Rittal – W. Althaus AG is Switzerland’s first Rittal and Eplan Application Center partner

EMR Analysis

More information on The Friedhelm Loh Group: See the full profile on EMR Executive Services

More information on Prof. Dr.-Ing E.H. Friedhelm Loh (Owner, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The Friedhelm Loh Group): See the full profile on EMR Executive Services

 

More information on Rittal by The Friedhelm Loh Group: See the full profile on EMR Executive Services

More information on Prof. Dr. Niko Mohr (Member of the Executive Board, The Friedhelm Loh Group + Member of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer, Rittal International and Rittal Software Systems, The Friedhelm Loh Group): See the full profile on EMR Executive Services

More information on Jochen Trautmann (Managing Director, Rittal Automation Systems (RAS), The Friedhelm Loh Group): See the full profile on EMR Executive Services 

More information on Stefan Güntner (Managing Director, Rittal Switzerland, Rittal Automation Systems (RAS), The Friedhelm Loh Group): See the full profile on EMR Executive Services

 

More information on Eplan by Rittal Software Systems by the Friedhelm Loh Group: See the full profile on EMR Executive Services

More information on Sebastian Seitz (Chairman, EPLAN, the Friedhelm Loh Group): See the full profile on EMR Executive Services

More information on Dr. Marco Litto (Senior Vice President, Strategy & Corporate Program, EPLAN, the Friedhelm Loh Group): See the full profile on EMR Executive Services

More information on Manfred Sac (Managing Director, EPLAN Switzerland, EPLAN, the Friedhelm Loh Group): See the full profile on EMR Executive Services

 

 

More information on W. Althaus AG: https://www.althaus-ag.ch/ + Based in Aarwangen, W. Althaus AG has been the Swiss full-service specialist for industrial automation for more than 40 years.

We are a family-owned Swiss company founded in 1968 in Aarwangen in the canton of Bern.  Today, more than 100 employees work at the two sites, and W. Althaus AG is one of the key, trailblazing employers in the region.

Our core competence lies in the development and production of elements ranging from the simplest electrical control units to complex automation solutions.

With over 40 years’ experience in the field of industrial automation, we specialise in the development of customised solutions for industry. As a full-service provider, we provide a comprehensive solution package through our wide range of services in the fields of concept consulting, hardware and software engineering, switch cabinet construction, terminal strip production, module assembly, assembly assistance, commissioning and training.

More information on Walter Althaus (Owner, W. Althaus AG): https://www.althaus-ag.ch/en/about-us/team + https://www.linkedin.com/in/walter-althaus-29037464/ 

More information on Marco Schneider (Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer, W. Althaus AG): https://www.althaus-ag.ch/en/about-us/team + https://www.linkedin.com/in/marco-schneider-w-althaus-ag/ 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EMR Additional Notes:

