Siemens exhibits digitalization and engineering efficiency at Husum Wind 2017

Under the slogan "Creating the most from wind – discover the value of digitalization", digitalization and engineering efficiency are main themes of this year's Siemens presentation at Husum Wind. The digitalization focuses on the Simatic WinCC Open Architecture Scada System, the cloud-based MindSphere open IoT operating system, and industrial communication: for efficient storage and analysis of large quantities of data, from condition monitoring to the operational optimization of wind energy plants. The company is exhibiting a wide range of tools for engineering efficiency, for example: libraries for controlling a wide range of turbine types, simulation tools for creating prototypes and models, planning tools with extensive CAx data, and engineering tools for the efficient automation of wind turbines. The focus on engineering efficiency also includes a busway system for safe, efficient power transmission, compact, gas-insulated medium voltage switchgear, components and solutions for the pitch and yaw system, and a new series of compact wind converters, specifically for wind turbines up to ten megawatts.

In the field of digitalization Siemens shows how the Siplus CMS Condition Monitoring System and the cloud-based MindSphere open IoT operating system enable mechanical damage to a wind turbine to be detected at an early stage. New software upgrades the Simatic WinCC Open Architecture Scada system (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) to a Smart Scada System. Data analyses to optimize the operation of a wind power plant can now be made without any special statistical expertise. For example, the plant is evaluated by means of key figures and the subsequent optimization by statistical methods. The self-diagnostics also detect fault states. Future-proof communication networks form the basis for digitalization in the wind industry. The industry-standard, rugged components for switching, routing, remote access, WLAN and security from Siemens fulfill all the communication requirements in the wind sector.

The coverage of engineering efficiency, a main theme of the exhibition, includes a software configurator, with which the main control program for turbines can be automatically, and thus efficiently, created. The combination of TIA Portal and turbine requirements from a library saves a considerable amount of time in comparison with manual engineering. All process parameters can be simulated in real-time in advance, before the model is finally verified, by using Simatic to integrate the Matlab and Simulink simulation tools used in the wind industry into the Siemens automation environment. Non-conformances are quickly and easily correctly before the prototype is built. The electricity generated by the wind power plants is safely, reliably and cost-effectively transmitted with the LDM busway system from the Sivacon 8PS product family, including the failure-critical section between the turbine and the base of the tower. Comprehensive CAx data for Eplan saves time and reduces sources of errors in control cabinet construction. Eplan macros for low-voltage switching devices and automation components assist virtual wiring and cable fabrication. The system diagnostics integrated into Simatic S7-1500 controllers offer full transparency of the plant status without additional configuration effort. The compact, gas-insulated 8DJH medium-voltage switchgear distributes the energy safely and reliably. The multifunctional Sicam Q200 recorder already complies with the new E VDE-AR-N 4110 connection rule at the transfer point from the wind farm to the public network. The Sirius switching devices for the pitch and yaw system are growing to keep pace with the ever higher performance classes for wind energy plants. High availability and reliability of all the components, together with adaptability, ruggedness and high energy efficiency of the electrical systems enable the wind turbine to operate reliably in a very confined space.

At the fair, Siemens is also exhibiting its new portfolio of wind converters, which have to meet ever higher requirements – in respect of network compatibility, efficiency and reliability – in their central role in the generation of wind energy. The new Sinamics W180 series of compact devices with high availability and efficiency is especially suitable for wind turbines up to ten megawatts.

Background information:

The Siemens portfolio for the wind industry is oriented toward reducing the costs of generating energy. Software solutions, practical tools, and harmonized components and systems also reduce energy costs. Plant constructors and operators benefit here from the high availability and efficiency of the wind energy plants, low production and maintenance costs, time saved on engineering and commissioning, a shorter time-to-market, and a quick return on investment.

Husum Wind 2017, booth 2A08