Digital transformation – tips from specialists
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In digital manufacturing, the latest trends aim to connect the virtual and physical factory environment. This is what the term stands for Digital transformation. It aims to increase productivity, efficiency and profitability. For change, companies must combine a number of cutting-edge technologies in order to successfully complete the changes. We present the know-how of Mitsubishi Electric as an experienced partner.
Contents
- These three things are important to keep in mind when running a data center
- Scara robots for beginners in digital transformation
- Edge computing connects the operational level with IT
- Step by step with specialists in the digital transformation
- Digital twin processes data in the cloud
- Today's machine control: intelligent and capable of learning
- Connected to all cloud systems - video lecture
These three things are important to keep in mind when running a data center
31.01.2023/XNUMX/XNUMX | The Covid pandemic has digital revolution further advanced in the industry. Digital change and the latest technologies for the 5G communication create increasing demand for more solutions for web and cloud-based applications. This leads to high investments in IT infrastructures.
The changes triggered by digital change in terms of digital transformation also lead to enormous investments in data centers. Growth rates of up to 17,5% are expected worldwide. That makes the business area attractive. But what exactly is needed in a data center? Besides the hardware like IT server there are three important success factors for the optimal operation of a data center: Efficiency, redundancy, Sustainability.
Increase energy efficiency with server cooling
Data centers are power guzzlers: from the XNUMX/XNUMX supply of important IT servers to the provision of backup systems in the form of uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) through to Cooling the plant. The heat produced by the servers should not only be reduced, but also kept under control. Excessively high ambient temperatures endanger electrical components. This can lead to server failures.
If you take care of both challenges, you can kill two birds with one stone. It is important to make the cooling more efficient and to avoid wasting energy. With the basis of an optimal environment, the performance of the servers can be maintained for as long as possible.
Example server room with 50 servers
A server room with 50 servers is to describe one of the examples. Together that would be 50 servers about 17 to 18 kW heat/h generate. Examples of this are a small oven or 15 average heaters that run continuously.
In addition, there are heat effects from routers, UPS, switches, lighting and exposure through any windows. Overall, a lot of heat is generated and possibly stored. Electronic devices such as servers run on average at 30° to 40°C, whereas a data center is usually cooled down to 18° to 25°C. The continuous cooling required for this ironically uses more energy than actual operation.
There is also potential for savings in ventilation systems. If the air flow through a frequency converter controlled, this drastically reduces power consumption. A simple auto-tuning function helps here with the automatic parameterization of the application or loads. With newer cooling technologies such as ventilation system and cooling tower are used frequency converter increasingly installed as standard. If not, they can simply be retrofitted and then temporarily reduce power consumption.
When the cooling fails
But what if the cooling system in a data center fails? Frequency converter with preventive maintenance functions for Predictive Maintenance can remedy. If load characteristics and processes are monitored in real time, performance drops can be detected at an early stage. Preventive maintenance features lay the foundation for operators to identify anomalies such as a filter clog or a worn out Warehouse recognize in time. Maintenance is planned in good time, minimizing downtime.
Graphic HMI operator terminals for industrial automation
A visualized maintenance status helps keep operations running and reduces the workload for maintenance technicians. An advanced visualization monitors multiple subsystems such as electricity, lighting, air conditioning or disaster protection. With a Scada system such as Genesis64 by Iconics, redundant surveillance systems can be expanded and implemented. It can be used to monitor the status of the data center in real time through a graphical display of data from various subsystems. In the event of a device failure, the Scada monitoring system can be configured to list the possible causes in order of likelihood in the event of a device failure. This makes troubleshooting easier.
If you combine Scada systems with cloud services larger amounts of data can be processed. This allows the integrated and simultaneous monitoring of multiple data centers. This becomes all the more important as the number of micro to hyper-scale data centers increases worldwide. The use of Geo-Scada systems will enable remote monitoring of many end devices such as PCs, mobile devices and smart glass make possible.
Redundant systems reduce risks
Redundant systems are essential for maintaining the systems critical factors such as servers, operating systems, power supply, cooling or security systems.
Programmable controller (PLC) secure HVAC systems to maintain various factors related to temperature and air quality. For this reason, data centers usually install redundant cooling systems in which a double standby PLC can be installed parallel to the main PLC. If the power source fails, control is immediately switched from the main PLC to the standby PLC.
Redundant PLCs are also used to ensure the reliability of other equipment such as chillers. This is because they cannot be switched off during operation in the data center. A redundant PLC is rather expensive. The modular Melsec iQ-R PLC from Mitsubishi Electric is a hybrid solution where a single redundant switching module can be added to an industrial PLC. This reduces system and maintenance costs without sacrificing redundancy due to the high quality and robustness of today's PLCs.
Physically separate redundant systems
In the case of redundant systems, the main and standby PLCs must be physically separated from one another. That means they have to a different power source and installation location have in order to be able to maximize the "protection". Therefore, the two controls should be connected by a fiber opticCables to be connected. This avoids electrical noise and shortens the switching time between the two controls in an emergency.
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However, the use of redundant PLCs is not that easy. They shouldn't be too far apart, but they shouldn't be too close together either. they may not in the same Scontrol cabinet be accommodated because the redundancy would then be destroyed. A high-speed system with a switching time of about 10 ms or less should be aimed at to realize continuous and reliable control."
