Web Enabling
Web Enabling just has to be the most exciting development in system control and data acquisition of late. To find out all there is to know about Web Enabling click on the links below and browse away. CPC are very pro the whole concept which basically is an open architecture in terms of communication that has been established using what amounts to tried and tested technology that is found in our existing computers and on our existing desktops. CPC have adopted the technology into a number of systems recently and have been very happy with the results.
You already have the tools to be IN CONTROL
Imagine being able to control, diagnose and trouble shoot remote applications from the comfort of your office. To be able to pinpoint a faulty relay from 100 miles distance! Why not let your imagination run away with you, after all, it may be more realistic than it first appears.
The ability to achieve this level of ‘control’ is easier than you may think. Your office is already likely to be equipped but you are just using a fraction of the power at your fingertips.
Today time is money. Maintenance bills are heavily influenced by travelling time, fault diagnosis and remedial action. Certainly these three aspects will never be eliminated, but they can be reduced to a minimum. By implementing focussed diagnostic and corrective action can lead to major savings in running costs.
Control Panel Consulting have teamed up with Routeco plc and Rockwell Automation to provide Web Enabling, a means of providing remote control for Building Services and Industrial Automation.
So how does it work?
By using Local Area Networks (LAN) for communications instead of costly dedicated cabling. Practically every office computer will have this capability. And to take matters further, Wide Area Networks (WAN) can be utilised to monitor a number of different sites from a central location.
Yes, fine, but will it really save me money?
It is calculated that design costs in ‘Building Design’ can realise savings up to 10%. On new builds a LAN installation can reduce installation costs by up to 15%, and of course save considerable time (time = money!). Commissioning is simple too, reducing costs in the region of 15%.
What about energy?
Significant savings can be made because for the first time ever, the control system will allow users to analyse consumption and relate it to the requirements of the building at any one time. In the context of a ‘building control system’, aspects such as lighting, HVAC, fire alarms, security systems, refrigeration plant and other energy consuming systems can all be monitored for efficiency from afar.
But will it really be worth doing?
A 30% saving in energy can improve profitability significantly – surely worthwhile. Certainly the Government are putting pressure on industry and commerce to manage energy efficiently by means of Climate Change Levy.
Therefore savings as a result of reduction in energy consumption will be added to by additional tax reduction. Also those who are accredited to or working towards ISO14000 have an ongoing commitment to energy consumption, and don’t forget the ‘travel/diagnosis/remedial action’ scenario described earlier.
But I want to monitor my industrial processes, not my building.
The principle stands and crosses many boundaries. Integration of control panels by utilising both LAN and WAN can be achieved to great effect.
