System 800xA integrates process, electrical automation

Users can optimize the design and performance of their electrical and automation systems, and see additional benefits.

By Control Engineering Staff January 15, 2009

ABB’s Extended Automation System 800xA serves as the foundation for integrated process and electrical automation, providing a platform for unified operations to increase productivity and power reliability for process manufacturers.

ABB Extended Automation System 800xA serves as the foundation for integrated process and electrical automation, company says.

Because these systems are integrated on the 800xA platform, users can optimize the design and performance of their electrical and automation systems, and see additional benefits in reduced maintenance, engineering and overall lifecycle costs. In addition to overall operational advantages, the initial investment costs for an integrated system can be 20% less than the cost of two non-integrated systems, according to ABB.

System 800xA’s information integration and visualization capabilities make it possible to connect the electrical power control system so that operators can view and control both systems in oneuser interface. System 800xA supports IEC 61850, the global communication standard for Power Distribution and Substation Automation. It includes a recently released IEC 61850 interface that fully integrates switchgear and protection Intelligent Electrical Devices (IED) for the power distribution side of an industrial plant.

System 800xA has always supported regular electrical devices for the process side of the plant, such as variable-speed drives, motor controllers and low-voltage circuit breakers to enhance equipment effectiveness and improve access to vital equipment and system data without the need for gateways, serial interfaces or hardwiring. Since its introduction in 2004, System 800xA has been sold to more than 4,000 new and existing customers around the world.

“By using System 800xA as the integration foundation for power management and automation, our customers can realize tremendous operational advantages in terms of engineering effort and costs, increased optimization of all process and electrical assets, and streamlined maintenance, to name a few,” said Mats Pettersson, product manager. “Integration of these systems provides our customers with continuous cost and manpower savings throughout their lifecycle; all of these benefits support the goal of sustainable manufacturing.”

ABB

– Edited by Renee Robbins , senior editor Control Engineering News Desk Register here to select your choice of eNewsletters free .