Author Archives: eexin

Energy and Current Measurement with Phoenix Contact

From |
Leave a reply

According to MarketsandMarkets Research, the global power monitoring market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.76% from 2017 to 2022 where it will reach a market size of USD4.57Bil by 2022. The high demand of power monitoring is due to increasing electricity prices, efficient utilization of power resources and maximizing reliability of power supply.

The power monitoring market is segmented into 3 main components, namely hardware, software and services. The hardware component is booming due to the increasing deployment of smart meters and its communication and measurement devices, especially in the manufacturing and process industry for delivering power supply and increasing the plant uptime.

Energy Meter

Phoenix Contact has embarked on the smart meter trend since 2011 and the market was continuously growing with double digit values. EMPro energy measuring devices detect and monitor the characteristic electrical data of the machines and systems. The EMPro is designed with the following advantages:

  1. Direct access to measured value on-site or via web server function
  2. Easy device configuration on-site or via Ethernet communication or via integrated web server on the PC
  3. Flexible network connection by using the communication module and available for further processing in the control centre
  4. The measuring device is expandable to include new functions in order to grow in line with customer future requirements

Energy flow monitoring and data logging

Network-capable EMPro can be used to monitor characteristic electrical data centrally and on site. The compact controller is able to gather all the energy characteristics of the process and logs these in the SQL database.

Power Meter

On top of energy meters, Phoenix Contact also launched power meters in 2018 for active power measurement with current transformer measurement and it is certified in accordance with the measuring instrument (MID) directive.

We are committed to be one of the trusted partners for power monitoring solutions, inclusive of software to capture and analyse power metrics. If you are interested to find out more about our solutions, please feel free to contact us at marketing@phoenixcontact.com.sg!

Do you like to be Monitored?

From |
Leave a reply

In today’s world, people appreciate monitoring because we would be happy to observe and check on the progress of something over a period of time. For example, we install CCTV at home to check on our family’s safety; we keep our phone GPS turned on to keep our loved ones informed of where we are; we join different social media platforms and post crazily to keep ourselves “alive” and keep others “alerted of our presence”.

In the industrial world, condition monitoring is also a trendy topic. It is the process of monitoring a parameter of conditions in machinery (vibration, temperature etc.), in order to identify a significant change which is indicative of a developing fault. The ultimate objective of condition monitoring is to achieve predictive maintenance to avoid a burst of the operating cost and to increase productivity and efficiency.

Phoenix Contact is embarking on Industry 4.0 in order to provide the solutions that focus on the value and ease of preventive and predictive maintenance. Below are a few monitoring solutions for different industries for your kind consideration.

Pump and Motor Monitoring System for Water Industry (PumpMonitor)

To minimize maintenance and repair costs, reduce energy consumption and increase system availability.

  • It is an installation-ready control cabinet solution
  • Bearing and machine vibrations are recorded by the integrated sensor module
  • Standard communications (PROFINET, OPC etc.)
  • Online status monitoring with colour visualization
  • Option to integrate into the Cloud

PV Monitoring System for Solar Industry (SOLARCHECK)

To maximize the energy yield and help to reduce operation and maintenance cost.

  • It measures the current using Hall sensors
  • The conductor feeds through the openings in the measuring module and connects to the communication cable
  • Contact-free measurement with safe isolation and no contact resistance
  • Option to extend the system with a voltage measurement of up to 1500 V DC

Remote Control and Monitoring System for Railway Industry

To save labour and maintenance cost through remote access and to improve system reliability.

  • Able to control many interlinked components of various systems
  • Easy to integrate the controller into existing networks
  • License-free wireless technology for I/O signals and serial data transmission
  • High availability with redundant power supplies
  • SPD protects the system against switching surges and lightning strikes

Lightning Monitoring System for Lightning Prone Zone Infrastructure (LM-S)

To be informed online of the lightning strikes to determine whether any checks or maintenance are required.

  • The sensors can record the magnetic field (based on the principle of the Faraday effect) due to the lightning surge current
  • The typical parameters recorded are maximum lightning current strength, lightning current rise time, charge and energy
  • It can be integrated in standard network systems via the RJ45 Ethernet interface
  • Internal web server is used to access data and configure the system

Your system will be safeguarded by Phoenix Contact because we can help you to put it under close monitoring before the developing of faults (predictive maintenance) or immediately right after the faults occur (preventive maintenance). If you are interested to find out how our monitoring system can contribute to your operating expenses (OPEX), feel free to contact us at marketing@phoenixcontact.com.sg!

