- Medium and low voltage drives for rolling mills
- The value of the order is in the low tens of millions of euros
- Drive systems to safeguard productivity
- Installation by order of the plant constructor and machine manufacturer SMS China
Siemens is to equip several Chinese aluminum factories with medium and low voltage drives. The value of the order is in the low tens of millions of euros. Commissioning will be completed in several stages between November 2018 and April 2019. The objective is to safeguard the productivity in the rolling mills with powerful, reliable drive systems.
On January 24, 2018, the most powerful high-voltage direct-current (HVDC) transformer began its journey from the transformer factory in Nuremberg, Germany, to China. The transformer will first be transported to the harbor in Nuremberg by special heavy load transporter, where it will be loaded onto a ship. Its journey will take it to Rotterdam via the Main-Danube Canal, and from there it will be shipped to China, where it will arrive after several weeks on the high seas. In July 2016, Siemens received an order to manufacture four transformers of this type. About a year later, the world’s first 1,100 kV transformer was completed and successfully passed the tests in the testing facility. The enormous dimensions of the transformer – 37.5 meters long, 14.4 meters tall, and 12 meters wide – posed a logistical challenge for the team. In operation, the transformer weighs just under 900 tons and its efficiency is well above 99% of the rated power. For the first time, the transformer will enable a high-voltage direct-current (HVDC) transmission with low losses over a record distance of 3,284 kilometers with a transmission capacity of 12 gigawatts. HVDC transformers are part of the converter station that convert alternating current into direct current at the beginning of the transmission line and convert it back again at the end of the line. The conversion from alternating current to direct current helps to transmit energy over long distances with low losses. Transformers are key components of an HVDC line: Thanks to the transformer, the Changji-Guquan project will be able to transmit direct current with a huge 1,110 kilovolts for the first time in the world. The new transformer not only makes the transmission of this record voltage level possible, but it is also the world’s most powerful tested transformer with a capacity of 587 megavoltamperes. Siemens has thus achieved a new dimension in high-voltage direct-current transmission. The HVDC line between Changji and Guquan will be operated by State Grid Corporation (SGCC), a Chinese grid operator. The connection is expected to begin operation in 2019.
Siemens has received an order from the distribution grid operator Netze BW GmbH to modernize and expand its 110-kV transformer substation in Nördlingen. Siemens will install its new 3AV1 outdoor circuit breaker with vacuum-interruption technology and a combined voltage and current converter, including clean-air insulation, in a 110-kV high-voltage grid for the first time. The switchgear thus requires no SF6 insulating gas. The order also includes retrofitting and expanding the existing air-insulated switchgear, including protection and control systems and work on cables and overhead lines. The new equipment is expected to be commissioned by the middle of 2018.
On the first day of Hannover Messe, April 25, Klaus Helmrich welcomed you to the yearly Siemens press conference. As member of the Managing Board of Siemens AG, Klaus Helmrich is responsible for the Divisions Digital Factory as well as Process Industries and Drives. The press conference took place at 6:30 PM, in room 1 of the fair's Convention Center.
- Seamless integrated software and automation solutions of the Digital Enterprise for additive manufacturing aimed at machine builders and users
- New integrated AM build process simulation software solution and new automated software and hardware solution for de-powdering part
- Enabling industrial Additive Manufacturing through a digitalized production facility
- Extended partnership-based financing services enabling Industrie 4.0 implementation in the field of additive manufacturing
Siemens will be showcasing its Digital Enterprise portfolio of seamless integrated solutions for additive manufacturing under the banner "Industrialize Additive Manufacturing" at formnext 2018, the lead exhibition for Additive Manufacturing (AM), in Frankfurt, Germany. The focus of the exhibition will be a digital representation of the real world – a digital twin – extending across the entire value chain, starting with design and engineering through simulation and production, to machine networking with Siemens Industrial Edge and the cloud-based IoT operating system MindSphere. Complementing its software offering, the company will also be presenting its matching hardware for complete machine and factory automation. The Siemens presentation is designed to address additive manufacturing machine builders and users alike. By featuring a variety of use cases, the technology company will be demonstrating how companies active in the field of additive manufacturing can use digitalization to significantly boost the flexibility and efficiency of their production, radically reduce engineering workloads and shorten the time to market, thus consolidating and expanding their competitive standing in global markets.
The foundation stone of the future converter station was laid on the morning of February 23rd in Folkestone by Jesse Norman, Minister for Industry and Energy signalling the start of the construction work for high-voltage direct-current (HVDC) project ElecLink. Siemens has been awarded an order to supply a link between the French and British power grids by customer ElecLink Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Groupe Eurotunnel SE. The ElecLink high-voltage direct-current (HVDC) link will enhance power supply reliability in both countries and promote the integration of renewable energy sources into the power grid. ElecLink, when complete, will supply enough electricity to power more than 1.65 million typical households per year. The HVDC link between France and Great Britain has been designated as one of the European Commission's projects of common interest to help create an integrated European Union energy market.
- New version of the TIA Portal V15 engineering framework with emphasis on applications, digitalization portfolio and engineering efficiency
- Applications enhanced with high-level language programming, integration of additional drive systems and handling functions
- Widening of the digitalization portfolio to include OPC UA functionalities and virtual commissioning
- Standardization and higher engineering efficiency with teamwork, as well as expanded diagnostics of machines and systems
With the new version of the TIA Portal V15 (Totally Integrated Automation Portal), Siemens is extending its engineering framework to include a range of new practical digitalization functions to shorten engineering times. The main features of the innovations are extension of the application possibilities, expansion of the digitalization portfolio, standardization and higher engineering efficiency.
- The firmware 2.1 for the Simatic S7-1500 Advanced Controller uses new functions of the Engineering Framework TIA Portal V14 SP1
- New fail-safe technology CPUs with extended scope of motion control functionalities
- Harmonized package of controller and servo drive system for mid-range motion control applications
- New power supply module for maximum data remanence in the event of power failures
The new firmware 2.1 for the Simatic S7-1500 Advanced Controller from Siemens now allows the user to use the new functions of the Engineering Framework TIA Portal V14 SP1. These include openness to other systems, such as the standardized, bi-directional exchange of engineering data via AutomationML (Automation Markup Language) with Eplan engineering software, the TIA Selection Tool or other CAE (Computer Aided Engineering) tools.
- Simotics XP technologically integrated platform concept for all explosion-proof low-voltage motors
- Efficiency rating IE3, improved maintenance conditions plus higher motor availability make for lower life cycle costs
- Optimized planning, engineering and procurement due to short delivery times and accelerated project implementation
- Added scope for optimization using digital twins
With its new generation of Simotics XP motors, Siemens is providing a technologically integrated platform concept encompassing all explosion-proof low-voltage motors. Based on the proven modular Simotics system, this future-proof platform covers all types of protection – making it ideally suited for use in potentially explosive atmospheres in the process industries. The use of standardized selection and engineering tools as well as uniform documentation which can be flexibly adjusted to individual requirements makes for simpler and faster project processing. Together with short delivery times, this can substantially cut project run times. The motor design has been optimized for the process industries, and is available across all protection types in efficiency class IE3. Life cycle costs are reduced despite improved motor availability and better maintenance conditions. By digitally mapping the real plant together with all its components to create a digital twin, Simotics XP becomes a part of the digital enterprise. The knowledge gained as a result can be used across the entire life cycle, permitting further optimization during the planning, engineering and commissioning phase, and also facilitating aftersales services and the stocking of spare parts. Typical applications for the new Simotics XP generation include pumps, fans, compressors, extruders, mixers and agitators.