Electrical Engineering

Safety circuit
February 1, 2010
PositionServo drives with suffixes “ES” and “RS” now include a safety circuit that disables the drive output to the motor so that the drive cannot generate torque in the motor. This safety function, termed “Safe Standstill,” meets the requirements of ISO 13849-1 Safety of machinery – Safety-related parts of control systems – Part 1: General princi... More
A new generation of motor management
John Malinowski, Baldor, January 4, 2010
Electric motor driven systems represent close to 90% of electrical costs in some process industries. Efficiency upgrades represent the most cost effective method of energy conservation. What will drive your strategy in the new year? More
A new generation
By John Malinowski, Baldor, January 1, 2010
We have discussed industrial energy efficiency for many years, and it still provides an opportunity for huge electrical savings in most facilities. Electric motor driven systems represent close to 90% of electrical costs in some process industries. Efficiency upgrades represent the most cost effective method of energy conservation. More
Nine finalists for AHR Innovation award
January 1, 2010
Nine companies offering a variety of exciting, new and innovative products have been selected as winners of the prestigious AHR Expo Innovation Award. The winners will be honored at a special ceremony during the industry’s leading exposition in Orlando, on Jan. 26. In addition, one of these nine category winners will be selected as the overall winner of the 2010 AHR Expo Product of the Y... More
Schneider Electric powers up photovoltaic solar array project at Palatine headquarters
Bob Vavra, December 14, 2009
The array will reduce electric usage at its North America headquarters facility by an estimated 2%-3% annually. More
Top Plant
December 1, 2009
As we emerge from an almost unprecedented recession, we need a blueprint for how to move forward. A great example of what manufacturing can and should look like going forward is reflected in the 2009 Top Plant recipient: Siemens Industry Inc.’s Norwood, OH facility represents both the storied past of manufacturing as well as its future. More
2009 Finalists: Product of the Year
November 23, 2009
There's a lot of cool new ideas. You get to pick the best ones... More
SPECIAL REPORT: Manage energy, accountability with automation integration
By Robert Konerman, Schneider Electric, November 18, 2009
Information - and more specifically, the ability to turn information into results - is proving to be the linchpin for managing energy costs More
Understanding motor rewind advantages
By Rick Payton, Integrated Power Services, November 18, 2009
A documented best practices rewind performed by a highly qualified service provider can lead to significant improvements in a motor's power density and reliability More
Final Arc Flash University Webcast highlights protection schemes
Bob Vavra, November 11, 2009
Nov. 19 event will describe a new method for arc-to-arc energy transfer More
Understanding motor rewind advantages
By Rick Payton, Integrated Power Services, November 1, 2009
Given the substantial capital investment electric motors represent and their annual cost of operation, which can exceed 10 times the purchase price, efficiency is of prime concern to plant operators. The belief that motor rewinds generally lose efficiency is widely held but outdated. Advances in materials, process discipline and stringent quality assurance can dependably match – and often... More
Webcast: Four steps to effective energy management
Bob Vavra, October 15, 2009
Oct. 29 live event will highlight ways to build continuous energy improvement More
The Smart Grid: Getting smart about possibilities, challenges
Mark Feasel, Schneider Electric, October 9, 2009
A high-speed communication infrastructure coupled with more intelligent devices would improve reliability and efficiency More
ARC study to focus on energy management
Bob Vavra, September 28, 2009
Researchers seek input from plant managers on energy strategies More
Siemens extends 3-year warranty on power product lines
Bob Vavra, September 24, 2009
Lighting panels, busways, switchboards covered in new guarantee More
ARC study: AC drives market expected to grow
Bob Vavra, September 24, 2009
Emphasis on energy, sustainability will help push recovery in market, study finds More
A four-step process to energy control
By Jim Plourde and Carl Castellow, P.E., Schneider Electric, September 1, 2009
For many, an energy audit seems like a logical place to start. An energy action plan takes that crucial next step. More
Value of variable speed ac drives goes far beyond energy savings
Jason Kimball, Schneider Electric, August 3, 2009
It is vital for industrial facility managers to understand their total value, and not just the value achieved from reduced energy consumption. More
Intelligent motor control centers help drive savings
Keith Blodorn, Rockwell Automation, August 3, 2009
It's easy for engineers to overlook one of the keys to success: leveraging technological advances to integrate smart devices, device-level networks and software into motor control systems. More
GE to launch energy management microgrid
By Plant Engineering Staff, August 1, 2009
With the goals of increasing energy security, energy efficiency and promoting cleaner, alternative energy at U.S. military bases, GE announced it has been awarded $2 million in Federal stimulus funding from the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) for a smart microgrid demonstration project at Twentynine Palms Base, CA. More