|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| >EPCS Features | |
|
|
|
|
| >Operation | |
|
|
|
|
| >Transporter control system | |
|
|
|
|
| >Process control system | |
|
|
|
|
| >Electrical equipment | |
|
|
|
|
| >Development of the control sytem | |
|
|
|
|
| >Future visions | |
|
|
|
|
Future visions:
The EPCS has been developed continuously for decades, and this development will continue in the future.
The latest major new development was the transition to a new transporter control system. For information about this see the corresponding chapter
transporter control system.
PC System without rotating parts
The next significant step will be a server PC system without rotating parts, i.e. the computer will have no ventilator and no hard disk. The great advantage of this is that such a computer will be absolutely maintenance-free and even more stable, as the PC will include no electromechanical components anymore.
This system is already applied in a test facility and tested with regard to function and system stability. The test runs for this system (especially the endurance test) will be completed this year.
Redundant backup system
Our software department is already working on a redundant backup system for the entire control system, i.e. all parameters, customer data, protocols etc. will be saved on external storage media in a dual system to exclude data loss.
Process control system
A new, freely programmable control system is being developed in cooperation with a university of technology. For further information see chapter:
Process control system.
Decentralisation
Our aim is to replace required hardware components by suitable software. This means an even higher system stability, more compact control systems and a substantial saving of costs. The catchword decentralisation plays a central role in this context. It is very important, however, that decentralisation is not realised at the expense of safety. Measures for operator safety will be carried out electromechanically in accordance with legal requirements also in the future.
The decentral transporter control sytem is currently developed further. The function shall remain the same, however without additional external control system. This would substantially reduce the size and eliminate another source of error. First tests will start this year.
Transition to Profinet (LAN)
The ongoing development of the LAN connection as replacement for Profibus is followed closely by us. We are expecting a standardisation of ethernet connections in the near future. This would simplify the bus system, as it allows star-shaped wiring.
