In a recent Maintenance Technology podcast interview (bit.ly/iottmt003) with Ralph Rio of the ARC Advisory Group, Dedham, MA, we discussed Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) maturation and what to look for in terms of reliability and maintenance (R&M).

“The equipment manufacturers, who make fairly expensive machinery, have been the first to go down this route,” said Rio. “However, we’re starting to see this adoption (trend) occur on lesser and lesser expensive equipment, broadly speaking.” 

Rio is right. Power companies are extolling the benefits of predictive-maintenance servicing, such as valve or monitoring multiple-transformer monitoring. As reported in the MT April issue, Southern Company, Atlanta, moved to a third-party health-monitoring solution for 3,700 substations and unscheduled downtime ROI has been rather quick.

Read the Full Article
https://www.maintenancetechnology.com/2016/06/smaller-iiot-applications-the-next-wave/

The simple induction motor has remained relatively unchanged for over a hundred years. It is now able to circumvent a wire-bound sensor solution for predictive maintenance, and enter the Internet-connected factory without costly alteration or mechanical upgrades.

Preventive maintenance software for electric motors has been available for years, but has recently taken a huge step in its evolution.   Along with other “smart” automation machinery, motors have entered the realm of IIoT.  A host of embedded sensors are usually required in order to generate big data for Cloud-based monitoring of rotating machinery via an AC drive or motor controller.  Additionally, form factor issues arise at certain frame sizes, limiting the sensor-laden solution to larger powered motors.

Motor supplier ABB recently unveiled a Bluetooth-enabled device the size of a credit card and less than 1/3” thick that can be attached directly onto the motor’s housing, transmitting real-time data to a smartphone.  According to ABB, this device will be available for around $50, and can be attached to motors of all sizes, power ranges, and voltages.  It can also be attached to motors that have been installed in the field for decades. This technology provides a relatively low-cost foundation for a modern asset management strategy that will add to the inherent efficiency of the motor, as well as extending its operating life.  Both these benefits working in tandem will significantly lower the total cost of ownership of the motor and provide a very compelling value proposition for owner/operators.

Read the Full Article
https://industrial-iot.com/2016/05/motors-enter-iiot-space-via-smartphones-add-sensors/

ABB is offering sensing technology for low-voltage motors. In some of ABB’s tests with sensing technology, downtime was reduced up to 70%, and ABB estimates preventive maintenance will extend the life of the motor by 30%. Bertheau adds, “This data can be used to improve motor efficiency by 10%. Not completely through peak performance by ensuring it runs with good bearings and alignment, but by monitoring the power input and output. If you notice you are using more energy than you need, you could replace the motor with a smaller one that will use less energy. It might also be possible to modify the drive to be more efficient for the application.”

New motors can come with sensors built in, but there can be greater value in retrofitting, as there is little value in replacing working equipment. Informing technicians about bearings going bad through the process data can check inventory for the replacement parts needed for the job and schedule maintenance at a convenient time.

Read the Full Article https://machinedesign.com/iot/can-new-technology-provide-infrastructure-free-iiot

Read the Full Article https://digital-edition.newequipment.com/newequipment/april_2017?utm_rid=CPG03000001493009&utm_campaign=18638&utm_medium=email&elq2=131a67bc475e4d04a9b7355dcb41c63b&pg=1#pg1

Read more https://new.abb.com/events/hannover-messe

The exhibition was a great success for us and we were impressed by the interest in our technologies, especially in our new condition monitoring solution for low voltage motors - ABB Smart sensor.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and US President Barack Obama were among the first to experience our ground-breaking smart sensor from during their visit to the Hanover Fair on Monday.
US ambassador to Germany, John B. Emerson, praises "fantastic" ABB smart sensor too. 
French minister, Emmanuel Macron, hails "very impressive" ABB tech.

Find out more about our success at Hanover Fair: 
https://new.abb.com/motors-generators/events/hannover-fair-2016