Phoenix Contact at IRSE ASPECT 2017

From |
Leave a reply

Institution of Railway Signal Engineers (IRSE) was originated in the UK and it is the professional engineering institution for all those engaged or interested in railway signalling, control and communications and allied disciplines. The purpose of IRSE is to promote high standards of professionalism and to support train control technology for the benefit of public.

IRSE ASPECT 2017 is supported by Singapore and Australian Sections and it was held in Singapore from 28th-29th November.  This 9th ASPECT event is the first event to be hosted outside the UK with the themes of Metro Technologies, Professional Development, High Speed Rail and Condition Monitoring.

There were more than 200 delegates who registered for the conference inclusive of international railway signalling companies such as Siemens, Thales, Bombardier, Alstom and ST Electronics; the consultants such as CH2M, Aecom and other system and component suppliers. Aside from them, the other important delegates included those of railway authorities and operators from different parts of the world such as Singapore (e.g. LTA, SMRT Trains, SMRT Corporation and SBS Transit), Australia (e.g. Rail System Australia, Metro Trains Melbourne, Queensland Rail, Melbourne Metro Rail Authority, Public Transport Authority of WA, Victorian Level Crossing Removal Authority, Transport for NSW, Public Transport Victoria, Metro Trains Sydney), Indonesia (e.g. PT Len Railway Systems, PT Lens Industri), Malaysia (e.g. MRT Corporation), Japan (e.g. East Japan Railway Company), Thailand (e.g. Bangkok Expressway and Metro), Finland (e.g. Finnish Transport Agency), UK (Ricardo Rail UK), Ireland (Northern Ireland Railways), Switzerland (e.g. Swiss Federal Railways).

Phoenix Contact had participated the 2-day exhibition on 28th and 29th November during all the breaks in the ASPECT Conference. Our key message to the participants of this event was to show the competency of Phoenix Contact as their partner for reliability and safety in signalling. The components exhibited included power supply and redundancy modules, UPS and battery, network switches, signal and power SPD, terminal blocks, heavy duty and data connectors, markers and tools.

Phoenix Contact booth at IRSE ASPECT

Thank you to those who dropped by our booth and expressed interest in our products such as MRT Corporation, E-MAS, Singapore RE, LTA, PT Len Raiway Systems, Selectrail, IEEE, STE, SMRT, Public Transport Authority Western Australia, Melbourne Metro Rail Authority etc.

On top of those components, there are three essential solutions for the railway signalling application as follows:

  1. SPD deployment solutions for both signal and power lines with easy installation, monitoring, maintenance and troubleshooting.
  2. Redundant DC power supply system for critical equipment to ensure continuous operation with digital and analog signal monitoring.
  3. Customized panel solutions as per special requirements

“Speeding Test”

We also had a fun time with participants who joined our “Speeding Test” by inserting the conductors into Phoenix Contact Push-In (PT) Terminal Blocks and releasing it, with the time taken being recorded for 22 pieces of terminal blocks. The fastest speed record for inserting and releasing is 30s and 15s respectively!

If you had missed this exhibition and would like to find out more information, please feel free to contact us at marketing@phoenixcontact.com.sg!

Phoenix Contact – Your Partner in Safety and Reliability for Railway Industry

From |
Leave a reply

RailwayPhoenix Contact has been serving the railway industry for decades, especially for rolling stock and signalling. Safety and reliability has always been our number one concern when developing products for railway applications.

Safety on Board

The basic requirement for safety and reliability is standard compliance. Phoenix Contact has been certified by the International Railway Industry Standard (IRIS) since April 2008 and this standard is based on the quality management standard DIN EN ISO 9001, which has been extended with international railway-specific requirements. The ongoing tests during the development and production cycle of the products are essential to guarantee the product quality.

On top of that, all rail-specific products from Phoenix Contact fulfill the standards of DIN EN 50155, an international standard covering rolling stock; DIN EN 50121 electromagnetic compatibility; and EN 45545, fire protection on rail vehicle. Besides, shock and vibration test, material test and other fire protection is also critical for the railway application.

Safety should not be limited to the big ticket items and should even be extended to the passive component level. For example, the cable markings like shrink sleeve should be halogen-free and fulfill DIN 5510-2 with an oxygen index of 34.9%. besides being halogen-free, the cable ducts should enable individual bars to be broken without using any tools or resulting in any burr through defined breaking points according to EN 45545-2 (R22/R23:HL3). Behaviour in fire is another key concern and the plastic used for Phoenix Contact’s terminal blocks is halogen-free polyamide PA 6.6; which meets the highest safety requirement of UL 94 V0.

