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Contents A5 Six ways VFDs can improve motion control applications Inverter and variable motor control technologies are being used to solve application challenges and improve efficiency and cost-effectiveness in unexpected ways.
A5
A8 Powering automation and IIoT wirelessly Battery-powered solutions are expanding the realm of industrial automation to virtually all external environments, enabling remote wireless devices to thrive throughout the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).
A8
C OMMENT Connecting the dots
V
Jack Smith Editor
ariable frequency drives (VFDs) and batteries that power wireless devices and the technologies that drive the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) appear to have nothing in common. It would be a challenge—if not an impossibility—to connect those dots. However, with automation, there is usually a way. The common thread between these fields is that of a continuous push to improve. As with every automation technology that’s worth its salt, it’s the advances that connect the dots. This issue’s cover story describes six ways VFDs can improve motion control applications. According to the author, “Regardless whether they’re used in material handling, machining, or pump and fan applications, VFDs are an affordable option that can help optimize performance, save energy, and permanently lower machine and robotic lifecycle costs. It is the more complex or unusual uses for VFDs that reveal a whole
host of potential efficiencies available to creative OEMs and end users. Newer ways of using VFD technology can help solve specific motion control application challenges or make them more economical and profitable.” The second story in this issue explains the difference between industrial- and consumer-grade batteries and why that’s important. “The more remote the application, the more likely the need for industrial-grade lithium batteries. Inexpensive consumer-grade batteries may suffice if the device is easily accessible and operates within a moderate temperature range,” writes the author. “However, the cost of replacing a consumergrade battery can far exceed the price of the battery itself, causing the total cost of ownership to rise dramatically. For example, imagine having to replace a battery in a seismic monitoring system sitting on the ocean floor or in a stress sensor attached to a bridge abutment.”
ON THE COVER In applications where motors are spread out or in a system where a moving component shares a common power rail with other moving components, having the inverter drive integrated into the motor just makes sense. Courtesy: Lenze Americas Corp.
Applied Automation October 2017
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C o v e r s t o ry
Six ways VFDs can improve motion control applications Inverter and variable motor control technologies are being used to solve application challenges and improve efficiency and cost-effectiveness in unexpected ways. By Craig Dahlquist Lenze Americas Corporation
V
ariable frequency drive (VFD) technologies— also called inverters, variable speed drives, or ac drives—have been used to control many machine tasks and automated robotics in everything from manufacturing and processing plants to warehouses and other logistics facilities. Regardless whether they’re used in material handling, machining, or pump and fan applications, VFDs are an affordable option that can help optimize performance, save energy, and permanently lower machine and robotic lifecycle costs. VFDs are available in a range of basic voltage models, with 3-phase power operating a 230 V, 480 V, or 600 V motor. Machine drive selection is contingent on motor type, voltage, current rating, input source, and input/output (I/O) requirements. Sizing depends on a number of application-specific factors, including the fullload rating and maximum voltage under full load conditions for the motor. By varying the frequency and voltage supplied to an electric motor, VFDs, in their most basic applications, allow operators to match motor speed to load requirements, operate motors at the most efficient speed for a specific application, and reduce energy consumption. It is the more complex or unusual uses for VFDs, however, that reveal a whole host of potential efficiencies available to creative OEMs and end users. Newer ways of using VFD technology can help solve specific motion control application challenges or make them more economical and profitable. Here are six real-world use cases for tackling advanced motion control applications with VFD solutions:
1. Conveyors with changing loads From airports to factories, conveyors with changing loads are a chronic challenge and a significant drain on energy resources. Conveyors that run empty don’t need full power, but do need to be responsive as they get loaded over time and the demands on the motor change.
Figure 1: Conveyors with changing loads can be run with VFDs to greatly reduce power consumption. Inverters sense lighter loads and adjust the power factor of the motor to run efficiently even at low load cycles. All graphics courtesy: Lenze Americas Corp.
Conveyors with changing loads can be run with VFDs to greatly reduce power consumption (see Figure 1). Inverters sense lighter loads and adjust the power factor of the motor to run efficiently even at low load cycles. This kind of “eco-mode” minimizes the amount of power used when not required and allows the motor to power up and run at peak performance when a heavier load is added. For large factories or automated systems that are spread out, decentralized VFDs eliminate the time and cost (both material and labor) required to run cables back to a control cabinet. Additionally, it is easier—and most cost effective—to drop power from a power bus as close to the motor as possible.
