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Maximizing Motor Efficiency: Navigating the Impact of VFDs on Motors

March 15, 2024 Introduction Running a motor directly from the power source produces uniform, sinusoidal waveforms but wastes energy due to continuous speed operation regardless of the load requirements. To enhance efficiency, variable frequency drives (VFDs) control motor speed, reduce energy consumption, and minimize equipment wear. However, VFDs use pulse-width modulation (PWM) to supply electrical…

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A Guide to Modbus Communication Interfaces

March 11, 2024 Modbus is a widely used industrial communication protocol with several variants, including Modbus RTU, Modbus ASCII, and Modbus TCP/IP. It was initially developed by Modicon (now part of Schneider Electric) in the late 1970s and has since become a de facto standard for connecting various devices in industrial automation. Technical Aspects of Modbus:…

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The Digital Substation: Thinking “Outside the Box” Could Play a Crucial Role in the Future of Substation Automation

March 4, 2024 The future of power system substations may be redefined by the application of virtualization. At least that is what an increasing number of utilities are envisioning as they explore the opportunity for increased virtualization in substation design. In this future, there would be a significant reduction in the hardware used in substations….

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The Power of OPC-UA in Industrial Automation

February 27, 2024 In the world of industrial automation, the need for seamless communication between devices and systems in paramount. This is where OPC-UA (Open Platform Communications United Architecture) comes into play. OPC-UA is an open and secure communication protocol that enables interoperability between different devices and software applications. In this blog post, Omron explores…

Helping McMaster University Adapt its Buildings for the Future
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Helping McMaster University Adapt its Buildings for the Future

February 22, 2024 McMaster University is using technology to better control and manage its legacy thermal systems and create smarter buildings McMaster University is using technology to better control and manage its legacy thermal systems and create smarter buildings. Carmichael Engineering Ltd., a Canadian systems integrator, worked closely with ABB Canada’s leading experts and its highly…

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Grid Transparency Behind-the-Meter Is Key Challenge for Power Utilities, Study Reveals

February 20, 2024 Siemens has released key insights into how electric utilities in the United States and Canada are managing the rapid adoption of behind the meter distributed energy resources (DERs) in its new report “Seeing behind the meter: How electric utilities are adapting to the surge in distributed energy resources.”  Data from the study…

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All-in-One Automation Platform: Enabling Data-Driven IIoT with Deterministic Motion Control and Cybersecurity

February 12, 2024 As the industrial internet of things (IIoT) continues to gain momentum, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and system integrators (SIs) are faced with the challenge of implementing data collection systems without compromising deterministic motion control or cybersecurity, In this article, Omron explores how all-in-one automation platforms can address these concerns, allowing OEMs and…

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The Powerbase of Digital Storage Centers: Control and Power Distribution Products

February 7, 2024 Noark dives into the world of digital storage centers and see how control and power distribution products keep these critical information hubs running smoothly. While they may not be the most glamorous gadgets in the tech industry, these essential components play a vital role in ensuring the reliability, efficiency, and safety of…

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SEW-Eurodrive Demonstrates StarterSET for Vertical FFS Machines at ATX 2023

February 6, 2024 By Krystie Johnston Flexible, modular, and independent Across Canada and around the world, innumerable products are packaged, transported, and processed in a variety of ways before finally being distributed. The packaging machines that assist with this process are vitally important, and when automated, must be able to complete these tasks with various…

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FLIR’s Thermal Camera Technology: A Crucial Component in Industrial Settings

February 6, 2024 By Krystie Johnston Thermography is an invaluable tool for industrial inspections and building maintenance, new 80° wide angle lens tackles big targets and tight spaces Thermal imaging technologies like the ones from FLIR improve safety, operational efficiency, and cost savings in many automated and industrial applications. By capturing the infrared radiation emitted…

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Machine Safety Strategy in Manufacturing: Why it Matters and How to Get Started

January 31, 2024 Guidance on initiating the development of a machine safety strategy Machine-related accidents in the workplace can have devastating consequences, causing injuries, disabilities, and even fatalities. These incidents also result win significant financial losses for businesses. To mitigate these risks, it is crucial for companies to establish a comprehensive machine safety strategy. This…

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Comparing Eight Different Types of Servo Motors to Stepper Motors

January 25, 2024 While servo motors are often chosen as a high-performance alternative to stepper motors, their variety and specialized applications are less commonly understood. This article aims to explain the differences between the types of servo motors, enhancing your understanding of when and why to use each type. AC Servo Motors AC servo motors…

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Power Plants Forge Ahead: Speedy Delivery of High Quality, Open Die Forgings, Seamless and Contoured Rolled Rings, and Complex Forged Parts

January 24, 2024 By Del Williams Specialty forgers can manufacture custom, high-quality, seamless rolled rings in a variety of materials and finishes in as little as eight weeks Open die forgings and seamless rolled rings are essential components in power plant engineering, contributing to the overall reliability and efficiency of turbines, generator systems, and transmission…

New Year, New Demands: Tips for Eco-Friendly Data Centers in 2024
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New Year, New Demands: Tips for Eco-Friendly Data Centers in 2024

January 17, 2024 By James See, Director Power at Schneider Electric Canada In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, where data serves as the lifeblood for businesses across diverse industries, the demand for resilient and scalable data centers has witnessed an unprecedented surge. The increasing reliance on artificial intelligence, cloud computing and big data analytics that…

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Schneider Electric’s New Lexium Cobot in Canada

January 16, 2024 By Krystie Johnston The Lexium Cobot from Schneider Electric is designed to work safely alongside humans, performing gentle and dynamic movements with one of the smallest footprints on the market. Schneider Electric has launched its latest technological innovation: the Lexium Cobot. Designed to meet many challenges that industries face today, it can…

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Omron’s Enabling Technologies for Semiconductor Manufacturing

January 11, 2024 By Omron Automation Omron has a broad portfolio of technologies that help enable semiconductor manufacturing With semiconductor manufacturing booming in the Americas, fabrication facilities are on the lookout for innovative ways to quickly produce high-quality wafers and gain a competitive advantage. Omron has the solutions to make that happen. Their portfolio of…