Category Archive: Conveying & Logistics

Your Ultimate Q&A on Power Bus Systems

Posted by Wieland Electric on December 14, 2023 9:09 pm | Leave a Comment

What is a decentralized power bus system?

A decentralized power bus system typically refers to an electrical power distribution system that is designed to manage electrical power in a decentralized or distributed manner over multiple points. In a decentralized power bus system, the power distribution is streamlined, and power is supplied closer to the point of use.

Figure 1 A typical centralized power system

How does a decentralized power bus system differ from a centralized one?

In traditional power distribution systems, power is often centralized and transmitted over long distances from power supply cabinets to various machines or motor drives. Decentralized power distribution significantly simplifies the power pathway by reducing the physical distance between a piece of equipment and its power source.

Figure 2 A Decentralized system using podis

What are the key components of a decentralized power bus system?

Two key components of a decentralized power distribution system are a multi-wire main power bus cable and tap-off modules. The tap-off modules are designed to connect and draw power from the bus cable to individual devices, such as motors on a conveyor line.

Depending on the system and application scenario, the incoming power could come by one of the taps or through an incomer box.

Figure 3 Components of the podis power bus

What advantages does a decentralized power bus system offer?

A decentralized power bus system offers multiple advantages to modern factories. Firstly, it significantly simplifies the design and fabrication of power infrastructure within factories and warehouses that use large conveying systems or machine cells. Significant cost reductions are achieved by minimizing complex wiring and associated electrical conduits throughout the factory or warehouse.

A decentralized power distribution system using a power bus also adds flexibility to power infrastructure by allowing motors and machinery to be connected and disconnected anywhere along the bus quickly and easily. This allows factories to effortlessly and rapidly adapt by shortening commission time.

Lastly, and unique to the podis® system, is the considerably accelerated installation time. The unique taps take only minutes to install, saving valuable time during deployment and subsequent changes.

Are there any disadvantages or challenges associated with decentralized power systems?

Some decentralized systems use an insulation piercing technology (IPT) which can be destructive to the copper conductor of the main power cable, resulting in voltage drop and deterioration of the system over time. However, newer technologies such as the podis® power bus use a non-damaging copper displacement technology which prolongs the system’s performance and lifespan.

Figure 5 Copper Displacement

What applications are best suited for decentralized power bus systems?

Applications such as large conveyor systems used in airport baggage handling or warehouse automation are perfect applications for decentralized power bus systems. In addition, automated machining centers and material handling equipment also work well with decentralized power.

How are faults managed in a decentralized power bus system?

Managing faults in a decentralized power bus system involves a combination of protective measures, monitoring, and control strategies to ensure the reliability and safety of the system. Integrated circuit breakers or fuses, current monitoring sensors at the start of a power bus or temperature sensors placed on equipment or motors may all be integrated into a decentralized bus system.

What standards exist for decentralized power bus systems?

In the US, standards such as UL 2875 (Signal and Power Distribution for Industrial Control) and UL 1277 (Standard for Electrical Power and Control Tray Cables) dictate the use of power bus distribution systems.

ProMat 2023

Posted by Wieland Electric on February 16, 2023 7:36 pm | Leave a Comment

ProMat 2023

March 20-23, Chicago IL, Booth N7953

For manufacturing and supply chain customers we are heavily focused on safety services. By making sure machines are compliant with the latest safety regulations and laws, companies can avoid costly fines, penalties, and even criminal charges while improving the health and safety of their workers. Having a well-designed safety solution also helps reduce downtime and improves productivity.

Services we offer:

Safety Consultation
Risk Assessment
Lockout/ tag-out (LOTO)
Safety Design & Mitigation
Validation
Maintenance & modification as it relates to safety

Learn more about the safety services we offer

At Promat you can chat with our safety expert about our safety services and interact with the latest products. Our booth will feature interactive stations to demonstrate our functional safety components. Our latest safety module SAMOS PRO MOTION has all of the functionalities for comprehensive monitoring of speed, rotation direction, and position in its basic module, without the need for an additional motion module. This saves space, material, and costs. Ideal for applications using automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS).

In addition, a working conveyor demo is outfitted with safety guards, our advanced 3-phase power distribution system, and so much more. Touch, pry, pull, or interrupt! See the actions and reactions of the system on the HMI screen.

How does the podis® 3-phase power system work?

The revolutionary 3-phase power system, podis®, uses non-destructive insulation piercing technology for a safe, flexible, and guaranteed connection every time.

Learn more

Other Products to Explore:

Interactive HMI panels with real-time safety responses
Quickly & easily program a safety design with Samos®Plan, then simulate it on the spot
Programmable safety controller Samos® PRO Compact
Safe start with the podis® MS 5HP motor starter.

