Technology & IT | Wednesday 17 June, 2015 12:51 am |

Schneider Electric™, the global specialist in energy management™, has announced the release of Altivar® Process – a range of drives for process applications from 0.75kW to 1.5MW. The product is the first variable speed drive in the market with embedded intelligent services.

The launch took place on 10 June, 2015 at the Marriott Hotel, Riyadh, where senior executives from Schneider Electric offered insights into the new product. The event targeted end users, government officials, consultants, original equipment manufacturers (OEM), and contractors.

Thanks to a convergence of IT and OT technologies, Altivar Process drives deliver added value services in the Water, Oil & Gas, MMM, and Food & Beverage industries that enable business and process optimization through improved life-cycle asset management, and optimized energy consumption.

Optimized business performance
Through advanced system and equipment condition monitoring, Altivar Process ensures that applications are performing at optimum efficiency at all times. Compared to conventional drives, Altivar Process delivers an additional eight percent cost reduction thanks to its ability to instantly detect efficiency drifts and to monitor motor power with a high level of accuracy (<5%). This enables the automation system to immediately make adjustments, thereby minimizing a negative impact to the bottom line. In contrast to conventional drives, Altivar Process is also able to reduce downtime by another 20 percent due to predictive, condition-based maintenance and an innovative user-interface with easy-to-understand graphs.

Process visibility and real-time intelligence
Fully integrating both architecture and business systems, Altivar Process provides process visibility and transparent access to enriched data at both the factory and asset level. Embedded Ethernet and advanced web servers provide consistent and secure access to this information, anytime and from anywhere. The embedded web server allows users to select what information to view and what to store (datalogging). Additionally, KPIs and alarms are automatically monitored and can generate alerts to system operators about any performance irregularities so that preventive steps may be taken to maintain optimum process efficiency and profitability.
Unique design reduces maintenance
Compact, modular, and flexible, Altivar Process fits any application and is simple to install and integrate, whether in new installations, retrofits, or upgrades. Designed for critical applications, the product is uniquely engineered and integrates process, grid, and installation into a complete solution that reduces maintenance requirements and TCO. In addition, its compact, modular, and low-weight modules simplify spare parts inventory and reduce repair time (cooling fans mount in just five minutes).
To further simplify maintenance, enhance troubleshooting, and reduce downtime and related costs, operators can access technical documentation, support, and diagnostic information directly on their mobile devices. Error messages also generate dynamic QR codes for instant access to comprehensive support information to efficiently solve issues right on site, while QR codes printed directly on the drives provide instant access to customer care centres and online troubleshooting.

A green drive from beginning to end
Even at the end of its useful life, Altivar Process drives are a green solution since 70% of its components parts can be recycled. And, because they carry the ‘Green Premium’ label - Schneider Electric’s unique eco-brand signifying products that meet the European RoHS directive and REACH regulations – Altivar Process drives go beyond compliance regulations of today and help to define the environmental regulations of tomorrow.