The XC300 series comprises powerful and flexible PLCs (small controllers) with a modular functional level that can be easily expanded using the I/O components of the XN300 system. This allows machine builders and system integrators to implement customized control solutions while keeping the footprint to a minimum.
With the XV300 series, Eaton is adapting the multi-touch operating structures and practices of the consumer sector to the world of automation. The high level of system performance and the powerful graphics processor allow users to design state-of-the art user interfaces, incorporating fast image changes as well as multimedia elements. The series is therefore perfectly suited to pump systems where emphasis is not only placed on the controller but also on the convenient and robust visualization and operation of the system.
If larger quantities of liquid are involved, turning off the pumps may cause particular stress on the piping system. Switching off a pump will immediately bring the flow rate in the piping system to a halt. The kinetic energy of the flowing water will be distributed to the pipes, couplings, valves and seals in the form of "water hammer," which may cause considerable damage, resulting in high follow-up costs and a loss of production. Eaton’s soft starters will bring the pump to a smooth stop to protect against this issue.
Pump controllers based on the PowerXL DE1 variable speed starters (up to 7.5 kW) offer an energy-efficient solution wherever variable speeds are required. This product range is characterized by easy handling and maximum reliability and combines the benefits of a motor starter with those of a variable frequency drive.
The compact DC1 variable frequency drive (up to 22 kW) is particularly suitable for basic pump, fan and conveyor belt systems. The device is very quick and easy to configure and commission and thus generates measurable cost savings.
The PowerXL DA1 (up to 250 kW) is a variable frequency drive for the machine building sector. It offers multiple communication protocols, can be tailored to customer requirements thanks to the integrated function block editor (PLC), and features a powerful vector mode for highly dynamic applications.
The PowerXL DM1 variable frequency drive (up to 22 kW) combines maximum functionality with a small footprint. It can be used wherever space is limited but the functionality of a standard universal drive is nevertheless required, for example in pump applications. Single-phase and three-phase versions are available.
The PowerXL DG1 variable speed drives (up to 630 kW) are specifically designed for modern, demanding applications: Thanks to their patented energy-saving algorithm, high short-circuit ratings and rugged design, they offer increased efficiency, safety and reliability, with additional circuit-board protection (conformal coated) for aggressive environments.
Both the DM1 and DG1 come with a fire mode and additional features for multi-pump applications.
For water/wastewater applications, different modes are available to control and regulate systems consisting of several pumps. Since the DM1 and the DG1 come with a built-in PID controller for level and pressure control, there is no need for any external controller. They can both be used to control one or more master or back-up drives, while a real-time clock is also available for runtime compensation of all pumps. This level of versatility not only reduces equipment costs but also increases system availability and efficiency.
Eaton's various PLCs can be used for the visualization and operation of applications in combination with the HMIs from the XV100 or XV300 series. The powerful and comprehensive GALILEO software can be used to configure any device from the XV and XP touch panel families. Via the easyE4 display, texts and values can be adjusted and displayed directly on the device. Alternatively, the convenient ‘easy’ remote touch display can also be used, which mirrors the content of the text display and is immediately ready for use as a “plug & play” solution without requiring any software.
The easyE4 control relay provides efficient support for pump control in buildings, infrastructure projects or industrial applications. The powerful easyE4, which is available with or without display, comes with a large number of inputs and outputs that can be easily expanded by means of additional I/O modules. Via easyNET, up to eight easyE4 devices can be networked with each other to quickly exchange data. And for larger networks, there is also the option to connect up to 10 clusters of eight easyE4 devices with each other.
The easyE4 programmable control relay as well as the various HMI/PLC series come with a wide range of bus connections, facilitating smooth communications right through to motor starters or to fill-level monitoring sensors. For the sake of simplicity, this graphic only mentions SmartWire-DT, Modbus and CANopen. The XC300 offers a good example in this regard. Even the standard version is already equipped with three independent Ethernet interfaces that allow for separate network addresses. Network segmentation, encryption and certificate-based transmissions protect the machine against unauthorized access. Thanks to the additional CAN interfaces and I/O channels, the devices are suitable for universal use.
The easyE4, the XC300 and the HMI/PLCs of the XV300 series use their Ethernet interfaces for all communications with other components and external displays. A simple standard switch from Eaton can be used to connect multiple devices.
The integrated web server makes it possible to display application content both in internet browsers and on smartphones and tablets. In addition, the easyE4 can be used to send automatic email notifications about application-related events. In development environments, such as Node-RED, the easyE4 can also be synchronized with smart home devices. In addition, the easyE4 can be easily combined with and controlled by all common voice assistants, such as Alexa or Siri, via the JSON API.
Eaton’s variable frequency drives also offer useful functions for single-pump applications, such as the fire mode. If used for fire protection in buildings or in sensitive structures such as tunnels, the DM1 and the DG1 can be operated in fire mode. In this mode, internal safety features that would normally shut down the device are disabled to ensure that fire pumps and smoke ventilation systems remain operational. The fire mode can be configured using a comprehensive range of options, including fixed setpoints, switchable setpoint inputs and fail-safe activation.
Motor starters are an energy-efficient solution for pumps running at a constant flow rate, as their power consumption is much lower than that of variable frequency drives. In applications with variable flow rates and constant base loads, it is therefore advisable to consider using motor starters.
Eaton's portfolio includes the conventional PKZM motor starter with bimetallic strip and the PKE electronic motor starter up to 32 A. For applications in the higher power range, we offer the combination of the NZM with the DILM, for example as a star-delta starter.
Compared to conventional motor starters, the EMS2 makes it much easier and faster to implement applications with safe stop in accordance with SIL 3 and PLe. The multi-functional design makes it easier to set up the main/control circuits, thereby reducing the number of hardware components by 70 %.
