Smart automation solutions optimise energy consumption

By OEM Update Editorial April 1, 2024 3:05 pm IST

Rahul Vedanabhatla, Business Marketing Manager—Industrial Air Chicago Pneumatic Compressors, India, explores how compressed air systems equipped with intelligent controllers and state-of-the-art technology are reshaping the industry. They offer smart automation solutions for reliability and enhanced productivity.

How do smart automation and cloud-based monitoring contribute to productivity in manufacturing operations?

In the ever-evolving manufacturing landscape, seamless connectivity and optimal efficiency are essential requirements. At Chicago Pneumatics, we innovate compressed air systems that represent a groundbreaking advancement revolutionising operational methods.

Our smart controllers proactively tackle issues, minimising downtime and optimising compressor performance. They ensure smooth operation and reduce maintenance challenges, all while crucially conserving energy.

We offer cloud-based monitoring for real-time insights into the health of compressed air systems. Users can efficiently plan preventive maintenance by registering operating parameters on the cloud, ensuring uninterrupted uptime and keeping production lines running smoothly. Chicago Pneumatics’ advanced compressor controllers have negated the need for frequent service interventions.

How does remote monitoring align with Industry 4.0 principles, enabling seamless oversight and decisionmaking from any location?

Connectivity emerges as a paramount factor in the era of Industry 4.0. Our compressed air automation seamlessly integrates with monitoring and control features, facilitating remote oversight of air compressors. This eliminates the need for constant physical presence on the shop floor, enabling efficient and data-driven management practices.

Regardless of your location, remotely monitoring compressors via smartphone or laptop remains convenient. These intelligent devices enable users to assess performance, identify problems, and make informed decisions whether they are in the office or from a remote location. This high level of connectivity ensures that the compressors are always accessible.

How does the management of multiple compressor machines lead to significant energy savings?

Compressor rooms can be complex. Managing multiple compressors efficiently is crucial in the intricate environment of compressor rooms. With the introduction of a central controller, this task becomes streamlined. Acting as the mastermind, it allocates tasks based on user-defined priorities, ensuring a consistent output of compressed air while minimising power consumption. By distributing the load evenly among compressors, reducing overall maintenance interventions and cost as well. Moreover, our central controller simplifies optimisation, allowing for effortless energy savings.

Even small adjustments, such as reducing the system pressure band by just 1 bar, can lead to significant energy savings of up to 7 percent.

How does the implementation of communication software facilitate seamless connectivity with SCADA systems?

Automation across industries requires smooth interaction among different equipment. Our controllers have a universal machine language, enabling compressors to connect and communicate seamlessly. For customers who favour local networks, our communication software allows operators to transmit compressor data to their SCADA system using various protocols. This enables remote monitoring and control, which are seamlessly integrated into our centralised controller.

As your automation partner, we offer solution as per your automation needs. Whether you seek smart controllers or SCADA connectivity, we are dedicated to improving manufacturing operations.