CHICAGO (July 14, 1:45 p.m. EDT) — Siemens Energy & Automation Inc. of Alpharetta, Ga., promoted its PowerHouse electronic power control system at NPE 2000 as the next generation of process heating control.
The system "can be used extremely well for thermoformers, extruders and blow molders — basically everyone with a need to control heaters," said Manfred Graeter, manager of machine control systems with the industrial products division. "So far, I am unaware of any company in the United States with such a technology."
Costing about $2,000, the module saves 50-60 percent on panel space, dramatically cuts wiring costs and offers built-in diagnostic features. The system can detect a blown fuse or open circuit condition for each output and generate a message at the operator interface. The Siemens facility in Johnson City, Tenn., developed and manufactured the unit.
In addition, the Alpharetta office of Siemens Energy & Automation developed and released versions 1.0 of pre-configured software packages for thermoforming and extrusion. Both of the packages are available without charge, Graeter said — the company hopes to sell its hardware to software users. Each package includes software, some codes, screen setups and pre-programmed alarm arrangements.
Graeter said Siemens Energy & Automation employs more than 12,000 in the United States and has annual U.S. sales of about $2 billion. Products range from circuit breakers, pushbuttons and controls to integrated automation systems for process and discrete control.
In December, the business acquired Vickers Electronic Systems of South Lebanon, Ohio, from Eaton Corp. for its experience in the plastics processing equipment and machine-tool market.
Siemens Energy & Automation is a unit of Siemens AG of Munich, Germany.
