PROFINET supports Energy Management

PI (PROFIBuS & PROFINET International) is currently tackling the issue of energy management. This was initiated by a request of the AIDA (Automation Initiative of German Automobile Manufacturers). Companies active in the AIDA use PROFINET in their systems. They have tasked PI with providing functions and mechanisms for PROFINET that support energy-efficient production.

The high cost of energy and compliance with legal obligations are forcing industry to deal with the issue of energy saving. For this reason, manufacturing companies have been taking stronger measures to reduce energy costs for several years. This issue is of special interest because other company goals, such as resource preservation and reduction of production times, can be achieved by skillfully introducing certain measures. Different equipment manufacturers already provide local energy saving options as well.

To implement an integrated open and user-appropriate solution, the PI decided to define and standardize a manufacturer-independent energy saving profile based on PROFINET. A special working group was formed and is already on the job. The use cases and requirements from the user”s perspective have already been defined. They form the basis for the specification work which begun in February 2009.

The solution stipulates the definition of different energy saving modes for the devices. Using the energy saving profile, the energy saving modes of the devices can be addressed uniformly and easily by a controller and their responses can be evaluated. This allows a system controller to utilize optimum energy consumption during production and during the various break lengths.

PROFIBUS & PROFINET User Conference 2009

For an update on PROFIBUS, PROFINET, PROFIsafe and wireless industrial communications, readers are recommended to attend the PROFIBUS & PROFINET User Conference at Stratford Manor Hotel, Stratford on Avon, June 16/17 2009 where industry experts will present the latest on the technologies and their application in a packed programme of technical presentations and hands-on workshops. Full details and the Conference Programme and reservation form can be found on the conference website at www.profi-bus.co.uk.