- New Safety Library (3.0) for faster commissioning and compatibility with a wider range of Simatic-S7 controllers
- Advanced Position Control (APC) function for faster positioning
- New Simotics S-1FG1 servo-geared motors in upper and lower output range
- Cut in energy costs by optimized motion control
Siemens has upgraded its TÜV-certified Safety Library developed specifically for use with storage and retrieval systems. The benefits of Safety Library V3.0 for users include faster commissioning and compatibility with a wider range of failsafe Simatic controllers (from S7-1516F). Boosting the speed of storage cycles are two functions: Vibx (Vibration Extinction) and the more advanced new function Advanced Position Control (APC). APC also requires no additional sensors or actuators, and ensures the permanent prevention of mast vibrations. APC even kicks in under continuously changing vibration conditions, caused for instance by different loading conditions or variable disturbance factors such as wind. Supplementing this function are new additions to the Simotics S-1FG1 portfolio. In the upper output range, external fans now permit highly dynamic traversing processes, allowing a significantly more dynamic configuration of traversing motors. A new Simatic module for energy-optimized traversing enables energy savings despite the improved dynamic performance.
- Siemens implements autonomous stockyard management system in China
- Autonomous stockyard management system combines five automation systems
- Interaction of all components enables control of machines and conveyors
- Improved system efficiency, production capacity and security coupled with lower operating costs
Siemens is supplying an autonomous stockyard management system to be used in a new plant for HBIS Laoting Steel Co. Ltd., a Chinese subsidiary of one of the world's biggest iron and steel producers. The autonomous stockyard management system from Siemens comprises of a material tracking and management system (MAQ), an autonomous stockyard operating system (MOM), a Simatic PCS 7 process control system, industry network, consulting, engineering, project management and commissioning. Interaction between these different components enables control of all the plant's machines and conveying systems, it offers wide-ranging benefits such as the capability for all machines and conveyors to be controlled from a single system. This is achieved using a 3D model of the existing inventory which provides information on the volume and quality of stocked material, enabling autonomous operation of all the plant's storage and retrieval machines. This allows HBIS Laoting Steel Co. Ltd. not only to drive down its operating costs, but also to achieve between a five and ten percent improvement in system efficiency and between three and seven percent higher production capacity. The use of autonomous storage and retrieval machinery also improves safety.
Under the motto "Industrialize Additive Manufacturing" Siemens presented its comprehensive solution portfolio for consistent digitalization of additive manufacturing at the formnext 2018, the leading exhibition for additive manufacturing. Starting with the design and engineering software, via innovative simulation tools to complete machine and factory automation, Siemens demonstrated how the industrialization of additive manufacturing can be further accelerated. Furthermore Siemens introduced solutions around peripheral processes, such as automated support removal, surfaces finishing and part removal as well as post processing for intelligent de-powdering solutions. Additional, Siemens presented new business models, which have derived from digitalization in this industry.
Agility is the ability to adjust rapidly to changing market conditions, capitalize on emergent business opportunities, and reduce costs or increase revenue streams in the process. In the wake of decarbonization, decentralization, and digitalization, it is the basis for grid operators' and utilities' future business success.
The Siemens booth at EUW 2018 presented combined solutions for electrification, automation, and digitalization that pave the way for multilayered, distributed, and connected grids, this way enabling the required degree of agility.
- Sidrive IQ improves drive systems along the entire life cycle up to the megawatt range
- Cloud-based application based on networked drive systems from Siemens
- Increased productivity, reliability and ease of maintenance
- Standardized link enabled by Sinamics Connect 500 and Simotics Connect 600 connectivity modules
Sidrive IQ from Siemens provides a digital platform enabling the evaluation and utilization of data gathered from drive systems. On the basis of networked drive systems from Siemens, this cloud-based application is now also available for motors and converters in the medium and high-voltage range. This opens up an array of benefits for plant and machine operators, from optimized maintenance activity and maximum availability to increased productivity, from low outputs through to the megawatt range across the entire life cycle. Connectivity modules such as Simotics Connect 600 and Sinamics Connect 500 enable high-voltage motors and medium-voltage converters to be simply linked up to Sidrive IQ. With the latest generation of its Remote Services and Condition Monitoring Services offered as part of the Sidrive IQ Services portfolio, Siemens is making available corrective measures for fixing faults, preventive maintenance offers and proactive services for optimized performance. The optimized drive systems are used in pumps, fans and compressors across different sectors of industry such as oil and gas, mining, food and beverage, water and wastewater, metals and cement.