2. Simplifying inter-logistics While VFDs are essential for some use cases, some systems can be optimized with an even simpler solution. New inverters that have multiple fixed speed selections rather than an automatically variable speed can reduce greatly the number of different geared motor combinations in interlogistic applications by the ability to vary the motor speeds.
Applied Automation October 2017 • A5
C o v e r s t o ry In the case of a big warehouse where all the conveyors are connected in a large network, requirements include different conveyor speeds at different locations. Historically, this has meant numerous gearboxes installed at various sections of the system with unique power ratios to make each section of conveyor run at the right speed. The result, however, is that a lot of different gearbox ratios are being used to support the same power requirements. Rather than employing 20 different gearbox sizes in such a situation, just four or five inverter/motor/gearbox combinations might suffice. The frequency can be adjusted to control the speed, allowing operators to optimize each combination rather than relying on across-the-line single speed motor contactors.
3. Operate induction motors at higher frequencies Normal induction motors are designed to run off the line at 60 Hz, but that isn’t necessarily the most optimal design for an application. With VFDs, OEMs can design a motor that goes down to 20 Hz, for winding applications for example, or all the way up to 100 to 600 Hz for a much higher power density. In other words, because power is a factor of speed times torque, OEMs can design motors that are smaller but with the same power as a traditional induction motor. These higher frequency motors are, on average, two motor sizes smaller than their 50/60 Hz counterparts but with the same amount of power. Additionally, with less inertia in the motor, VFD-enabled induction motors have the ability to offer more dynamic system capabilities.
4. Run induction motors in servo mode Servo control requires high precision of speed and position. It requires accuracy. As such, permanent magnet
motors are the equipment of choice when it comes to performing servo functions. But, as they rely on rare metals, they also are very expensive. With the proper feedback, inverter-controlled induction motors can be run in servo mode, offering a much less expensive alternative to the traditional permanent magnet servo motor. While VFDs are most often used in open-loop speed control and are not necessarily considered exceptionally precise, the technology sufficiently can control the motor rotor position for many servo applications. The power density isn’t quite as good and the motor will be slightly larger, so it is essential to carefully consider system needs, motor size, and capabilities. For example, a VFD induction servo motor can’t accelerate as quickly as a permanent magnet motor, but does your application really require that capability? While the solution might be slightly less dynamic, the substantial cost savings could provide a significant advantage in the marketplace.
5. Run permanent magnet motors without feedback Permanent magnet motors are some of the most efficient motors in the common marketplace but have traditionally required feedback to keep track of the pole position and properly commutate the motor. VFD technology now can run permanent magnet motors without feedback and still attain positioning accuracy within 5 degrees. With VFDs, the pole positions are calculated when the motor is in a stopped position and the motor can then be commutated for proper control. Positioning applications without any feedback eliminates the need for a cable and a more expensive servo inverter, replacing both with a less expensive and more efficient VFD. Powered permanent magnet motors with VFD technology also means applications can be run in a speed mode when reducing power consumption is more critical.
6. Reduce panel space, cable length
Figure 2: In applications where motors are spread out or in a system where a moving component shares a common power rail with other moving components, having the inverter drive integrated into the motor just makes sense.
A6 • October 2017
Applied Automation
One of the simplest and most overlooked ways to use VFDs is in space-saving efforts. Integrated motor-drive combinations offer the ability to reduce control panel space and motor cable length on the facility floor. In applications where motors are spread out or in a system where a moving component shares a common power rail with other moving components, having the inverter drive integrated into the motor just makes sense (see Figure 2). Rather than running all cables back to a central cabinet, system engineers can realize a decentralized system that relies on individually driven motors with only control cables run from a main control out to the different parts of the machinery. Craig Dahlquist has been an application engineer at Lenze Americas Corp., Uxbridge, Mass. for the past 14 years.
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B at t e r i e s
Powering automation and IIoT wirelessly Battery-powered solutions are expanding the realm of industrial automation to virtually all external environments, enabling remote wireless devices to thrive throughout the industrial internet of things (iiot). By Sol Jacobs
hard-wiring severely restricted the deployment of HARTenabled devices due to high initial expense, as it costs roughly $100 per foot to install any wired connection, even a basic electrical switch. This cost barrier becomes far more problematic in remote, environmentally sensitive locations, where complex logistical, regulatory, and permitting requirements cause expenses to skyrocket. Development of the WirelessHART protocol has eliminated all these constraints.
