Digitalization in Control Cabinets

Table of contents

1. Digital twin - The optimization base
2. Data - The fuel of digitalization
3. Goals of digitalization
4. Creating a digital control cabinet with the help of Bürklin Elektronik

Digital twin – The optimization base

With the help of a so-called digital twin, tangible as well as intangible objects and processes can be represented virtually and by using real-time data. Such a digital copy provides the basis and the necessary scope for future simulations and modeling – also in control cabinet technology.

Even before the actual, physical process is used, it can be mapped digitally – allowing all optimization potential to be exploited. Errors, for example in the design or function of components, are detected at an early stage and rectified through adapted planning. With the digital twin as a basis, all components of the value chain in control cabinet construction could therefore be considered and improved. This leads to a significant increase in overall efficiency.

Data – The fuel of digitalization

The collection of structured, high-quality data is an indispensable factor for digitalization. Data is information in different formats and units – that is well known. If they are broken down correctly, they provide valuable insights into ongoing processes. The more data that is available, the more meaningful the conclusions that can be drawn. This enables an in-depth understanding of the status and requirements and, based on this, targeted adaptation for the benefit of optimized use of existing or planned systems.

In order to holistically improve the value creation processes in control cabinet technology, structured data must therefore be collected at all individual stages. In this way, unused potential can be identified and addressed.

Goals of digitalization

In order to digitize production processes in control cabinet construction, there are countless “levers” that can be pulled. From planning to design to final commissioning: every single operation in the process now requires a digital response. Step-by-step digitalization along the entire value chain smartly links individual steps together to form a holistic chain. The primary purposes of digitization projects in switchgear construction can be categorized as follows:

• Efficiency: Processes with a high degree of digitalization enable the automation of a wide variety of switching operations. The susceptibility to errors decreases, the system works even more precisely, and personnel costs can be saved. Digitally collected maintenance and inspection data is also used to increase efficiency. Weak points in the value chain, such as excessive power consumption, can be identified by digital data counters and subsequently corrected in the best possible way
• Transparency: Digitized processes are data-bound. Together with their information value, these data also ensure an extremely high level of transparency of the ongoing processes. Any manipulation of the original process is clearly visible in the data records supplied and makes processes and actions traceable
• Safety: Digitalization is also a supporting factor for control cabinet construction when it comes to safety. In this case, the basis for this is once again the countless data collected. With the help of the corresponding evaluation, irregularities that indicate possible safety problems quickly become visible and can be remedied promptly
• Networking: Increasing digitalization makes it possible to link control cabinets to a higher-level digital network – for example, using Ethernet switches. With the help of smart technologies, reliability and performance can be increased. Integration into the Internet of Things (IoT) also plays a decisive role here. IoT-capable and networked components also facilitate the automation and remote control of individual work steps
• Remote maintenance & monitoring: The use of sensitive sensors in control cabinet technology is mostly used for analysis and control purposes. The sensors are calibrated to specific directional and measured values and trigger an alarm if the measuring range is exceeded or not reached. With digitally controlled thermal management, for example, overheating of the system can be detected and prevented by targeted heat venting. Thus, no orderly shutdown can occur, and damage to devices and boards is prevented in a timely and flexible manner. This saves expensive repairs and ensures safety – for example, when the risk of fire due to overheating is excluded.

Creating a digital control cabinet with the help of Bürklin Elektronik

The Bürklin online store offers you a wide range of high-performance, connected software tools to provide you with the best possible support for the digitalization of your control cabinet.

Digital energy meters, for example, help monitor electricity consumption intelligently and seamlessly. The automatic data collection detects expensive power guzzlers and valuable energy-saving potential. In the Bürklin online store, you can choose from various Finder power meters.

With an Ethernet switch, collected data volumes can be transferred directly to any target devices in a network. This ensures particularly efficient use of bandwidth and enables prioritization of data traffic. At Bürklin, you can obtain suitable, high-quality switch models from the manufacturer Brainboxes for such purposes.

In good hands with Bürklin Elektronik

The right component selection will keep you competitive in the long run and can demonstrably improve the performance of your products. Best of all: Bürklin has almost all components in stock. Your desired items are therefore prepared for shipment immediately after receipt of order.

A component is not available, or you still have unanswered questions about increasing efficiency in control cabinet construction? The Bürklin service team will provide competent assistance! All you have to do is send an e-mail to [email protected]! Immediately afterwards, you will benefit from the expertise of the professionals.

Control cabinets should not only be modernized in terms of digitalization. The topic of safety is another essential factor that deserves attention. On the one hand, protective mechanisms are needed for the running processes and the components used. But safety must also be reliably ensured for the people who work with them every day. We have summarized important aspects of this topic for you in a magazine article.