The complete energy measurement chain, from the sensor to the cloud

Beckhoff Automation UK combined with the simplicity and power of MobiusFlow.

The complete energy measurement chain, from the sensor to the cloud combined with the simplicity and power of MobiusFlow.


Since Beckhoff’s foundation in 1980, the development of innovative products and solutions on the basis of PC-based control technology has been the foundation of the company’s continued success. They recognized many standards in automation technology that are taken for granted today at an early stage and successfully introduced to the market as innovations. 


Beckhoff’s philosophy of PC-based control as well as the invention of the Lightbus system and TwinCAT automation software are milestones in automation technology and have proven themselves as powerful alternatives to traditional control technology. EtherCAT, the real-time Ethernet solution, provides a powerful and future-oriented technology for a new generation of control concepts.


MobiusFlow combined with Beckhoff energy measurement terminals running locally or in the cloud.


MobiusFlow middleware and Beckhoff energy measurement terminals, when combined, can offer a synergistic solution for efficient energy monitoring, analysis, and control. Here’s how the combination can be beneficial:


Integrated Data Flow: 

MobiusFlow allows for the seamless integration of data from different sources. When paired with Beckhoff energy measurement terminals, this means energy consumption data can be effortlessly captured, transmitted, and processed.


Real-time Monitoring: 

One of the key strengths of MobiusFlow is its real-time data processing capability. When combined with the precision measurements of Beckhoff terminals, users can gain a real-time insight into their energy consumption patterns, enabling immediate response to any anomalies or inefficiencies.


Scalability: 

Both MobiusFlow and Beckhoff have solutions designed for scalability. Whether you’re monitoring a single machine or an entire factory, the combination can adapt to fit the scale of your operation.


Interoperability with Other Systems: 

MobiusFlow’s middleware can integrate data not just from Beckhoff terminals but also from other IoT devices, sensors, and systems. This provides a holistic overview of your operations, not limited just to energy consumption.


Advanced Analytics: 

With data from Beckhoff terminals being channelled through MobiusFlow, it can be used for advanced analytics. Users can employ machine learning algorithms, pattern recognition, and predictive analysis to forecast energy needs, identify wastage, and suggest efficiency improvements.


Cloud Integration: 

MobiusFlow’s compatibility with various cloud platforms ensures that data from Beckhoff terminals can be stored, analysed, and accessed remotely. This facilitates remote monitoring and allows for insights to be drawn without being onsite.


User-friendly Visualisation: 

MobiusFlow provides interfaces for data visualisation. When you’re monitoring energy, being able to visualise consumption patterns, peak times, and other key metrics in an intuitive format is invaluable.


Energy Conservation: 

With more precise monitoring and analysis, users can identify inefficiencies in their energy consumption. This leads to better decision-making, optimized machine operations, and, ultimately, significant energy conservation.

Cost Savings: By identifying and addressing inefficiencies, businesses can achieve considerable cost savings in energy bills. Additionally, by avoiding overloads and maintaining machinery within optimal operating parameters, the lifespan of equipment can be extended, leading to further cost benefits.


Enhanced Automation: 

Beckhoff terminals provide accurate energy data, and MobiusFlow can use this data to automate certain processes. For instance, if energy consumption goes beyond a certain limit, other systems can be automatically adjusted to bring it back within the desired range.


Support and Updates: 

Both MobiusFlow and Beckhoff have strong reputations for providing good customer support and regular software/firmware updates. This ensures that the integrated solution remains current with the latest technologies and security features.


In essence, combining MobiusFlow middleware with Beckhoff energy measurement terminals creates an ecosystem where energy data is not just captured but is also utilized effectively to drive insights, decisions, and automated actions that lead to efficiency, cost savings, and sustainability.


Beckhoff Energy Measurement Hardware


Beckhoff’s energy measurement terminals are designed to offer precise monitoring and evaluation of power consumption and other relevant electrical parameters within an industrial or building automation context. Here are some of the key technical features of these terminals:


Wide Range of Measurements: Apart from the basic current and voltage measurements, the terminals can also measure power factors, active, reactive, and apparent power, energy consumption, frequency, and phase angles.


High Accuracy: 

Beckhoff’s terminals are known for their precision. They provide high-resolution measurements, ensuring that energy data is accurate.


Multi-Channel Measurement: 

Many of Beckhoff’s energy measurement terminals support multi-channel measurement, enabling simultaneous monitoring of multiple circuits or phases.


Direct Integration into the Control System: 

The terminals are designed to be integrated directly into the Beckhoff I/O system, facilitating seamless data flow into the control infrastructure.


Compact Design: 

The terminals are designed to be compact and modular, allowing them to be easily integrated into existing systems without requiring a lot of space.


Wide Input Range: 

They can handle a wide range of input voltages and currents, accommodating various industrial and commercial setups.


Synchronisation: 

Some models offer synchronised measurement across multiple channels, which is essential for applications that require phase-to-phase synchronisation or comparison.


Overload-Proof: 

The terminals are designed to handle overloads, ensuring that they remain functional and provide accurate readings even in situations where electrical parameters exceed the nominal range.


Integrated Safety Features: 

They often come with integrated safety features like overvoltage protection.


Fast Sampling Rates: 

Beckhoff terminals are equipped with fast sampling rates to provide real-time data, capturing even short-term anomalies or spikes in the energy data.


Communication Protocols: 

Integration with the Beckhoff I/O system ensures compatibility with standard communication protocols like EtherCAT, facilitating easy data transfer and system-wide communication.


LED Status Indicators: 

Many of the terminals are equipped with LED indicators that provide instant feedback on the status and function of the terminal.


Configurability: 

The terminals can be configured to adapt to various measurement settings and requirements.


DIN Rail Mountable: 

Beckhoff’s design often allows for easy DIN rail mounting, ensuring the terminals can be securely positioned within a control cabinet or distribution box.


Extended Temperature Range: 

The terminals are designed to operate efficiently in various environmental conditions, often boasting an extended operational temperature range suitable for industrial environments.


The Beckhoff power measurement terminals have revolutionised the way industrial and building owners manage their energy resources, bringing substantial value to their operations. Firstly, these terminals provide accurate real-time data on power consumption and quality, allowing for immediate insight into energy usage patterns. By understanding these patterns, owners can identify inefficiencies or anomalies in their systems, leading to more informed decisions about equipment maintenance, upgrades, or replacements.


Moreover, the ability to continuously monitor power parameters means that potential problems can be detected early, reducing the risk of costly downtime or damage to sensitive machinery. This proactive approach can extend equipment lifespan, saving significant capital expenditure in the long run.


For building owners, the integration of Beckhoff terminals with building management systems can lead to optimized HVAC, lighting, and other energy-intensive operations, enhancing occupant comfort while minimizing energy costs. It also supports sustainability initiatives, allowing for real-time tracking of energy conservation measures, thus reinforcing green credentials in an increasingly eco-conscious marketplace.


Furthermore, the data provided can be used for predictive analytics, facilitating preventative maintenance and forecasting future energy needs. This forward-looking capability ensures that both industrial and building owners can keep pace with growth and change, underpinned by a foundation of efficient energy management.


You can find out more about how Beckhoff can help improve your energy management via the website below or by scanning the QR code. 


www.beckhoff.com/energy-management 


The complete energy measurement chain, from the sensor to the cloud
MobiusFlow, Ben Hargreaves 26 July 2024
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