Pack Expo 2002: SEW-Eurodrive champions distributed control

Lyman, SC— Distributed or “decentralized” control-a design method that locates the controller on or near the motor-offers cost savings due to reduced cabinet space; simpler installation from a cabling viewpoint; and more efficient maintenance for many applications. SEW-Eurodrive

The company, with world headquarters in Bruchsal, Germany, has used this technology with success in Europe, and reports up to 60% savings in installation costs by some manufacturers. Similar savings figures were found in a third-party audit in the U.S. that modeled a conveyor line with multiple motors and variable-speed drives controlling individual conveyor sections.

DCT applies group motor installation provisions of the National Electric Code [Article 430.53 (c)] to cut costs by using fewer branch circuits. The configuration is fully UL- and cUL-listed for group installations, says the company.

DCT’s other benefits include:

Less costly branch circuit hardware and cabling, due to the ability to daisy-chain power and bus transmission in one hybrid cable;

Reduced field control wiring by operating on common bus networks, such as DeviceNet, CANopen, Profibus, and Interbus; and

Convenient, low-cost sensor-to-actuator connection with local I/O points using M12 connectors.

SEW-Eurodrive supplies all necessary components of a DCT system, built specifically for that technology. Movi-Switch is the part that incorporates switching and overload protection into a motor conduit box. Movimot integrates a frequency inverter (adjustable-speed drive) onto the motor. However, the inverter can also be located separate from the motor, though nearby. The field distributor , a control enclosure mounted on the machine, maximizes functions of Movi-Switch and Movimot in a distributed control system with group motor installation. The hybrid cable supplies power and control between the field distributor and the motors.

DCT made its show debut at Pack Expo 2002 in Chicago, Nov. 3-7, 2002.

For more information, visit www.seweurodrive.com .

Control Engineering regularly covers distributed control developments. Some examples in the motor/motion arena include the following:

“Integrated, Intelligent Motors & Controls Will Be in Your Future,” December 2001 https://www.controleng.com/index.asp?layout=articleWebzine&articleid=CA184470 ;

“Distributed Motion Control: A Worthy Option for Connectivity,” January 2001 https://www.controleng.com/index.asp?layout=articleWebzine&articleid=CA189981 ; and

“Integrated Motor-Drives Seek Wider Market, User Acceptance,” December 2000 https://www.controleng.com/index.asp?layout=articleWebzine&articleid=CA190646

Control Engineering Daily News DeskFrank J. Bartos, executive editorfbartos@reedbusiness.com

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