Push-in Terminal Blocks and Marking

Push-in Terminal Blocks and Marking

Cable Management

Cable Management

Network on Board

Nowadays, commuters demand for “Internet on board” has made the information and infotainment systems essential in trains. The M12 network connectors with a mechanically robust design, in compliance with IEC 61076-2-101, together with high quality cables meeting the requirement of EN 45545-2 will ensure reliable communications. The heavy-duty connector, compliant with IEC 61373, with modular contact inserts form a flexible and safe transmission of signal and power circuit on rolling stock carriage connection and simultaneously ensures comprehensive protection in the event of electromagnetic interference fields.

Halogen-free Polyamide PA 6.6

Halogen-free Polyamide PA 6.6

M12 Network Connector

M12 Network Connector

Surge Protection

Surge voltages and lightning strikes are common issues in signalling, hence the surge protective device (SPD) become significantly important to maintain reliable signal transmission. Phoenix Contact’s SPD has been tested according to IEC 61643-21 and the plug can be disconnected for test and maintenance by using the portable test laboratory. According to IEC 62305-3, the SPD must be tested regularly and the test values should be documented and traceable. Additional features like multi-stage monitoring (green – operating, red – fail and yellow – reach performance limit) for predictive maintenance and remote signalling for early detection of overloaded SPD can help to further enhance reliability.

HEAVYCON HPR

HEAVYCON HPR

HEAVYCON Modular Inserts

HEAVYCON Modular Inserts

Signal SPD with multi-stage monitoring (PT-IQ)

Signal SPD with multi-stage monitoring (PT-IQ)

Signal SPD with remote signalling (TTC)

Signal SPD with remote signalling (TTC)

Power Supply

The power supply unit (PSU) is used to convert main AC to low-voltage regulated DC power and it should at least be compliant with EMC Directive 2014/30/EU, IEC 60950-1, DIN EN 61558-2-16 and UL 508. To ensure smooth operation and maximum uptime, the redundancy setup of the power supply cannot be overlooked.

A redundant system can made up of two power supplies and a diode or Phoenix Contact’s O-RING to prevent back flow of current. An ORING being a more advanced and modern redundancy module compared to the diode, comes with auto-current balancing (ACB) technology which ensures the power supplies work equally hard. This enables the power supplies to have a longer and more consistent lifespan.

The redundancy status as well as the status of the ORING can be monitored, whereas this cannot be done with a DIODE. The PSU becomes more reliable and dependable when it is capable of sending analogue signals to control system on measurement values such as real time current, voltage and power for early detection of operational fault as well as critical information to the user.

QUINT 4 Power Supply With Diode

QUINT 4 Power Supply With Diode

QUINT ORING with ACB

QUINT ORING with ACB

Transporting You into the Future

Phoenix Contact will continue to develop the products or solutions that suit railway application and safety and reliability will always be the top concern on top of ease of installation, operation and maintenance.

To find out more about the solutions that Phoenix Contact has for the railway industry, check out our website or leave us your contact at marketing@phoenixcontact.com.sg and I will get in touch with you as soon as I can.

How IIoT Solutions Make You Look “Smart and Cool” for the Water Industry?

From |
Leave a reply

ReservoirThe term Internets of Things (IoT) was coined by Kevin Ashton in 1999 and the big corporate players like Google, Facebook, Apple, Samsung and LG have been practicing it for years. In recent years, it has become a hot topic and IoT ‘tech’ has started to flood the market.

Now, every ‘Thing’ would need to look smart and cool, hence not only has the phone started to “think and talk”, the Smart Devices, Smart Appliances, Smart Home, Smart Car, Smart Factory, Smart City are starting to form a Smart World.

How can the Water Industry catch up with this “smart” trend?

Let’s see what have the big players done so far. GE has launched Predix, a cloud-based platform that enables asset functionality monitoring.  IBM® Intelligent Water software has been developed to deliver smarter water management through insights from data to help utilities manage pressure, detect leaks, reduce water consumption, mitigate sewer overflow, and better manage their water infrastructure, assets and operations. According to US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the researchers at Clemson University are building the “Intelligent River” to provide real-time monitoring, analysis and management of water resources.

Of course, it would be cool if we can apply Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) across entire assets, collect the big data from all the facilities perform a thorough analysis in order to find out the insights to improve operational efficiency, enhance productivity and create new opportunities. However, this ideal case unlikely to happen due to the limitations of knowledge, budget, risk, standardization and legacy installed base.

I believe a lot of people will agree with me that we need to “start small” for new ventures in order to gain experience, take the calculated risk and predicted outcome. Let me share a case here to demonstrate how we can achieve that in the water industry.

IIoT Implementation

A reservoir is surrounded by a few pumps / lift stations; the reservoir is 100km away from the centralized SCADA system. A standalone PLC and Ethernet Remote I/O is in place to control and monitor the water level of both reservoir and pump stations.

