chief economist, International Energy Agency said that the energy sector in Southeast Asia required US$100 billion in investment each year with US$60 billion of that needed to fund the development of the electricitygeneration sector.

On a region-wide basis, the IEA outlook does not expect to see future development of new oil power plants but potential for nuclear plants as well as significant growth in gas and renewables; the latter mainly hydropower in markets such as Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos.

Dr Birol said that based on the current calculations of future energy demand in Southeast Asia, 20 years from now per capita demand would still only be one-third of OECD levels — meaning there is huge room for even higher energy demand than currently estimated.

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EVENT REVIEW

Asia Future Energy Forum/Asia Smart Grid Exhibition

Bernard Nee, assistant chief executive of energy market authority speaking at the Asia Smart Grid and Asia Future Energy Forum.

and more recently, anti-dumping rulings seemed to have conspired to make 2013 a challenging year. But while the traditionally large European markets have stalled, Asian markets have been growing, “Last year alone China installed 10 GW of solar PV,” said Dr Shi, in a discussion panel on global photovoltaic developments and trends.

The Exhibitors The numerous exhibitions (Asia Future Energy, Asia Smart Grids, Downstream Asia, and Gas Asia Summit) also saw strong participation from a broad range of companies. There were the usual big players in control such as ABB and Invensys, together with emerging companies such as Opower and GSE Systems.

Opower, a US-based company with more than 90 utility clients in seven countries also presented their energy management software. The multichannel customer engagement and home energy management software platform uses behavioural science techniques and a patent-pending dataanalytics engine to provide improved energy use information to customers. It leverages utility data

and other third party data, such as weather, building information and so on, to generate targeted messaging through different communication channels (social media, email, mobile, etc).

Another energy management platform, was exhibited by the Netherlands company Plugwise. A wireless energy management system, Plugwise uses the Zigbee network to provide insights into energy use from mains level down to the device level. This enables consumers to discover when and where energy consumption is heaviest, or even when there is any hidden consumption. This information will also acted upon by the software to switch off devices or to other devices, using features such as automatic switching and switch groupings through a multi-site portal.

Malaysian company CessMy has an energy saving device called Clean Electric-Environment System (CES), that can improve the efficiency of electricity transmission in the household. By connecting the device in parallel to the circuit breaker, it then sends out valence and resonance waves that reduce ‘electronic friction’ — the uneven distribution of electrons that flows through a circuit. CES is claimed to be able to be able save an average of 715 percent of power with a lifespan of 10 to 20 years.

Waste heat recovery was also on display, with heat exchangers from Holland-based company HeatMatrix. The LUVO XL is a gas/gas heat exchanger that enables heat recovery from corrosive and fouling gas stream. The heat exchange consists of lightweight corrosion resistant plastic modules instead of metal components. The countercurrent flow configurations is claimed to be able to recover over 20 percent more energy than existing cross flow heat exchangers.

In Conclusion The annual week-long platform for discussions on energy solutions came to an end on Friday November 1, 2013. With Asia’s rapidly rising energy demand, infrastructure and energy-related services, the week has definitely made an impact on its participants from around the world.

Octrober 28 – November 1, 2013 Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Singapore ENQUIRY NO. 8902

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products & Services ABB: Touchscreen Panels

ABB has introduced several new operator interface touchscreen panels for its Compact control products for process and general industries. The Panel 800 PP882 and PP885 operator interface panels provide improved process visibility through larger screens, sharper displays, quicker access to multiple applications and an easy-to-use and navigate touchscreen interface.

This release also includes a Control Network (MMS) driver for the company’s AC 800M controller, TotalFlow driver and a new version of the configuration tool. Panels PP882 and PP885, with 12.1” and 15.4” display sizes respectively, are both equipped with high-resolution widescreen TFT/LED backlit, touchscreen displays with 262,000 colours.

Elmo Motion Control: Motion

Controller

Elmo Motion Control, a provider of motion control solutions, has released a firmware update for Gold Maestro Motion Controller Version 1.1.2.0, including a range of features that make complex motion tasks easier to program and faster to implement.

The product now offers full Delta Robot Support, including Linear, Circle, Polynomial, Table Spline and Table PVT. Simply define the Delta robot part lengths, and the machine is ready to run.

Enhanced Error Correction Support is another feature of the updated product, enabling position correction of both single and multi-axis positions in real time, based on correction data. Superimposed management of error correction is fully supported. In addition, the feature supports 1D, 2D and 3D error correction.

Enquiry no. 8903

Apacer: Cloud-Based SSD

The cloud-based SSD - SFD (SATA Flash Drive) 25A from Apacer aims to overcome the bottleneck of big data access. With adoption of SATA 3.0 transmission interface, SFD 25A achieves double transmission capacity and large storage capacities up to 256 GB. This product is suitable for On-Line storage in a cloud storage centre to save the cost of server space so as to optimise its operating conditions, featuring high-speed, stability and power savings.

