PowerTechED showcases latest energy and motor control technologies

As technology continues to advance at a rapid rate, the line between information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) is becoming less defined. Machines are getting smarter to meet end users’ networking, integration, diagnostics and intelligence demands.

PowerTechED had a strong focus on this higher level intelligence and how companies can use information to improve business performance and drive profitability. Motors and drives are gaining improved integration and connectivity. Energy monitoring and efficiency technologies are advancing their real-time data capabilities and mobility. These latest technology advances can help customers improve their competitiveness in the current global markets.

According to Matthew Treeby, commercial marketing manager, Rockwell Automation, “The event was a huge success because the topics covered resonated with the interests of our customers.

“PowerTechED is the only event of its kind that bridges the gap between information and operational technologies in this space. It provided ‘hands on’ opportunities for attendees to see first-hand how the information generated by motor control devices provides valuable insights for operational efficiency,” he explained.

Held in collaboration with Rockwell Automation Authorised Distributors, NHP Electrical Engineering and Rexel Industrial Automation, PowerTechED highlighted the latest advances in the areas of network integration with drives and overloads, energy management software, safety considerations for motor control and network security. Best practices for collecting, analysing and displaying operational data to improve operator effectiveness and identify optimisation opportunities were also explored.

METS Ignited board member Paul Lucey delivered the opening welcome, which provided an informative overview of the mining industry and highlighted the importance of innovation to accelerate the growth of mining. METS Ignited works with Australian suppliers to the mining industry, global miners, research organisations and capital providers to improve the competitiveness and productivity of the Australian METS sector.

Michael Boland, distinguished systems engineer at Cisco, delivered an insightful presentation about digital transformation in relation to the challenges and trends driving change in manufacturing. He explored the digital manufacturing journey and how digitisation can unleash dramatic business outcomes including reduced downtime, improved flexibility and quality, and greater safety and security.

The safety stream of PowerTechED provided valuable industry information on topics including designing a safe motor control system, arc fault containment in variable speed drives, safety standards and safety solutions for intelligent MCCs.

In addition, attendees were given the opportunity to get ‘hands on’ with drives and safety, using drives and safe torque off over Ethernet. The technical sessions, labs and workshops collectively demonstrated how integrated safety systems help optimise safety, enhance productivity and reduce costs.