Flexible “Smart” Drives in Modern Industry
The modern industry requires the creation of flexible machines, which opens up new opportunities for the use of “smart” drives. These solutions are capable of performing complex movements and ensuring enhanced safety, as well as a variety of functional capabilities.
Basic Functions of the “Smart” Drive
The “intelligent” drives are subject to increased demands. They must possess a range of functions, the key of which is the ability to make autonomous decisions by analyzing data from connected sensors. This has become possible due to the fact that part of the tasks, which were previously managed by programmable logic controllers, is now delegated to the drives themselves.
Such systems have the ability to “predict” expected states. This allows them to be integrated into personnel safety control systems, as they can autonomously change speed and trajectory of movement based on the information received from sensors.
The main functions of the “smart” drive are designed for:
- Safety;
- Protection against emergency situations (for example, short circuit or overheating);
- Communication with higher-level systems;
- Variability of the control interface;
- Automatic adjustment and ease of use of various operating modes.
The most in-demand are reliable multifunctional systems that are distinguished by their simplicity in mastering and require minimal attention during operation.
Available Technological Operations
The list of available technological functions is constantly expanding, allowing for the implementation of user-defined algorithms. Automatic execution of assigned tasks makes the participation of the upper controller irrelevant.
Among the new features, we note the ability for remote diagnostics of equipment via the Internet or mobile communication. For example, a converter installed on a lift crane drive:
- Automatically calculates the permissible increase in lift speed, taking into account the weight of the load and the probability of “tipping over”;
- Protects the load from swaying, which is important from an energy perspective.
Specialized Modules or “Turnkey” Intelligent Drive
Today, both options – complete solutions and modules – are in demand. Complete solutions are of interest to enterprises seeking to upgrade existing equipment, as well as small machine-building companies. At the same time, large firms with their own system specialists prefer individual components.
Ideal Drive for Industrie 4.0
In the context of the new industrial revolution, developers should focus on creating multifunctional, energy-saving servo drives that can be integrated into any existing systems. It is also important to pay attention to increasing energy efficiency and reducing the size of equipment.