Kelvin, the Facilities Manager is being assigned to explore the implementation of IIoT within a timeframe of 3 months with budget of less than US$7,000. It should have low cyber security risk, justifiable benefits and consideration of future extension.

Kelvin has decided to pursue a simple IIoT project by partnering with an IIoT service provider. They deploy more sensors at field (e.g. weather stations, thermistors, BTU meter) and install a connectivity box next to the PLC. The sensors will collect more data such as temperature, humidity, energy consumption and water quality.

The connectivity box can take in additional signals and the I/O is expandable for future extension and the box is designed with unique connector for easy plug and play. The box is also equipped with 4G router in order to send the data back to the centralized SCADA and subsequently send to the IIoT platform securely (data is encrypted).

The collected data is in real-time and can be analysed individually (e.g. pump energy usage) and interoperability (e.g. pump can run at lower speed during the hot weather). The analysed data can be used to predict pump failure, save pump energy, early detection of the contamination or give early flood sign.

IIoT for Water Industry

Kelvin has accomplished his mission and now his ‘THINGS’ look ‘smart’. In addition, he can easily communicate with his team about the current status, problem or performance of each facility by using the dashboard and generate a report in the structured data format (e.g. text, graph, image, video) for his management to discuss further improvement or to identify new opportunities. Do you think now Kelvin also looks “smart and cool”?

There are plenty of ways for you to implement the IIoT platform depending on your current situation (e.g. remote area, existing with or without SCADA system, multiple sites) and technical and commercial requirement (e.g. cyber security, cloud-based, redundancy, future expansion, budget).

Phoenix Contact offers flexible and customize IIoT solutions inclusive of the connectivity box, please feel free to drop me an email eexinchong@phoenixcontact.com.sg for clarification or discussion.

or register for our free e-book.

More than just Providing Data: Implementing IIOT in Water Management

From |
Leave a reply

The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is creating huge opportunities in the water and wastewater industries, adding value to both the utility and the consumer.

Connected machines are reshaping the way these utilities operate, allowing them to make smarter and more informed decisions. By driving up innovation, water utilities are driving down cost.

Water Treatment plant

Diagram of how a water treatment plant conducts its everyday activity

Relationship between Data and Water Management

Treating water and wastewater requires chemical processes that can now be monitored more accurately using digital data collection.

These digital transformations are taking the guesswork out of chemical processing and allow utilities to optimize a number of chlorine dollars spent to maintain safe levels — saving time, money and empowering operators to make fewer mistakes.

Spurred on by IIOT and Big Data collection, SaaS applications are also implemented which could provide analysis on the wastewater process and accurate calculations on the wastewater clarifier tank performance.

Technologies such as these could also allow businesses to receive alerts and notifications when a failure might arise, predicting when a sludge will overflow and be released.

Phoenix Contact Cloud based solutions

Real-time data, accessible anywhere, anytime before failure happens.

Problems and Prediction – Pre-empting probable issues

This kind of problem causes environmental issues and fines that can run into millions of dollars. It will also be able to predict a thickening failure, which is when the effluent doesn’t settle correctly and creates a costly sludge blanket in the tank.

Predictive analytics are also solving monitoring problems that were not previously possible for utilities.

For example, there are a large number of pumps that are commonly found within water facilities, and digitized data is making it possible for companies to accurately predict when these pumps might fail — ahead of time.

Colliding old and new technology

Even water pumps are fitted with digital technology for data retrieval

It’s similar to the predictive analytic technology used in jet engine checks between airline flights. This cloud-based application easily connects to pumps and helps companies avoid costly and inconvenient failures, allowing engineers to schedule controlled maintenance rather than reactive maintenance.

Partnerships between technology companies and utility companies are facilitating innovation.

Safety procedures are also being monitored and enforced more closely by keeping track of them using digitized technology.

By working closely with our clients, we realize that more informed data could also be used as a reminder to employees regarding protocol procedures when dangerous chlorine leaks are detected. The safety procedure is sent to a worker’s device to be confirmed before access to the contaminated area is granted.

The safety procedure is sent to a worker’s device to be confirmed before access to the contaminated area is granted.

Public swimming pools in danger of chlorine

Public swimming pools are at risk of chlorine contamination which would have adverse effects on health.

At Phoenix Contact, we offer industrial platforms that enable asset performance management on an industrial scale. For water utilities, our products can help organize time-series data to monitor asset functionality.

Water Integrator Resources

Software and Hardware to manage your Water Management needs

Building close relationships with utility companies would facilitate innovation and allow us to develop solutions to become cleaner and more efficient at a rapid pace.

