When we talk to customers about controls upgrades, we're starting to get questions about viewing energy usage in the HMI, and sometimes sending energy consumption data to asset management systems. This is mostly about electric motors, but there's a little air consumption involved, too. One of readers makes modular equipment that lets users plug in various modules to their line for product flexibility, so some of them are looking for the more energy-efficient scheduling. What can you tell us about how this can be included in open-standards-based automation?
Sen us your comments, suggestions or solutions for this problema and we'll include it in the March '11 issue, and post it on ControlDesign.com.
