Integrated Power and Process Management: A Leap Towards Efficiency and Competitiveness

Integrated Power and Process Management: A Leap Towards Efficiency and Competitiveness | SPONSORED

At Hannover Messe 2024, one of the most anticipated industrial fairs globally, Hany Fouda, SVP IA Europe, Schneider Electric shares insights on the evolving landscape of power and process management. His vision for the future, where power and process systems are no longer siloed but integrated, paints a promising picture of operational efficiency and energy optimization.

Bridging the Power-Process Divide

For decades, the process and power domains within industrial operations have operated independently. Process engineers and electrical engineers worked in their realms, with little overlap. Schneider Electric, under Hany Fouda’s guidance, is pioneering the integration of these two domains. This fusion is not just a technical achievement; it’s a strategic move towards enhancing operational efficiency and significantly reducing total operational costs. Energy, a substantial component of process operations, is being optimized in unprecedented ways to drive down costs and boost efficiency.

The Power of Integration

By integrating power and process systems, Schneider Electric is unlocking a new level of operational insight and adaptability. This integration allows for a more dynamic response to fluctuating market demands and feedstock changes. Hany Fouda gives us the example of glass bottling, where recycled material may require varied heating levels. Without an integrated system, adjusting to such changes efficiently and cost-effectively can be challenging.

Addressing Industry Challenges

The conversation also touches on the broader challenges facing the industry, particularly in Europe, where energy costs, though reduced, remain a significant concern. Competitiveness in the global market hinges on the ability to enhance productivity and efficiency. Fouda’s approach through integrated power and process management aims to fortify European industries against these challenges, ensuring they remain competitive on the global stage.

EcoStruxure: A Revolutionary Solution

Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure platform embodies this integrated approach, merging hardware connectivity and sophisticated simulation software. This solution aims to train a new generation of operators, equipping them with the knowledge to manage power and process systems seamlessly. Additionally, EcoStruxure facilitates the early simulation of new facilities, offering potential CAPEX cost reductions and minimizing downtime by predicting how process changes impact power requirements.

The Role of Digital Twins and AI

Digital twins and AI are at the forefront of Schneider Electric’s strategy. Fouda explains how digital twins serve as an essential training tool, creating a risk-free environment for operators to test decisions and see their outcomes. Furthermore, these digital twins are crucial for AI training, providing a rich source of industrial data that is often scarce yet vital for refining AI models for industrial applications.

Forward-Looking Insights

Fouda’s discussion at Hannover Messe highlights the importance of energy efficiency, operator training, digital twins, and AI in shaping the future of industrial operations. Through examples ranging from large corporations like Duke Energy to smaller entities, Schneider Electric’s innovative solutions demonstrate the vast potential of integrated power and process management.

For those intrigued by the future of industrial efficiency and competitiveness, Schneider Electric’s exhibit at Hannover Messe offers a closer look at these transformative solutions.

The interview was recorded by Lucian Fogoros from IIoT World during Hannover Messe 2024. This summary was created based on the video transcript with the assistance of https://chat.openai.com. It was edited by the IIoT World team.

Sponsored by Schneider Electric