Ta d i r a n B a t t e r i e s
I
ndustrial automation no longer is constrained to the factory floor. With the help of wireless communications and advanced lithium battery technology, the landscape is expanding rapidly to incorporate increasingly remote and hostile environments. Choosing the ideal power source The explosion of wireless technology has fueled rapid expansion of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), The vast majority of remote wireless devices are powered allowing billions of wireless devices to become seamlessly by primary (non-rechargeable) lithium batteries. In addition, networked and integrated while being liberated from the certain applications are well-suited to be powered by an power grid. Battery-powered devices have brought wireenergy harvesting device in conjunction with a rechargeable less connectivity to virtually all industrial sectors, including lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery to store the harvested energy. process control, asset management, machine-to-machine, The more remote the application, the more likely the systems and systems control and data automation, transneed for industrial-grade lithium batteries. Inexpensive portation infrastructure, energy production, environmental consumer-grade batteries may suffice if the device is easmonitoring, manufacturing, distribution, health care, and ily accessible and operates within a moderate temperature smart buildings, to name a few. range. However, the cost of replacing a consumer-grade Critical to this growth surge has been the evolution of battery can far exceed the price of the battery itself, causlow-power communications protocols, such as ing the total cost of ownership to rise dramatically. For ZigBee, WirelessHART, and LoRa (a longexample, imagine having to replace a battery in a seismic range, low-power wireless platform), and monitoring system sitting on the ocean floor or in a stress related technologies that permit two-way sensor attached to a bridge abutment. wireless communications while also Specifying an industrial-grade battery extending battery life. involves multiple parameters, such as For example, the highway energy consumed in active mode addressable remote transducer (including the size, duration, (HART) communications protocol and frequency of pulses); has been providing a critienergy consumed in cal link between intelligent dormant mode (the field instruments and base current); storhost systems for age time (as normal decades, employing self-discharge during the same the caller storage diminishes capacID technology found in ity); thermal environments Figure 1: Lithium thionyl chloride analog telephony and oper(including storage and inating via traditional 4-20 mA (LiSOCL2) batteries either are wound field operation); equipment spirally or of bobbin-type construction. The photo shows several analog wiring. However, in cutoff voltage (as battery LiSOCL2 batteries. Graphics courtesy: Tadiran Batteries the past, requirements for capacity is exhausted, or
A8 • October 2017
Applied Automation
in extreme temperatures, voltage can drop to a point too low for the sensor to operate); battery self-discharge rate (which can be higher than the current draw from average sensor use); and cost considerations. Industrial-grade lithium batteries most commonly are recommended for applications that demand the following: • Reliability: The remote sensor is in a hard-to-reach location where battery replacement is difficult or impossible, and data links cannot be interrupted by bad batteries. • Long operating life: The self-discharge rate of the battery can be more than the device usage of the battery, so initial battery capacity must be as high as possible. • Wide operating temperatures: Especially critical for extremely hot or cold environments. • Small size: When a small form factor is required, the battery’s energy density must be as high as possible. • Voltage: Higher voltage requires fewer cells. • Lifetime costs: Replacement costs over time must be taken into account. Tradeoffs often are inevitable, so it is important to prioritize your list of desired battery performance attributes.
Choosing among primary lithium batteries Lithium battery chemistry is preferred for long-term deployments due its intrinsic negative potential, which exceeds that of all other metals. Lithium is the lightest
non-gaseous metal, and offers the highest specific energy (energy per unit weight) and energy density (energy per unit volume) of all available battery chemistries. Lithium cells, all of which use a non-aqueous electrolyte, with a normal operating current voltage ranging between 2.7 and 3.6 V. The absence of water allows lithium batteries to endure more extreme temperatures. Numerous primary lithium chemistries are available including lithium iron disulfate (LiFeS2), lithium manganese dioxide (LiMnO2), lithium thionyl chloride (Li-SOCl2), and lithium metal oxide chemistry (see Table 1: Primary lithium chemistry comparisons). Consumer grade LiFeS2 cells are relatively inexpensive, and can deliver the high pulses required to power a camera flash. These batteries have limitations, including a narrow temperature range of -4°F to 140°F, a high annual self-discharge rate, and crimped seals that may leak. LiMnO2 cells, including the popular CR123A, provide a space-saving solution for cameras and toys, as one 3-V LiMnO2 cell can replace two 1.5-V alkaline cells. LiMnO2 batteries can deliver moderate pulses, but suffer from low initial voltage, a narrow temperature range, a high selfdischarge rate, and crimped seals. Li-SOCl2 batteries are manufactured two ways: spirally wound or bobbin-type construction (see Figure 1). Of the two, bobbin-type Li-SOCl2 batteries are better suited for long-life applications that draw low average daily current, such as tank level monitoring, asset tracking, and environmental sensors that must endure extreme temperature cycling.
