Solutions

Navigate quickly to:

• Network operation of compressors
• Communication with PC's
• Visualization System

1. Network operation of compressors

Solutions based on network operation of compressors are becoming increasingly popular in the industry. In order to reduce  the intensity of compressor operation, time intervals are used in this equipment. In consequence, the functions of the compressor passing to  idle status are taken up by another device. This secures continuous operation at reduced individual work load of each compressor and ensures energy savings due to more efficient allocation of working time to each machine.

Industrial controllers by MIKROEL allow cooperation in a sequential or cascade mode of networking. Networking is always managed by a master MSR controller. It can be either the Master controller (egMS4CMPXv2) dedicated specifically to this function ,or an industrial controller that implements the Master algorithm (eg MS585).

Depending on the model of the industrial controller, network operation can be carried out on the REM, RS485 or CAN lines. Modbus RTU protocol (on RS485 or  CAN interface), implemented in newer MIKROEL industrial controllers, provides a detailed and fast data rate exchange between master and slave drivers. In case of REM, mode control of slave controllers is done by using REM line (switching  compressor on / off ) and ACK line (acknowledged  work line). Choosing the right networking configuration (interface and algorithm work) should be based primarily on the type of compressors used and on industrial controllers managing them.

Network operation algorithms:

• sequential - management ofof  compressors of a similar capacity, where the main principal advantage consists in a balanced distribution of working time between all compressors in the network
• cascade - management of compressors of   diversified power, where the main advantage is a reduced frequency of on/off switching of  the most powerful compressors

Example configurations:

 
Note: The MS585 and MS600 industrial controllers introduce the ability to choose one common pressure sensor measurement point (reference), that is a reference ?for all compressors in the network.

2. Communication with PC's

Unattended operation of devices and thus their remote monitoring are now becoming increasingly important. Customers often are interested in an option of controlling operation of compressor or a group of compressors using a PC that is usually located away from the site in which the compressors are located. Industrial controllers by MIKROEL – thanks to their implemented transmission protocols - allow such communication using the following links:

• RS-485,
• CAN.

Data exchange between PC and the driver is carried out by one of the converters:

• RS-485 to RS-232,
• RS-485 to USB,
• CAN to USB,
• wireless transmission,
• transmission via Ethernet.

We design and provide PC client applications - in order to enable such control. Currently we offer:

• MSConnect2 PC application monitoring one compressor
• MSAirControl PC application handling up to 8 compressors

Our applications allow for:

• Remote control and monitoring of the compressor
• Recording sensor readout and the ability to present them as graphs
• Signaling fault and event messages in the form of graphics, sound signals, SMS and e-mail
• Previewing history of compressor in the form of tables

3. Visualization

The latest of MIKROEL industrial controllers employ the Modbus protocol for data transmission. It allows communication of industrial controllers with a PC application (eg MSAirControl visualization system) as well as communication between controllers themselves in a network mode. Depending on the model of industrial controller, a Modbus protocol can be based on either RS485 or CAN interface. The CAN bus is a network of multi-master type that allows simultaneous communication between controllers themselves and with the computer (see figure below). In addition, this interface allows very high data transmission rate that is remarkably immune to interference and errors.

The CAN interface is implemented in the latest industrial controllers from MIKROEL.

RS485 bus is a single-master network type. In this type of network there can be only a one device initiating transmission (master). When connected as shown on below figure a master device will be a PC application and network mode operation can be performed on the auxiliary REM lines of REM managed by MS4CMPXv2 industrial controller.

Date Added: 07 marca 2012