Software PLC+ Industrial PC, enhance enterprise flexibility and agility

Programmable logic controller (PLC), one of the core applications in industrial automation, can be transformed into a “software PLC” by combining virtualization technology. The Virtual controller for Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure Open Automation Platform is a hardware-independent, software-based PLC that can run on any Windows or Linux server, industrial PC (iPC, industrial computer), or microcomputer without vendor bundling. The virtual controller supports multiple instances to be installed, configured, deployed and maintained independently at the same time and on the same hardware, and can also adjust and optimize the production process without stopping the production line, thereby minimizing downtime and reducing costs, helping enterprises better respond to dynamic consumer demand and market environment. Improve your flexibility and agility.

VDE0530-S1 In addition, the Schneider Electric Harmony iPC (formerly Magelis iPC) features a ruggedised design with extended temperature ranges and industrial protocol compatibility to adapt to the harsh environments commonly found in manufacturing. As an integrated terminal for visualization and control, Harmony iPC is both functional and specific, and it is also a professional tool for industrial users to run software PLCS, machines and plant control systems.

With the help of software to create reusable projects, build strong core competitiveness

EcoStruxure, an open automation platform based on software-defined automation, with built-in intelligent design and engineering capabilities, can quickly replicate the process or technology application of any project and extend it to other areas. In the case of carbon capture projects, it is often difficult for companies to achieve large-scale, replicable scale of projects in a single region because the carbon capture process requires a highly flexible and efficient control system with the ability to scale as needed. Brilliant Planet, one of the pioneers in algal carbon capture technology, has achieved a number of remarkable results thanks to the power of Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure open automation platform – not only reducing the integration and testing time of the control software at each project site, A customizable and extensible system is also built based on standardized applications, while the AVEVA system platform and AVEVA Insight are combined to achieve comprehensive visual management and control of the system operation.

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“The ability to apply modularity and standardisation is essential for carbon capture projects to scale quickly and at scale.” Adam Taylor, CEO of Brilliant Planet, said: “The solution based on Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure Open automation platform enables us to replicate, migrate and scale our control systems for projects, helping us to improve resource management and utilization efficiency. In the future, we hope to further promote the expansion of carbon capture projects based on this system.”

VDE0530-S1 In a virtualized environment, it becomes easier to deploy new processes and to replicate or optimize existing ones. With the power of reusable engineering, companies can greatly improve engineering efficiency, reduce project time to market, and stand out in the industry with significant advantages.

Embrace software-defined automation for the industry of the future

As industrial automation technology continues to evolve, engineers and machine manufacturers are constantly innovating to improve efficiency, productivity, flexibility and agility in order to cope with the increasingly fierce market landscape. It is not difficult to see that leveraging the power of virtualization technology and creating software-defined automated operations has become a necessary capability for enterprises to move into the industrial future.

Industrial innovation ushered in the era of “software-defined automation.” As the digital, virtualized intelligent manufacturing environment matures, it will undoubtedly continue to bring new interoperability, convenience and efficiency standards, and continue to promote the development of industrial automation.

At the upcoming 2024 Hannover MESSE, Schneider Electric will display seven major themes in the life science industrial park, including “Infrastructure, chemical industry, industrial water and sewage treatment, bioprocessing, green material production, packaging and logistics, and industrial software”, on a large booth of nearly 2000 square meters. Illustrate the industrial future through software, automation and electrification.

For more highlights, please lock in the live broadcast of Schneider Electric Hannover MESSE booth on April 24 at 15:00, welcome to Schneider Electric video number to make an appointment to watch.