Table 1: Primary lithium chemistry comparisons Li-SOCL2
Li-SOCL2
Li metal oxide
Li metal oxide
Primary cell
Bobbin-type with hybrid layer capacitor
Bobbin-type
Modified for high capacity
Modified for high power
Energy density (Wh/1)
1,420
1,420
370
185
Alkaline
600
LiFeS2
LiMnO2
Lithium iron disulfate
CR123A
650
650 Moderate
Power
Very high
Low
Very high
Very high
Low
High
Voltage
3.6 to 3.9 V
3.6 V
4.1 V
4.1 V
1.5 V
1.5 V
3.0 V
Pulse amplitude
Excellent
Small
High
Very high
Low
Moderate
Moderate
Passivation
None
High
Very low
None
N/A
Fair
Moderate
Performance at elevated temperature
Excellent
Fair
Excellent
Excellent
Low
Moderate
Fair
Performance at low temperature
Excellent
Fair
Moderate
Excellent
Low
Moderate
Poor
Operating life
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Moderate
Moderate
Fair
Self-discharge rate
Very low
Very low
Very low
Very low
Very high
Moderate
High
Operating temperature
-67°F to 185°F; can be extended to 221°F for a short time
-112°F to 257°F
-49°F to 185°F
-49°F to 185°F
32°F to 140°F
-4°F to 140°F
32°F to 140°F
Source: Tadiran Batteries
Applied Automation October 2017 • A9
B at t e r i e s Though bobbin-type Li-SOCl2 batBobbin-type Li-SOCl2 batteries feature the highest capacity teries are not created equal, perforand highest energy density of any mance differences may not become lithium cell, along with an extremely apparent for years. Thus, due dililow annual self-discharge rate— gence is required when specifying less than 1% per year, enabling a battery for long-term deployment certain cells to operate maintein remote applications. Engineers nance-free for up to 40 years. must look beyond theoretical data Bobbin-type Li-SOCL2 batteries to demand fully documented longterm test results along with actual also feature a glass-to-metal performance data from the field. hermetic seal, and deliver the widest possible temperature range Factoring in high-pulse (-112°F to 257°F). requirements A prime example is the medical cold chain, where wireless Standard bobbin-type Li-SOCl2 sensors are used monitor the cell are not designed to deliver Figure 2: Three large packs of transport of frozen pharmahigh pulses, which can be oversupercapacitors consisting of six ceuticals, tissue samples, and come by combining a standard D-size cells each (18 cells total) can be replaced by transplant organs at carefully bobbin-type Li-SOCl2 cell with a a pack containing six AA-size TLI series rechargeable controlled temperatures as low patented hybrid layer capacitor Li-ion batteries. Courtesy: Tadiran Batteries as -112°F. Certain bobbin-type (HLC). The standard Li-SOCl2 Li-SOCL 2 batteries have been cell delivers the low background current needed to power the device during sleep mode. demonstrated to operate successfully under prolonged The HLC works like a rechargeable battery to store and test conditions at -148°F, which far exceeds the maxideliver the high pulses needed to initiate data interrogamum temperature range of alkaline cells and consumertion and transmission. grade lithium batteries. Alternatively, supercapacitors can be used to store high Bobbin-type Li-SOCl2 batteries also are deployed in virtupulse energy in an electrostatic field. While widely used in ally all meter transmitter units (MTUs) used in AMI/AMR consumer products, supercapacitors generally are not recmetering applications for the water and gas utility industry. ommended for industrial applications because of inherent The extended battery life of a bobbin-type Li-SOCl2 cell is limitations, such as the ability to provide only short-duration essential to AMI/AMR metering applications because largepower, linear discharge qualities that do not allow for use scale system-wide battery failures can create potential of all the available energy, low capacity, low energy denchaos by disrupting billing and customer service operations. sity, and high annual self-discharge rates (up to 60% per Bobbin-type Li-SOCl2 batteries installed in MTU units during year). Supercapacitors linked in series also require the the mid-1980s were tested nearly 30 years later and shown use of cell-balancing circuits that draw additional current. to have plenty of remaining available capacity. Battery operating life is largely influenced by the cell’s Growth opportunities exist for energy harvesting annual energy usage along with its annual self-discharge rate. Battery operating life can be extended further by A growing number of industrial automation applications operating the device in a standby