It truly is a transformative time in the industry, and the results couldn’t be more pure — better drinking water for everyone.

For more information on the products used for water management, visit the link here, or get in touch with us at marketing@phoenixcontact.com.sg.

Phoenix Contact in the Rail Industry in Southeast Asia

From |

High Speed train

High Speed Train

For years, Phoenix Contact has been a reliable partner of the rail industry and offers products for use in rail vehicles and signal technology.

Presence in Europe & US

In rail vehicles, we are one of the trusted suppliers for the main global rolling stock manufacturers such as Bombardier, Alstom and Siemens because our railroad specific products meet relevant standards such as EN 50155, EN 50121, and EN 45545. Our products can be found in various applications in the driver’s compartment, data transmission & ‘info-tainment’, door control and carriage connection.

For use in signal technology such as control & protection technology, switch heaters and tunnel operation, Phoenix Contact products are being appreciated due to it meets increased requirements and excels through quality, reliability and robustness.

Here in South-east Asia, the penetration of the railway industry is still at the elementary stage in comparison with Europe and US region. However, we are catching up due to booming of the railway industry especially the mass rapid transit (MRT) projects in SEA region such as the construction of Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) MRT in Singapore; the construction of Klang-Valley MRT (KVMRT) Line 1 and Line 2 in Malaysia; the Blue Line, Green Line and Purple Line MRT Extension in Thailand; and the construction of Jakarta MRT North South Line Phase I.

Let’s explore where you can find Phoenix Contact in the SEA railway industry and how our products have already been deployed as shown in the examples below.

So where to start looking?

  1. Rolling Stock
  2. Automated Fare Collection System (AFC)
  3. Platform Screen Door (PSD)
  4. Signalling
  5. SCADA System
  6. Environmental Control System (ECS)
  7. Communication & CCTV System
  8. Traction Power System

Rolling Stock

Push-in (PT) Terminal Block

Push-in (PT) Terminal Block
Bolt Connection (RT) Terminal Blocks

Bolt Connection (RT) Terminal Blocks
High Current (HV) Connectors

High Current (HV) Connectors
RJ45 Plug-in Connectors

RJ45 Plug-in Connectors
SACC Connectors

SACC Connectors

Platform Screen Door (PSD)

Push-in (PT) Terminal Block

Push-in (PT) Terminal Block

Marking Materials

Marking Materials

Signalling

Shielded SACC Connectors

Shielded SACC Connectors
Spring-cage (ST) Terminal Blocks

Spring-cage (ST) Terminal Blocks
Universal (UK) Terminal Blocks

Universal (UK) Terminal Blocks
VALVETRAB Power Surge Arrestor

VALVETRAB Power Surge Arrestor
QUINT 4 Power Supplies

QUINT Power Supplies

SCADA System

Universal (UK) Terminal Blocks

Universal (UK) Terminal Blocks
Spring-cage (ST) Terminal Blocks

Spring-cage (ST) Terminal Blocks
VALVETRAB Power Surge Arrestor

VALVETRAB Power Surge Arrestor
Printer Systems

Printer Systems
PLC Relay Modules

PLC Relay Modules
Mini Analog Signal Conditioner

Mini Analog Signal Conditioner

Environmental Control System (ECS)

TRIO Power Supply

TRIO Power Supply
Modular Controllers (ILC 151) and Inline I/O Systems

Modular Controllers (ILC 151) and Inline I/O Systems
Industrial Ethernet Switches (FL SWITCH)

Industrial Ethernet Switches (FL SWITCH)
PLC Relay Modules

PLC Relay Modules
VALVETRAB Power Surge Arrestor

VALVETRAB Power Surge Arrestor
Signal Surge Arrestor (MCR-PLUTRAB)

Signal Surge Arrestor (MCR-PLUTRAB)

Communication and CCTV System

VALVETRAB Power Surge Arrestor

VALVETRAB Power Surge Arrestor
FLASHTRAB Power Surge Arrestor

FLASHTRAB Power Surge Arrestor
Surge Arrestor for Transceiver System

Surge Arrestor for Transceiver System
SACC Connectors

SACC Connectors

Traction Power System

VALVETRAB Power Surge Arrestor

VALVETRAB Power Surge Arrestor
PLC Relay Modules

PLC Relay Modules
QUINT 4 Power Supplies

QUINT Power Supplies

As you can see, Phoenix Contact offers a diverse suite of products for a wide range of applications in the Rail Industry. If you are interested to find out how our products can fit into your system or contribute to your project, please contact me at eexinchong@phoenixcontact.com.sg