• Industrial Automation:
  • Industrial automation is the use of technologies such as computer software and robotics to control machinery and processes which replace human beings in performing specific functions. The functions are primarily centered on manufacturing, quality control and material handling processes.
    • Fixed Automation:
      • Fixed automation systems are utilized in high volume production settings that have dedicated equipment. The equipment has fixed operation sets and is designed to perform efficiently with the operation sets. This type of automation is mainly used in discrete mass production and continuous flow systems like paint shops, distillation processes, transfer lines and conveyors. All these processes rely on mechanized machinery to perform their fixed and repetitive operations to achieve high production volumes.
    • Programmable Automation:
      • Programmable automation systems facilitate changeable operation sequences and machine configuration using electronic controls. With programmable automation, non-trivial programming efforts are required to reprogram sequence and machine operations. Since production processes are not changed often, programmable automation systems tend to be less expensive in the long run. This type of system is mainly used in low job variety and medium-to-high product volume settings. It may also be used in mass production settings like paper mills and steel rolling mills.
    • Flexible Automation:
      • Flexible automation systems are utilized in computer-controlled flexible manufacturing systems. Human operators enter high-level commands in the form of computer codes that identify products and their location in the system’s sequence to trigger automatic lower-level changes. Every production machine receives instructions from a human-operated computer. The instructions trigger the loading and unloading of necessary tools before carrying out their computer-instructed processes. Once processing is completed, the end products are transferred to the next machine automatically. Flexible industrial automation is used in batch processes and job shops with high product varieties and low-to-medium job volumes.
    • Integrated Automation:
      • Integrated industrial automation involves the total automation of manufacturing plants where all processes function under digital information processing coordination and computer control. It comprises technologies like:
        • Computer-aided process planning
        • Computer-supported design and manufacturing
        • Flexible machine systems
        • Computer numerical control machine tools
        • Automated material handling systems, like robots
        • Automatic storage and retrieval systems
        • Computerized production and scheduling control
        • Automated conveyors and cranes
      • Additionally, an integrated automation system can integrate a business system via a common database. That is, it supports the full integration of management operations and processes using communication and information technologies. Such technologies are utilized in computer integrated manufacturing and advanced process automation systems.
• Process Automation / Manufacturing:
  • Process automation is defined as the use of software and technologies to automate business processes and functions in order to accomplish defined organizational goals, such as producing a product, hiring and onboarding an employee, or providing customer service.
  • Process manufacturing utilizes chemical, physical and compositional changes to convert raw material or feedstock into a product. Process manufacturing includes industries such as cement and glass, chemicals, electric power generation, food and beverage, life sciences, metals and mining, oil and gas, pulp and paper, refining, and water and wastewater. Process manufacturing includes both continuous and batch processes.
• Discrete Automation / Manufacturing:
  • Discrete automation is the production of parts that are of a quantifiable nature. That may include cell phones, soda bottles, automobiles, airplanes, toys, etc. As you know, an automobile contains many, many parts. The parts required for an automobile are also quantifiable in nature.
  • Discrete manufacturing processes include the production of individual parts as well as their assembly into a final product. Discrete manufacturing examples include automobiles, appliances, and consumer electronics.
• Hybrid Automation / Manufacturing:
  • The Hybrid Automation Method follows two guiding principles: Implementing robust automation solutions that are easy and affordable for organisations to maintain. Realising process efficiency rapidly by reducing project overheads and time-to-value.
  • Hybrid manufacturing is a combination of additive manufacturing (AM) and subtractive manufacturing within the same machine.
• Additive Manufacturing (AM):
  • Additive manufacturing is the process of creating an object by building it one layer at a time. It is the opposite of subtractive manufacturing, in which an object is created by cutting away at a solid block of material until the final product is complete.
  • Operators across a variety of different manufacturing industries utilize additive manufacturing in various ways. For instance: Medical device manufacturers use 3D printing to develop high variance products such as dental implants.
  • The term “additive manufacturing” refers to the creation of objects by “adding” material. Therefore, 3D printing is a form of additive manufacturing. When an object is created by adding material — as opposed to removing material — it’s considered additive manufacturing.
• Smart Manufacturing (SM):
  • Technology-driven approach that utilizes Internet-connected machinery to monitor the production process. The goal of SM is to identify opportunities for automating operations and use data analytics to improve manufacturing performance.
  • An example of what the cloud can do for smart manufacturing is the Volkswagen Industrial Cloud, which combines all data from 122 Volkswagen Group facilities and processes it in real time to make improvements.

 

 