mode that draws little or are deploying energy harvesting devices in conjunction no current, then periodically querying to data to awaken with Li-ion rechargeable batteries. Photovoltaic cells are only if certain preset data thresholds are exceeded. If the most common form of energy harvesting, with equipproperly conserved, it is not uncommon for more energy ment vibration and ambient RF/EM energy being used for to be lost through annual battery self-discharge than niche applications. through actual battery use. Consumer-grade rechargeable Li-ion cells can be used When specifying a bobbin-type Li-SOCl2 battery, be to store harvested energy if the device is easily accessible, requires a maximum service life of no more than aware that actual operating life can vary significantly five years and 500 recharge cycles, within a moderate based on how the cell was manufactured and the qualtemperature range (32°F to 104°F), and with no high pulse ity of its raw materials. For example, the highest quality requirements. bobbin-type Li-SOCl2 cells can feature a self-discharge Industrial grade energy harvesting applications typically rate as low as 0.7% annually, thus retaining nearly 70% demand a far more reliable power source, such as an of their original capacity after 40 years. By contrast, a industrial grade Li-ion battery that can operate for up to lesser quality bobbin-type Li-SOCl2 cell can have a self20 years and 5,000 full recharge cycles, with an expanded discharge rate of up to 3% per year, causing nearly 30% temperature range of -40°F to 185°F. These industrial of available capacity to be lost every 10 years due to grade cells also can deliver the high pulses (5 A for an annual self-discharge.
A10 • October 2017
Applied Automation
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B at t e r i e s Table 2: Battery comparisons
the movement of all 50,000 mirrors. Making this application truly wireless eliminates the Units expense, complexity, and reliability concerns Industrial grade 18650 associated with installing and maintaining Diameter (maximum Inches 0.59 0.73 miles of wire and cable. Length (maximum) Inches Three possible energy storage solutions 0.58 1.08 Volume Inches3 were considered at the Ashilim project: industrial grade rechargeable Li-ion batterNominal voltage Volts 3.7 3.7 ies, consumer grade Li-ion batteries, and Maximum C-rate* 15C 1.6C supercapacitors. discharge rate Industrial grade Li-ion batteries were preMaximum continuous Amps 5 5 discharge current ferred over consumer grade Li-ion batteries because they served to reduce the total cost Capacity mAh 330 3,000 of ownership by eliminating the expense of Energy density Wh/liter 129 627 having to change out all 50,000 consumer Power (RT) W/liter 1,950 1,045 grade batteries every five years. In addition, Power (-4°F) W/liter Greater than 630 Less than 170 the risk of a large-scale battery failure could Operating severely compromise the reliability of the Deg. F -40°F to 194°F -4°F to 140°F temperature entire power grid, potentially impacting all Charging temperature Deg. F -40°F to 185°F 32°F to 113°F 120,000 households and businesses. Selecting an industrial grade Li-ion batSelf-discharge rate Percent/year Less than 5% Less than 20% tery also made sense in light of the extreme Cycle life 100% DoD ~5,000 ~300 environmental conditions of the desert, as Cycle life 75% DoD ~6,250 ~400 these cells feature an extended temperature Cycle life 50% DoD ~10,000 ~650 range (-40°F to 185°F), and are more sturOperating life Years More than 20 Less than 5 dily constructed. Supercapacitors were also considered Source: Tadiran Batteries *C-rate is a measure of the rate at which a battery is being discharged. It is defined as the discharge current but not chosen for the Ashilim power facility. divided by the theoretical current draw under which the battery would deliver its nominal rated capacity in While popular for use in consumer applicaone hour. tions, such as providing memory backup for mobile phones, laptops, and digital cameras, supercapaciAA-size cell) required for two-way wireless communicators have inherent drawbacks that make them ill-suited tions, and are more ruggedly constructed with a hermetic for industrial applications. These drawbacks include short seal that is superior to the crimped seals found on conduration power, linear discharge characteristics that do not sumer-grade rechargeable batteries, which may leak (see allow for use of all the available energy, low capacity, low