Enquiry no. 8904

Enquiry no. 8905

Hioki: Clamp On Power

Logger

The Clamp On Power Logger PW3360-21 for advanced energy logging and power efficiency analysis from Hioki has added harmonic measurement functionality to the PW3360-20 model.

The PW3360-21 can measure harmonics found on voltage and current signals, and can display a variety of measurement parameters, including harmonic RMS values, content percentages, and phase angles, in both list and graph form.

It can also save measured values on an SD memory card at a user-specified interval. Moreover, the optional Power Logger Viewer SF1001 PC application can be used to display timeseries graphs of harmonic data on a computer, further aiding in harmonic analysis.

Enquiry no. 8906

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products & Services

ifm electronic: Pneumatic

Kvaser: Low-profile CAN

Pressure Sensor

Board

ifm electronic has launched a pressure sensor for pneumatic applications in robotics & handling. Using a specially sealed measuring cell, this sensor precisely and reliably detects the pressure in both Vacuum and overpressure range.

Ranges of -1…10 bar, or -1…1 bar, and a measuring cell sealing technology means the sensor is insensitive to liquids (condensed water) and deposits in the system. The sensor features high overload resistance and an accuracy of < ± 0.5 percent. The (Red/Green) 4-digit display can be electronically rotated 180 deg, and conveniently read at a large distance from the front or above.

The Kvaser Mini PCI Express HS is a highly integrated CAN add-on board that adds a single, high speed Controller Area Network (CAN) channel to any standard computer board with mini PCI Express capability. Offering silent mode, error frame detection and an on-board buffer, the small form factor board is suited for any embedded data acquisition systems, but is particularly envisaged for fleet management.

The board has a low profile connector that complies with the mini PCI Express standard, which connects via a cable to a DSUB connector (or other type) at the computer housing.

With just the CAN communication link itself exposed, this arrangement protects total system EMC performance because all the electronics remain inside the computer housing.

Enquiry no. 8907

igus: Measuring System

Enquiry no. 8909

Mitsubishi Electric: Variable

Cable

Speed Drive

igus has optimised its chainflex measuring system cables CF113.D and CF11.D. The measuring systems cables have been further developed for smaller radii with a bending radius of at least 7.5 x cable diameter and dispose of accordingly high-quality superstructures. They are available from stock as yard goods or ready-made in 20 manufacturer standards.

Measuring system cables communicate the movement of a motor back to the control. They are used in any manufacturing machines, for example, in wood processing or in machine tools, but also in storage and retrieval units, in semi-conductor assembly or crane applications. For this reason, five different qualities of measuring system cables are available in the chainflex program.

Mitsubishi Electric has launched the 800 series of Variable Speed Drive (VSD) in the Asean region. The energy-saving drives are specially designed for dedicated Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) applications such as pumps and fans.

The drives come with key features such as 'True Fireman Override Mode', a built-in high resolution Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) screen, DC choke, Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) function and BacNet MS/TP communication.

Dedicated HVAC features include a load profile monitoring function, automatic pump cleaning function, advanced Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) control, and an enhanced Ingress Protection (IP) 55 enclosure up to higher capacities.

Enquiry no. 8908

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products & Services

Moxa: EDS Switch

Rockwell Automation: Flexible AC

Moxa has unveiled a new class of Gigabit Ethernet switches, the EDS E series, for use in large-scale networks to converge field applications in extreme industrial environments. In addition to Level 4 EMS protection, severe shock/vibration resistance, and new thermal fin design that can reduce switch temperatures (5 deg C or more), the EDS E series has many user-centric features to significantly improve network manageability, and the new hardware designs are engineered to provide a high level of switch reliability for industrial applications.

The EDS E series offers various copper and fibre slot combinations with up to 16 gigabit Ethernet ports to quickly build a full-gigabit network backbone or add gigabit speed to existing networks.

The PowerFlex 523 is an economical AC drive, with flexible features that will help users be more competitive. It is suitable for builders of simple, standalone machines and it balances user needs for ‘just enough’ control with a design that lowers total costs to design, develop and deliver machines.

For more sophisticated networked machines, builders can take advantage of an optional dual-port EtherNet/ IP adapter for AC drive. This module supports ring topologies and provides device level ring functionality, which can help provide network resiliency and drive machine availability.

These ring topologies can remove the need for an external switch and reduce necessary cabling. Adding a dual-port EtherNet/IP adapter to the AC drive provides automatic device configuration, which saves time by automatically downloading configuration files when a drive is replaced.

Enquiry no. 8911

Oxford Instruments: Optical

Drive

Enquiry no. 8913

Texas Instruments: LaunchPad

Emission Spectrometer

Evaluation Module

The PMI-Master Smart from Oxford Instruments is a portable optical emission spectrometer for metal analysis. With its lightweight and small size it is convenient to carry, designed for independent analysis especially in hard to reach places. Despite its compact dimensions the product offers full analysis functions, the rechargeable battery pack provides enough power for seven hours in standby or analysis of some hundred samples in spark and/or arc mode.

