Schneider Electric Announces Modicon M168 Programmable Logic Controller

Automation Solution to Optimize Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning and Refrigerating (HVAC/R) Machines for Cost, Performance, and Energy Efficiency

Schneider Electric, a global specialist in energy management, recently announced the Modicon M168 Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), designed to help original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and end users improve performance, optimize costs and speed time-to-market for HVAC/R machines. Using flexible architectures, customized design and SoHVAC software, which allows single programming and commissioning, the new controller offers solutions for small/medium chillers, roof top units, refrigeration racks, and air handling units.

"Our HVAC/R OEM and end user customers face a unique set of challenges when it comes to designing machines that are efficient, productive and reliable while also being cost effective," said Ian Hitchins, General Manager - OEM Business, Industry Business, Schneider Electric. "Automation solutions are a driving force behind controlling costs, reducing design time, and continuing to deliver innovative products, so we're proud to deliver an HVAC/R-tailored solution that will also enable a value-add through decreased energy costs."

The Modicon M168 PLC and SoHVAC software are part of Schneider Electric's MachineStruxure architecture an automation solution that uses a single software suite and new equipment platforms to help OEMs design machines that are optimized for cost, energy efficiency and performance. Leveraging the benefits of SoMachine software, a single software suite to program all machines, MachineStruxure architecture incorporates flexible and scalable hardware platforms with application function block libraries and Schneider Electric tested, validated and documented architectures (TVDAs).

SoHVAC software is designed to help curb industrial machine engineering times – key to simplifying OEM user experience. The single software can program and commission HVAC/R automation systems, including Modicon M168 PLCs & remote displays, function blocks, machine programs, I/O, variable speed drives, and communication networks. Designed specifically for OEM HVAC/R machines, this easy-to-use software tool allows customers to modify, reuse or create their own architectures and choose hardware configuration tools.

The web-enabled capabilities of the Modicon M168 PLC allow machine OEMs and end users to monitor energy consumption, machine shutdowns, and other problems remotely. The controller can also be easily integrated into Building Management System platforms through communications protocols such as BACnet, allowing for energy savings up to 30 percent. These innovative products are powerful enough to control all building functions: mechanical and electrical equipment for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, lighting, shutters/blinds, power distribution, as well as such security functions as access control and CCTV.

Other energy savings features on the Modicon M168 PLC include:

• Energy efficient application function blocks, such as floating high pressure with variable speed drives, AHU/water temperature and plant mode control
• Variable speed drives allowing for a 50 percent savings in energy consumption compared to conventional motor starter and flow regulation installations
• Advanced control application function blocks on key functions such as superheat/high pressure control of Air Cooled Chillers and Packaged Roof Top Units

MachineStruxure is a building block of Schneider Electric's EcoStruxure solution architecture which enables intelligent energy management solutions for customers seeking to optimize energy efficiencies across multiple domains of their business. First announced in November 2009, Schneider Electric's EcoStruxure architecture connects five domains of business expertise – Power, Datacenters, Process and Machines, Building Control and Physical Security – within an open and flexible technology architecture that delivers up to 30 percent savings in energy efficiency.

Schneider Electric will show the Modicon M168 PLC at AHR Expo 2011 taking place this week, January 31-February 2 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, in Las Vegas, NV, Booth #c2269. The Modicon M168 PLCs will be available in March 2011.

About Schneider Electric
As a global specialist in energy management with operations in more than 100 countries, Schneider Electric offers integrated solutions across multiple market segments, including leadership positions in energy and infrastructure, industrial processes, building automation, and data centers/networks, as well as a broad presence in residential applications. Focused on making energy safe, reliable, and efficient, the company's 100,000+ employees achieved sales of more than $22 billion in 2009, through an active commitment to help individuals and organizations "Make the most of their energy."

SOURCE: Schneider Electric