Table 2: Battery comparisons). energy density, very high self-discharge (up to 60% per Powering 50,000 heliostats year), and the need for cell balancing for supercapacitors linked in series. A prime example of an industrial grade energy harvesting By comparison, industrial grade rechargeable Li-ion batapplication is the Ashilim power station in Israel, a futuristic teries offer: solar power station that will use the sun’s energy to supply 121 MW of clean renewal energy, enough electricity to • Higher practical capacity: 330 mAh (the equivalent power more than 120,000 households, becoming the fifth pseudo capacitance is 1,200 F). A supercapacitor havlargest facility of its kind in the world. ing the same volume has about 10 F max. (3.6 V). The Ashilim facility will feature 50,000 mirrors, called • Lower self-discharge: 1 to 2 µA of self-discharge curheliostats, which are controlled individually via wireless rent compared to 20 to 50 µA of discharge current for a communications to actuate and control servo motors that supercapacitor having about the same external volume. allow each mirror to rotate and tilt precisely to concentrate • Higher number of cycles: AA-size industrial Li-ion energy toward a boiler that sits atop a tower. The concencell can be charged and discharged for 35,000 cycles trated solar energy boils water inside the tower to create between 2.8 V and 3.9 V (80% depth of discharge high-temperature steam that powers conventional turbine [DoD]). The accumulated capacity during this study is engines that can produce up to 121 MW of electricity. approximately 8,750 Ah. This value is equivalent to: Each heliostat will be equipped with a small solar energy 8.750 x 3.6/10 F 9, equal to 3.2 million complete cycles harvesting device along with a small battery pack confor an equivalent sized AA-sized 10 F capacitor. sisting of six AA-size rechargeable Li-ion batteries. The • Cell impedance: during 35,000 cycles, cell impedance rechargeable Li-ion battery will power the servo motors increases by only 25% from initial value of 40 mOhm to as well as power wireless communications to establish a 50 mOhm after 35,000 cycles. mesh network that relays the data needed to synchronize TLI-1550 (AA)
A12 • October 2017
Applied Automation
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B at t e r i e s Figure 3: Parking meters are networked wirelessly to a web-based information management system that provides motorists and municipalities with a wealth of real-time data. Each meter is self-powered by combining a built-in photovoltaic panel with industrial grade Li-ion batteries used to store the harvested energy. These batteries offer up to 20 years of operating life to ensure long-term system reliability. Courtesy: IPS Group Inc.
• Low temperature performance: industrial Li-ion cells show excellent low temperature performance, with cell voltage that is significantly higher than that of a supercapacitor under a long or high current pulse. • A smaller footprint: Supercapacitors are much bulkier than comparable industrial grade Li-ion batteries (see Figure 2).
Powering municipal parking meters In another IIoT application, industrial grade Li-ion batteries are being used in solar-powered parking meters, thus saving millions of dollars by eliminating the need to
hard-wire many miles of metropolitan sidewalks (see Figure 3). These wirelessly networked solar-powered parking meters offer state-of-the-art functionality, including multiple payment system options, access to real-time data, integration to vehicle detection sensors, and user guidance and enforcement modules, all linked to a comprehensive webbased management system. Small photovoltaic panels gather solar energy, with industrial grade rechargeable Li-ion batteries used to store energy and to deliver the high pulses required for advanced, two-way wireless communications, thus ensuring 24/7/365 system reliability for up to 20 years.
Looking to the future These case studies provide a glimpse into the future of industrial automation and the IIoT that will be driven increasingly by electronic devices that are truly wireless, with industrial grade lithium batteries providing long-term support for technology convergence and interoperability. Wireless devices now are able to operate maintenance-free for decades, with extended battery life translating into a higher return on investment (ROI). Sol Jacobs, is vice president and general manager of Tadiran Batteries.
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