Build sustainable and reliable data center
If there is a failure at one of the major cloud providers today, it makes headlines worldwide even if it only lasts 30 minutes. This increases the pressure on the providers themselves short failures zu avoid. Data center availability is becoming a critical factor. Building data centers is therefore not only about IT, but also about managing its systems. This should be done as redundantly, efficiently and sustainably as possible.
The use of well-known technologies such as frequency converters to increase the energy efficiency of cooling systems, the visualization of the overall status in the data center to rationalize operations and risk minimization through redundant systems: maximum benefit is possible with all of this at minimum costs. It is advisable to to work with partnerswho have the necessary know-how and the corresponding products. In this way, risks can be minimized, costs managed and the environment kept in mind.
The author Hiroki Nishiyama is Global Manager of Data Center Marketing Mitsubishi Electric Corporation.
Scara robots for beginners in digital transformation
23.06.2022/XNUMX/XNUMX | The new Melfa RH-CR Scara robot from Mitsubishi Electric offer a space-saving solution for those new to the Robotic. The new Industrial robots are particularly suitable for companies that are just entering the Automation and start digital transformation.
Edge computing connects the operational level with IT
December 15.12.2020, XNUMX | The digital transformation of the industry has brought the connection of OT | operational level and IT | gave new impetus to higher-level information technology at the corporate level. In order to fully exploit the potential of digitalization Edge Computing from Mitsubishi Electric is the solution.
Step by step with specialists in the digital transformation
28.10.2020 | The digital transformation plays a decisive role for companies with their own production. It is achieved with the aggregation, analysis and extraction of large amounts of data. Artificial intelligence (AI), Edge Computing, industrial Automation and Networking are ideal tools for developing high-precision digital models for management, monitoring and steering of machines, systems, processes and other equipment.
Such virtual systems predict future device requirements, are used for predictive maintenance or the optimization of monitoring and control strategies to improve processes. Manufacturers can use the digital models to increase the efficiency and productivity of their systems because they offer a clear, penetrating understanding of the process.
Gradually build up digital transformation
Adopting all of these technologies and solutions at once is tempting. But it is important for successful change, the implementation of digital transformation in stages to plan. Many production facilities have grown, developed and adapted to market requirements over the course of time. New technologies are often introduced as soon as they become available. The effects are manufacturing processes that are made up of old and new systems with different levels of intelligence.
The first step on the way to... Digital transformation consists therefore in the Systems and processes to check. It must be determined where data can be collected easily and effectively. For the development of future-proof systems for automation, companies should design controllable, backward-compatible, scalable and expandable systems.
Then companies can begin installing solutions that suit their current process, need, and resource. In doing so, they lay the foundation for future digital migration work in the digital transformation.
Use the opportunities of big data and smart manufacturing
In order to make better use of big data and smart manufacturing for digital transformation, those responsible must use the information gathered in the systems data make it more accessible and visible. This can be achieved by upgrading existing drives and controls. You can collect the information and transmit it to machines, networks or data management platforms.
A key element for the future of manufacturing builds on these preparations: The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) helps to optimize operational processes from production to maintenance.
Harting is driving digital transformation with Experts Camp
For this to work, the gap between IT and Operational Technology (OT) must be bridged. The exchange of information for advanced analyzes must be enabled. One of the next steps in the change process of the digital transformation of a company is consequently the Combination of IT and OT through the implementation of automation technology that can process data in the edge area. Edge computing offers the advantage of almost real-time processing with AI and advanced analytics (AA) functions.
In order to gradually develop and implement successful strategies for digital transformation, companies should work with an automation specialist. He has the necessary experience in factory automation and the latest technologies alike. Together, a roadmap of suitable and scalable solutions can be developed that master the challenges and provide a fast one Return on Investment (ROI). The customer receives continuous support and help throughout the change process.
Digital transformation with the right partner
Mitsubishi Electric disposes of his Partner Network have a proven track record of helping manufacturing companies with their digital transformation and migration. The automation technology offered includes intelligent devices that can locally process artificial intelligence, have functions for preventive maintenance and deliver diagnostic data.
Mitsubishi Electric's Edge Computing also supports manufacturers with Data processing and enables the effective integration of IT and OT. In addition, the condition monitoring and maintenance tools use device data that can be used to create precise models to optimize preventive maintenance.
The author is Jeremy Shinto, Edge Computing Product Manager at Mitsubishi Electric.
Today's machine control: intelligent and capable of learning
08.04.2020 | with artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced analytics (AA) can Machine control today process data, learn from it and make autonomous decisions. How to embed these intelligent technologies into the steering can deliver a new paradigm of operation, knows Nils Knepper from Mitsubishi Electric.
Digital twin processes data in the cloud
24.09.2018 | 
How far the coordination of production and MES/ERP world The joint IoT solution from SAP and Mitsubishi Electric shows that it can already be achieved on the way to Industry 4.0. Customers can connect directly to the cloud platform of the eF@ctory Alliance partner SAP.
Connected to all cloud systems
01.02.2018 | Thomas Lantermann, Senior Solution Consultant Factory Automation EMEA, Mitsubishi Electric Europe BV Ratingen, shows in a specialist lecture at the specialist press days of the RBS Stutensee in Karlsruhe why reservations about cloud applications can be unfounded.
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Angela Struck is editor-in-chief of the development scout and freelance journalist as well as managing director of Presse Service Büro GbR in Ried.