- Fulcrum's municipal solid waste-to-fuels plant will contribute to a sustainable future
Abengoa, a Spanish engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor, recently selected Siemens to supply a compressor train for Fulcrum BioEnergy's Sierra BioFuels Plant that will use gasification technology to produce low-carbon fuels from municipal solid waste. The plant will be located in Storey County outside of Reno Nevada and is expected to produce approximately 11 million gallons of biofuel per year that will be used by the aviation industry.
• Agreement is Siemens' largest O&M deal in terms of power generated • Sites to serve as model for other utilities in reliability and efficiency• Digital services and data analytics to optimize plants and ensure reliabilityIn a new milestone agreement, Siemens announced today that it has been selected by the Egyptian Electricity Holding Company (EEHC) to provide comprehensive operation and maintenance services (O&M) for the Beni Suef, New Capital and Burullus power plants, for the next eight years. The agreement, which is the largest ever for the Siemens Power Generation Services in terms of power generated, includes the implementation of the company's Omnivise digital service solutions.Each of the three 4.8GW power plants is considered to be the largest gas-fired combined-cycle plant ever built and operated. Together the plants represent approximately 40 percent of Egypt's power capacity, at the time of signing contracts, generating 14.4GW – enough to supply 40 million Egyptians with electricity."The new agreement aligns with our energy production goals to ensure sustainable growth and maximum reliability and efficiency of new and existing combined-cycle generating facilities," said Eng. Gaber El Desouki, Chairman of the EEHC. "Strategically, it makes sense for us to enlist a single trusted and credible service provider to help operate and manage our large-scale power assets."The multi-year agreement covers all on-site equipment including 24 gas turbines, twelve steam turbines, 36 generators, 24 heat recovery steam generators and three 500 kV gas-insulated switchgear systems. "The new agreement reconfirms our focus to work with Egypt on developing the right mix of solutions to support the country's dynamic needs. It also underscores the tangible cost benefits that digital technologies can bring to the power industry," said Gianluigi Di Giovanni, Senior Executive Vice President of Siemens Power Generation Services in the Middle East and North Africa. "As a key development partner to the country we are committed to contributing to the sustainable growth, diversification and efficiency of the Egyptian energy industry." Siemens will also implement its services portfolio to improve asset visibility, reliability and availability of the three power plants. Data from the plant operation will be collected, analyzed and transformed into actionable insights such as accurate diagnostics, troubleshooting and condition forecasting, improving plant reliability and reducing downtime. Additionally, the data processed can help to balance maintenance costs, optimize inspection intervals and provide valuable insights into operational risks.Building on more than 30 years of experience in power plant operation and maintenance, Siemens currently manages more than 35 GW in 17 countries. The company's global resources and fleet expertise enable it to provide complement plant services and management, along with sharing best practices and technical knowledge with power plant owners.
During the conference, Siemens introduced the new SGT-400 PL Compressor Package, a highly integrated, turnkey gas turbine and centrifugal compressor solution. With field-proven, efficient, and reliable components, this new package offers a single-lift, one baseplate configuration for fast deployment, DLE combustion technology for emissions compliance even at low loads, and expert, 24x7 support for responsive service.
The AMB, the International Exhibition for Metalworking, was open from September 18 to 22, 2018 in Stuttgart. Under the motto "Digitalization in Machine Tool Manufacturing - Implement now!", Siemens demonstrated to users and manufacturers of machine tools how end-to-end digitalization solutions work from the machine tool right up to the corporate management level and the cloud.
Siemens showcased its comprehensive oil and gas solutions at the Turbomachinery & Pump Symposium (TPS), September 18 – 20, 2018 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, TX. Oil and gas companies have some of the most complex physical and technical operational challenges of any business on the planet. To manage risks, control costs and optimize asset performance, oil and gas operators increasingly rely on digital technologies and analytics to improve efficiencies and safety for all aspects of oil and gas production, distribution and use. Leveraging 170 years of technological and engineering expertise, with extensive experience in operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT), Siemens' suite of innovative technologies deliver cutting-edge hard and software capabilities for equipment and solutions that enhance efficiency, predictability, reliability and safety for its customers.