• Switchgears:
  • Broad term that describes a wide variety of switching devices that all fulfill a common need: controlling, protecting, and isolating power systems. This definition can be extended to include devices to regulate and meter a power system, circuit breakers, and similar technology.
  • Switchgear contains fuses, switches, and other power conductors. However, circuit breakers are the most common component found in switchgear.
  • Performs the function of controlling and metering the flow of electrical power in addiction to acting as interrupting and switching devices that protects the equipment from damage arising out of electrical fluctuations.
  • There are three types of switch gears namely LV (Low voltage), MV (Medium voltage) and HV (High voltage) Switchgear.
• Circuit Breakers:
  • Mechanical electrical switch designed to protect an electrical circuit from damage caused by overcurrent/overload or short circuit. Its basic function is to interrupt current flow after protective relays detect a fault.
  • By definition a circuit breaker is an electrical safety device, a switch that automatically interrupts the current of an overloaded electric circuit, ground faults, or short circuits.
• Fuses:
  • Single time mechanical circuit interruption in an over-current situation through fusion of a graded electrical conductor. Employed in 30KV to 100KV range.
  • Electrical safety device that operates to provide overcurrent protection of an electrical circuit. Its essential component is a metal wire or strip that melts when too much current flows through it, thereby stopping or interrupting the current.
• Fuse Switch-Disconnector:
  • Fuse switch disconnector combines the functions of a fuse and a switch disconnector; It provides overcurrent protection like a fuse, and it also allows for manual disconnection of the circuit for isolation purposes.
• ACB (Air Circuit Breakers): 
  • Uses air as insulating medium.
  • Air circuit breaker is a circuit breaker for the purpose of protecting low voltage circuit, mainly for energizing and cutting off high current
• VCB (Vacuum Circuit Breakers): 
  • Vacuum is used as the means to protect circuit breakers.
  • Circuit breaker where the arc quenching takes place in a vacuum medium. The operation of switching on and closing of current carrying contacts and interrelated arc interruption takes place in a vacuum chamber in the breaker which is called a vacuum interrupter.
• AIS (Air Insulated Switchgears):
  • Air is used for insulation in a metal-clad system
  • Secondary power distribution device and medium voltage switchgear that helps redistribute the power of a primary power distributor powered by a high voltage distribution transformer. AIS controls, protects and isolates electrical equipment in power transmission and distribution systems.
• GIS (Gas Insulated Switchgears): 
  • All working components assembled under SF6 (Sulfur Hexafluoride HV Switchgears) gas-tight casing.
  • Compact metal encapsulated switchgear consisting of high-voltage components such as circuit-breakers and disconnectors, which can be safely operated in confined spaces.
• OCB (Oil Circuit Breakers): 
  • Vapors a portion of oil to blast a jet of oil through the arc.
  • Circuit breaker which uses insulating oil as an arc quenching medium
• Hybrid Circuit Breakers:
  • Combines Air-insulated and SF6 Gas-insulated technologies.
• MCB (Miniature Circuit Breakers): 
  • Employed in domestic households to safeguard against overload. Rated current max. 100 A.
  • Electrical switch that automatically switches off the electrical circuit during an abnormal condition of the network means an overload condition as well as a faulty condition. Nowadays we use an MCB in a low-voltage electrical network instead of a fuse.
  • Circuit breakers have a tripping relay mechanism, while MCB has a tripping release mechanism. Circuit breakers have a high rupturing capacity, but the MCB has a low rupturing capacity. Circuit breakers are used in High Voltage systems, while MCBs are used in Low Voltage systems.
• RCCB (Residual Current Circuit Breakers): 
  • To safeguard against electrical shock arising out of indirect contact and includes the detection of residual current such as earth leakage.
  • Current sensing device, which can automatically measure and disconnect the circuit whenever a fault occurs in the connected circuit or the current exceeds the rated sensitivity.
• MCCB (Molded Case Circuit Breakers): 
  • Incorporates insulating material in the form of molded casing within circuit breaker. Rated current up to 2,500 A.
  • MCCB has a higher interrupting capacity, meaning it can handle larger loads than a conventional breaker. Generally, a standard breaker is used for residential and light commercial applications, while an MCCB is suitable for industrial and heavy commercial applications.
• Disconnectors: 
  • Automatic switching device that offers specific isolating distance on the basis of specific requirements.
  • Disconnectors (also known as Isolators) are devices which are generally operated off-load to provide isolation of main plant items for maintenance, or to isolate faulted equipment from other live equipment.
• Contactors: 
  • Works alike high-current switching systems but at higher voltage rates. Contactors can however not be utilized as disconnecting switches. Contactors are employed in 30KV to 100KV range.
  • Special type of relay used for switching an electrical circuit on or off.
  • Electrical device that is widely used for switching circuits on and off. As such, electrical contactors form a subcategory of electromagnetic switches known as relays. A relay is an electrically operated switching device that uses an electromagnetic coil to open and close a set of contacts.
• PTCB eFuse Circuit Breaker:
  • Electronic micro fuse for DIN rail protecting electronically nominal currents below 1A to facilitate the clear detection of faults and supports precise fault localization and fast recovery. Response times are shorter compared to conventional fuse protection and the exact current value can be adjusted at any time
• RCD (Residual Current Devices): 
  • Sensitive safety device that switches off the electricity within 10 to 50 milliseconds if there is an electrical fault. An RCD is is designed to protect against the risks of electrocution and fire caused by earth faults.
  • The difference between a circuit breaker and an RCD switch is the purpose of a circuit breaker is to protect the electrical systems and wiring in a home while the purpose of an RCD switch is to protect people from electrocution.
• RCBO (Residual Current Breaker with Over-Current): 
  • RCDs can protect against electric shocks, residual currents, and earth faults. On the other hand, RCBOs can do what RCDs can do and protect a circuit from short circuits and overload. RCBOs are essentially a combination of MCB and RCCB.
  • An RCBO protects electrical equipment from two types of faults; residual current and over current. Residual current, or Earth leakage as it can sometimes be referred to, is when there is a break in the circuit that could be caused by faulty electrical wiring or if the wire is accidentally cut.
• Ring Main Unit (RMU):
  • Medium voltage, gas-insulated, fully sealed cabinet used to measure, connect, and integrate transformer protection functions with a fixed type breaker. Ring Main Units are safe, reliable, low-maintenance, and easy to replace switchgear.
  • A ring main unit (RMU) is a factory assembled, metal enclosed set of switchgear used at the load connection points of a ring-type distribution network.
• Load Center – Panel Board – Switch Board – Distribution Cabinet – Distribution Box:
  • A load center is used in residential and light commercial applications to distribute electricity supplied by the utility company throughout the home or building to feed all the branch circuits. Each branch circuit is protected by the circuit breaker housed in the load center.  In the event of a short circuit or an overload on a branch circuit, the circuit breaker will cut the power before any potential property damage or personal injury can occur.
  • A load center provides similar functionality in a power distribution system as a switchboard and a panelboard. As far as UL and the NEC standards are concerned, there is no difference between a panelboard and a load center.
  • However, Panelboards are typically deeper than load centers and can accommodate both bolt-on circuit breakers as well as plug-in breakers, whereas a load center is limited to plug-in breakers.
  • Switchboards are often the typical choice for industrial establishments. These panelboards generally house circuit breakers that can manage and supply electricity for machines with high-voltage demands.
  • Panelboards are only accessible from the front (as mentioned above), but switchboards allow rear access as well.
  • In terms of use, distribution boxes are generally used for households, and distribution cabinets are mostly used for centralized power supply. Distribution boxes and cabinets are complete sets of equipment. Distribution boxes are low-voltage complete sets of equipment. Cabinets have both high and low voltages.

