While this is primarily a PLC forum, there is a diverse community of global members who may offer valuable insights. I have a query regarding aspects in IEC and the structure according to 81346. I am dealing with multiple machines housed in a single enclosure and need guidance on organizing the aspects for optimal functionality. Each machine and its enclosure are intended to function independently, with all components mounted on the enclosure's panel (=S0: Enclosure =S1: Machine 1, =S2: Machine 2, =S3: Machine 3, =S0+PN1: Panel in S0). The components in each machine, such as =S1-VFD1, =S2-VFD1, =S3-VFD1, are identical. How can I configure each component from =S1, =S2, =S3 to be displayed on =S0+PN1 while retaining the =S#-VFD1 labeling on the panel? I appreciate any assistance provided.
An enclosure is more of a designated area rather than just a single function. Functions can encompass a variety of purposes and tasks. Each machine can be considered a function on its own, but breaking it down into subfunctions can provide more detail and organization. For example, if we designate machines as =S0, =S1, etc., subfunctions could be =.D1 for AC power, =.D2 for DC power, =.F1 for safety, =.G1 for drive axis 1, =.G2 for drive axis 2, and so on. The enclosures can be designated as +CC1, +CC2, and so forth. Some practical examples include: =S0.D1+CC1-FC1, indicating the first machine's AC power with a circuit breaker in control cabinet 1; =S1.F1+CC2-XA1, representing the second machine's safety terminal strip in cabinet 2; and =S2.G2+CC1-T1, showing the third machine's drive axis 2 VFD in cabinet 1. It is advisable to choose function names that can be easily alphabetized to help with navigation and organization. Additionally, labeling the outside of each cabinet section with a large label such as +CC1 can help streamline the identification process. This allows components inside to be labeled with shorter text, such as =S0.D1-FC1.
Utilizing the higher-level function, we can easily pinpoint a specific assembly or station on the machine. For example, a servodrive assigned to station 1 and located on the main panel would be labeled with the prefix =ST1+PNL. This method allows for efficient grouping of components based on their mounting location, simplifying the generation of parts lists for specific panels. Alternatively, components can be organized by assembly or station to streamline the creation of Bills of Materials (BOM) for procurement and cost management purposes. While there may be alternative approaches to this process, our system offers a high level of flexibility.
Thank you, JesperMP and LadderLogic, for your input. It seems like I may have been overanalyzing the situation. I initially believed that the Locations were organized by the Function they served. For instance, =S1+CC1 and =S2+CC1. I assumed that the +CC1 in these instances indicated different locations since they were associated with =S1 and =S2, respectively, rather than being the same location. Can you confirm if my understanding is incorrect?
IEC 81346 assigns symbols to different aspects of a system: the "=" represents function, the "+" signifies location, and the "-" denotes component. While it may seem that locations are grouped by function, this actually varies depending on the specific project. It is possible to have the same function in multiple locations, such as =S1+CC1-FC1 and =S1+CC2-FC2. Conversely, you can also have multiple functions in the same location, like =S1+CC1-FC1 and =S2+CC1-FC2. When dealing with multiple machines controlled by one control cabinet, it is advisable to assign the top level function to the machines (=Sn) and use subfunction levels to differentiate additional functions (=Sn.xx). Locations can also be further subdivided, for example, +CC1 can have sections like +CC1.1, +CC1.2, +CC1.3, and so on. Each section should have a corresponding label, such as "+CC1.1" or "+CC1.2". It is up to you to determine how many sublevels to incorporate, but it is recommended to limit it to 2 levels for simplicity and clarity.
Hello Jesper, I wanted to clarify if the same product can be utilized for various functions, for example, =S01.D1-F1 and =S02.D1-F1 using different fuses. This pertains to creating templates for machines that are part of a production line. It seems that Functions and Locations are not interdependent and can work separately. Can you confirm this? Thank you for your expertise!
In the IEC 81346 framework, you would want to keep track of the defined aspect structure hierarchy for your multiple machines and their respective components. As each machine and its components are intended to function independently, you can use the '=' to denote the system level, and the '+' to signify the component level. When attributing the VFDs to each machine (=S1, =S2, =S3), remember to maintain their unique identifiers. To display each component on =S0+PN1, I'd suggest using a coding system that explicitly shows the relationship between the enclosure and the components, for instance =S0+PN1-S#-VFD1. This way, you maintain the location of these components without losing their identities regarding which machine they belong to.
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Answer: Answer: IEC 81346 is a standard that provides guidelines for structuring systems into hierarchies and identifying components. It helps in organizing multiple machines within a single enclosure by defining a clear structure for labeling and categorizing different elements.
Answer: Answer: To display components from different machines on a single panel, you can use a structured approach as per IEC 81346. Each machine and its components can be assigned a specific identifier, allowing for clear labeling on the panel while maintaining the distinction between components from different machines.
Answer: Answer: Yes, by following the guidelines of IEC 81346 and structuring the components accordingly, you can configure each machine to operate independently within the shared enclosure. This enables optimal functionality while ensuring clear organization and labeling on the panel.
Answer: Answer: By adhering to the principles outlined in IEC 81346 and structuring the machines, components, and panels based on the defined hierarchy and identifiers, you can achieve optimal functionality and organization within the single enclosure.
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