We are looking forward to reconnecting in person and showing you all of the ways we can improve installation time and machine availability.

Motor Starter Podis

Posted by Wieland Electric on March 11, 2022 8:57 pm | 4 Comments

SUPERIOR SAFETY, LESS EFFORT

Decentralized motor starter for easy planning and safe operation of conveyor systems

Motors in conveyor systems need to be switched off safely, but the wiring and energy distribution involved is usually very complex, involving bulky cable trays, and complex distribution boxes. As a result, Wieland Electric has developed a new motor starter that reduces the complexity of installation and improves the safety of conveyor systems. The podis MS 5HP is a compact, robust and user-friendly drive component with an integrated STO (Safe Torque Off) function. The safety function disconnects the power supply from the emergency stop circuits completely. As a result, the STO circuits no longer need routing through a central distributor and assignment to a specific energy branch. The system is less susceptible to interference and the installation work is more easily planned and carried out.

The motor starter podis MS 5HP from Wieland Electric makes the planning and installation of expansive conveyor systems less complex.

Safe Torque Off

The innovative combination of starter functions allows for the decentralized assignment of all of the energy of the STO circuits in the field. In addition, a superior level of safety (SIL 3, PL e) can be achieved with less effort. All the motor starters in an emergency stop circuit connect to the STO female sockets. The STO circuit monitors and operates through an auxiliary voltage generated in the field and also by a two-channel safety relay. Several STO circuits can operate from one power supply.

Using an energy bus system such as the podis 5G6 from Wieland Electric further enhances decentralized motor control. The energy distribution for several motors and starters can combine on one line with only a single feed. This saves space in the cable trays and the wiring in the distributor panel is much more straightforward.

Multiple Motor sizes, One starter

The podis MS 5HP covers motors with a power range from 0.3 Hp to 5 Hp (0.25 kW to 4.0 kW), up to 5 different motors. This helps reduce storage and administration costs. With only one order option for multiple motors, the procurement and materials management processes also require less effort.
Installation and commissioning are simple as well. DIP switches, for example, can be programmed on the device or with a web tool. The web configurator guides the user step-by-step through the different options. To access the configurator, simply scan the QR code on the front of the device.

Use the podis energy bus system for a complete electrical installation of conveyor systems.

Approvals & Protection Rating

With international approvals, CE, cULus from Q4 2021, the podis MS 5HP is suitable for worldwide use. In addition, the disconnect switch is in accordance with UL 508. The integrated service switch safely turns off drives for maintenance or repair work. Individual conveying lines can disconnect from the power supply without the system as a whole shutting down. A special integrated power supply generates the 24V DC auxiliary voltage required to supply the connected sensors. It does not use the neutral conductor and hence makes additional separate wiring unnecessary. This saves time and reduces material costs. Designed compliant with protection class IP65 and the NEMA12 standard relevant for the US market, the podis MS 5HP is also suitable for use in harsh industrial environments.

Modex 2022

Posted by Wieland Electric on January 28, 2022 3:51 pm | Leave a Comment

Modex 2022

March 28-31, Atlanta GA, Booth B1927

Explore power distribution, decentralized motor control, and machinery safety solutions at Modex 2022. Our new booth will have interactive walls with working products to demonstrate our functional safety components. Use Samos®Plan to quickly program a safety design, then watch it in action as we simulate it right on the spot! In addition, a working conveyor demo is outfitted with safety guards, our advanced 3-phase power distribution system, and so much more. Touch, pry, pull or interrupt, and see the actions and reactions of the system on the HMI screens.

New Product Launch – Motor Starter with Integrated Safety

podis® MS 5HP is the first decentralized motor starter with protection class NEMA 12 and integrated Safe Torque Off functionality! As a result, expansive conveyor systems are easier to install, commission, and service.

Learn more about the motor starter podis® MS 5HP.

Special Seminar – Beyond the Risk Assessment: what happens next?

Tuesday, March 29th, 12:45 PM at the Micro-Fulfillment Theatre

Explore risk mitigation strategies and examples with our certified safety expert using a palletizing application scenario. This seminar will explain in-depth the steps that a manufacturer must take to ensure the palletizing machine addresses the issues identified in the risk assessment.

In the presentation:

Palletizing/Box Packing application description
Defining the PLr
Setting-up the sensors
Programming the logic
Additional considerations

Explore Safety Services

In addition to quality safe components, we have expanded our solutions to include safety services. Experienced Wieland Electric machine safety consultants provide expert guidance on safety reviews, lockout/ tag-out planning and training, the machine safety concept, and more. Tell us your scenario and we can help you with the next steps.