General Interest

Adjustable speed drives (ASD) are devices comprised of electronic components that regulate the current or frequency of power to the motor. They convert the AC main’s fixed voltage and frequency to a variable output.  Capable of providing different motor speeds and torques to suit a range of application needs, the ASD offers many benefits. The frequency determines the speed of the motor, while the combined voltage and frequency determines the torque. The adjustable control feature allows the matching of the motor speed or torque to the process requirements. Even though there are both fixed and variable drives, the adjustable version

Mechatronics, or mechatronic engineering combines mechanical and electrical engineering to design innovative products and systems. These systems must rely on mechanical and electrical components working together in harmony. The list includes DVD disc drives, anti-lock braking systems, manufacturing, electric motors and clothes dryers, among others. These devices require electronic controls and feedback systems to interact seamlessly with their mechanical design. Origins of Mechatronics The term mechatronics, originally coined in 1969 by Japanese engineer Tetsuro Mori, describes mechanical, electronic, computing, and control systems combined into a single field of study. The interactions between these disciplines allow machines to perform complex functions

Automation lies at the core of much of our modern lives. However, it evolves at radical speeds. The simple concept, to build a machine to perform a task without human intervention, was the engine of the industrial revolution. Now that concept is the driving force behind robotics, self-driving vehicles, and a wide range of advanced technologies. Early Automation Some of the earliest uses of automation include the thermostat, the centrifugal governor, automated looms and flour mills. They were simple, but provided feedback and allowed a task to be performed with fewer human workers. With the development of electrical relays, the

From the National Fire Protection Association, there were 1235 revisions made since 2014. First of all, code-making panels from the NEC created these revisions which were submitted to the NFPA for consideration. Below, find some of the NEC code changes that were proposed and/or made to electrical safety codes. Article 495- Fixed Resistance and Electrode Industrial Process Heating Equipment The proposed article gives the requirements needed for the equipment used in industrial heating. No requirements either specific or general exist for these items. After code changes, the new article will regulate equipment.  In addition, this includes process air heaters, duct

A Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) receives information from one or more inputs. This semiconductor control device processes the information based on a software program. Finally, it sends an output control signal. The microprocessor based control system performs functions such as timing, logic, sequencing and others. The PLC follows instructions from an operator-defined program. These intelligent systems provide reliable, high-speed monitoring and control of processes in automated applications. In addition, they are easy to program and configure. Over the years, the programmable logic controller has gained a lot of acceptance in many applications. Consequently, they’ve replaced the traditional control methods that relied on

Pay as you go electricity plans allow consumers to pay for their electricity in advance. The plan, which uses prepayment meters, helps consumers to monitor and control the way they use electricity. This saves on energy costs. Consumers purchase the electricity credit through the company’s authorized agents in a variety of methods. This depends on the type of meter and the energy company. The commonly used methods are tokens, keys and prepaid power cards and smart cards. Some utility companies offer an option that enables consumers to purchase the tokens online or through smartphone apps. The charges for the electricity

Setting up an online shopping website can help a business to meet customer needs and remain competitive. The internet opens up a business to the whole world for 24 hours a day. This allows customers to search for and buy products, any time, in the comfort of their homes. It does not limit people to the normal working hours of a physical electrical store. As the internet continues to revolutionize the way people shop, businesses will require more than just a physical store. The numerous benefits of online shopping have seen more and more people preferring to purchase their products