• Solid-State Circuit Breakers:
  • Solid-state device, electronic device in which electricity flows through solid semiconductor crystals (silicon, gallium arsenide, germanium) rather than through vacuum tubes.
  • The solid-state breaker concept replaces the traditional moving parts of an electromechanical circuit breaker with semiconductors and advanced software algorithms that control the power and can interrupt extreme currents faster than ever before.
• Pad-mount Switchgear:
  • The pad-mount switchgear is made from the same modular switch and interrupter components as the vault switchgear. This means all components are sealed, submersible and protected, so you don’t have to worry about tracking, animal infestation, corrosion or the effects of condensation inside the enclosure.

 

 

• Software vs. Hardware vs. Firmware: 
  • Hardware is physical: It’s “real,” sometimes breaks, and eventually wears out.
    • Since hardware is part of the “real” world, it all eventually wears out. Being a physical thing, it’s also possible to break it, drown it, overheat it, and otherwise expose it to the elements.
    • Here are some examples of hardware:
      • Smartphone
      • Tablet
      • Laptop
      • Desktop computer
      • Printer
      • Flash drive
      • Router
  • Software is virtual: It can be copied, changed, and destroyed.
    • Software is everything about your computer that isn’t hardware.
    • Here are some examples of software:
      • Operating systems like Windows 11 or iOS
      • Web browsers
      • Antivirus tools
      • Adobe Photoshop
      • Mobile apps
  • Firmware is virtual: It’s software specifically designed for a piece of hardware
    • While not as common a term as hardware or software, firmware is everywhere—on your smartphone, your PC’s motherboard, your camera, your headphones, and even your TV remote control.
    • Firmware is just a special kind of software that serves a very narrow purpose for a piece of hardware. While you might install and uninstall software on your computer or smartphone on a regular basis, you might only rarely, if ever, update the firmware on a device, and you’d probably only do so if asked by the manufacturer, probably to fix a problem.

 

 

• Mechatronics:
  • Mechatronics is a multidisciplinary field that refers to the skill sets needed in the contemporary, advanced automated manufacturing industry. At the intersection of mechanics, electronics, and computing, mechatronics specialists create simpler, smarter systems.
  • Mechatronics is the broad term for integrating mechanical, telecommunication, and computer engineering, frequently using microcontrollers.
  • Examples of mechatronic systems are robots, digitally controlled combustion engines, machine tools with self-adaptive tools, contact-free magnetic bearings, automated guided vehicles, etc. Typical for such a product is the high amount of system knowledge and software that is necessary for its design.

 

 

• Digital Twin:
  • Digital Twin is most commonly defined as a software representation of a physical asset, system or process designed to detect, prevent, predict, and optimize through real time analytics to deliver business value.
  • A digital twin is a virtual representation of an object or system that spans its lifecycle, is updated from real-time data, and uses simulation, machine learning and reasoning to help decision-making.