According to the European Union (EU), renewables overtook fossil fuels to become the number one energy source in the EU in 2020, producing 38 percent of the total energy generated. Digitalisation can be a valuable tool in a constantly evolving energy landscape, but how can operations in this sector effectively incorporate digital technologies? Here, Javier De La Morena Cancela, sales and marketing manager at motor and drive manufacturer WEG, explains how their digital solutions can help engineers and production managers to improve the overall efficiency and sustainability of their energy operations.
The energy sector is diversifying at a rapid pace, driven by the need for more sustainable sources of energy and rising overall demand. Automation, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are being integrated into processes to maximise productivity and quality, supported by the generation and sharing of vast amounts of data. Digitalising the energy sector has real potential in supporting current operations and supporting the diversification of the industry, along with offering financial savings, improved efficiency and superior sustainability. Emissions are already at their lowest level since 1965, and the addition of digital solutions can only enhance this. How do engineers go about integrating digital solutions into their operations in order to reap these benefits?
WEG has a suite of digital products and apps designed to work with electric motors and drives across a range of industries, including all energy generation applications. Motors and drives are key in energy operations for power generation — a typical power plant, whether it is thermal or hydroelectric, may have a range of high and low voltage AC induction motors driven by variable speed drives (VSDs) that require monitoring to ensure the consistent running of the generation equipment. They are also commonly used in renewable energy applications such as wind power, where they are used to harness natural resources and produce clean electricity.
To enable engineers to accurately monitor the efficiency of their motors and drives in real time, WEG created the EcoDrive app. This digital tool allows operators and engineers to check their system’s efficiency and to determine whether it is operating at its optimal level. The app calculates equipment efficiency through its operating points and determines which efficiency class the system is working at, ensuring that motors in power generation operations can continue to support energy production in the most sustainable way possible.
WEG also offers a convenient platform for uploading, storing, and accessing important technical data about the motors in an operation. WEG Data Viewer allows the user to upload important data such as performance curves, datasheets and test results, along with up-to-date manuals. This allows engineers to access information about the equipment quickly and conveniently at any location to simplify routines, analysis and maintenance.
Unscheduled downtime can cause significant loss of profit and productivity, and this is a particular concern in the energy industry, where failures can result in significant power outages. WEG Motor Scan is a sensor device which can be easily installed onto motors and drives and configured using a smartphone to collect information on vibration, temperature and usage. This data can then be transmitted to a central gateway for access and analysis on the WEG internet of things (IoT) platform.
There are also several additional tools available to utilise this information. For enhanced condition monitoring, WEG Motion Fleet Management is a cloud-based system which can report the status of industrial assets. Users can accurately see the condition of motors, drives, compressors and other equipment without having to physically access the assets being monitored.
The system periodically collects data and generates insights based on advanced information processing. This data can be used to inform important decisions and establish effective plans for predictive maintenance and repairs to minimise downtime. This is particularly useful in operations such as wind power generation, where motors in turbines or offshore are not as readily accessible and remote monitoring of equipment is advantageous.
To further enhance digital solutions, AI and machine learning can support existing automation tools. WEG Motor Specialist uses these elements to offer diagnostic and monitoring capabilities, along with indicating when maintenance and repair work may be required for assets. Again, this is crucial in avoiding unscheduled downtime and failures which could result in interruption to supply and significant financial costs.
The energy market is undoubtedly evolving and diversifying, and intuitive and flexible technologies are invaluable in keeping up with these changes. Incorporating digital solutions into any energy operation to monitor and manage motors and drives has many tangible benefits. It allows providers to orchestrate an effective predictive maintenance plan and manage resources and parts, along with the reduction of financial costs and the risk of unplanned downtime. WEG’s tools offer users in the energy market a convenient and accessible way to manage important assets and ensure that they can continue to deliver their service at an optimal level of performance and efficiency.
To find out more about how WEG’s digital solutions can support the power generation industry and ensure reliable generation of power, visit the website here.
WEG Europe and Middle East 