The transport concept includes customised cases, a cart for more intensive use and a back pack frame to carry the product safely on the back.

Element14 has partnered with Texas Instruments to offer the MSP-EXP430F5529LP LaunchPad. Also dubbed the F5529 LaunchPad, the module offers an easy way to start developing on the MSP430 MCUs with an on-board emulation for programming and debugging.

Complete with buttons and LEDs providing a simple user interface, the device also helps designers quickly learn and develop using the F5529 MCUs. They provide the industry’s lowest active power consumption, integrated USB, more memory and leading integration for applications such as energy harvesting, wireless sensing and Automatic Metering Infrastructure (AMI).

Enquiry no. 8912

Enquiry no. 8914

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Calendar Of Events 2014

apr 1 – 3 MTA Hanoi 2014 International Centre For Exhibition (I.C.E) Hanoi, Vietnam Singapore Exhibition Services Pte Ltd Email: mta@sesallworld.com Web: www.mtahanoi.com/

7 – 11 Hannover Messe 2014

Feb 12 – 14 Semicon Korea 2014 Coex Center Seoul, South Korea Email: semiconkorea@semi.org Web: http://www.semiconkorea.org

Deutsche Messe Hannover, Germany Deutsche Messe AG Email: info@messe.de Web: www.hannovermesse.de/home

21 – 22 IoT Asia 2014 Singapore Expo Convention & Exhibition Centre Singapore Singex Email: jane.siow@singex.com.sg Web: www.internetofthingsasia.com

23 – 24 RFID World Asia 2014

Mar 3 – 5 SIAF Guangzhou China Import and Export Fair Complex Guangzhou, China Guangzhou Guangya Messe Frankfurt Email: sps@china.messefrankfurt.com Web: http://www.siaf-china.com/english/

4 – 6 Propak Vietnam 2014 Saigon Exhibition & Convention Centre (SECC) Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Bangkok Exhibition Services Ltd (BES) Email: arayabhorn@besallworld.com Web: http://www.propakvietnam.com/

4 – 7 Korea Vision Show 2014 Coex Center Seoul, South Korea Korean Vision Show Association Email: mintkiss@coex.co.kr Web: http://automationworld.biz

19 – 22 Inatronics 2014 JIExpo Kemayoran Jakarta, Indonesia PT Global Expo Management (GEM Indonesia) Email: info@gem-indonesia.com Web: www.inatronics-exhibition.net/

Suntec Singapore International Convention & Exhibition Centre Singapore Terrapinn Pte Ltd Email: yeelim.tan@terrapinn.com Web: http://www.terrapinn.com/2014/rfid-world-asia

23 – 25 Nepcon China 2014 Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Centre Shanghai, China, Reed Exhibitions Email: tim.wang@reedexpo.com.cn Web: www.nepconchina.com/en/

May 7 – 9 OS+H Asia 2014 Suntec Singapore Singapore Messe Düsseldorf Asia Email: rita_biswas@mda.com.sg Web: http://www.osha-singapore.com/

21 – 23 Indo Renergy Expo & Forum 2014 Grand City Convex Surabaya, Indonesia PT. Napindo Media Ashatama Email: info@indorenergy.com Web: http://indorenergy.com/

21 – 24 Metaltech 2014 Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Trade Link ITE Sdn Bhd Email: info@tradelink.com.my Web: http://tradelink.com.my/metaltech/

jun 1 – 5 Singapore International Water Week 2014 Sands Expo & Convention Centre Singapore Singapore International Water Week Pte Ltd Email: info@siww.com.sg Web: http://www.siww.com.sg/

11 – 14 Propak Asia 2014 BITEC Bangkok, Thailand International Expo Management Pte Ltd (IEM) Email: davin@iemallworld.com Web: http://www.propakasia.com/

17 – 20 CommunicAsia 2014 Marina Bay Sands Singapore Singapore Exhibition Services Email: vw@sesallworld.com Web: http://www.communicasia.com/

23 – 25 SCM Logistics & Manufacturing World 2014 Suntec Singapore International Convention & Exhibition Centre Singapore Terrapinn Pte Ltd Email: renee.tan@terrapinn.com Web: http://www.terrapinn.com/2014/ scm-logistics-and-manufacturing-world/

15 – 18 Intermach 2014 BITEC Bangkok, Thailand UBM Asia (Thailand) Co Ltd Email: Sukanya.A@ubm.com Web: www.intermachshow.com To be considered for inclusion in the Calendar of Events, send details of event (name, date, venue, organiser contact) to: The Editor IAA Eastern Trade Media Pte Ltd. 1100 Lower Delta Road, EPL Building, #02-05, Singapore 169206 Tel: (65) 6379 2888 Fax: (65) 6379 2805 Email: iaa@epl.com.sg

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659

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