The HV-100 “Harvey,” specifically designed for moving and spacing plants.
There are many examples of how tech has changed agriculture to improve efficiency. Investment in specialized technology for “doing one thing better” is increasing. More specialized business models have cropped up. With these, specialized skills and equipment supporting IoT wireless data transfer are increasingly important.
More and more, ag businesses have turned to AI, machine learning, and robots for certain necessary tasks. Automated robots use specialization to become proficient at one particular job. One example of this is Harvest Automation’s container-moving robot. Weighing in at just about one hundred pounds, the not-quite two-foot-tall robot works in greenhouse and nursery environments to properly space out container plants.
GE Multilin has been around since 1995. This part of General Electric focuses on industrial controls and manufacturing relays. This includes flexible process bus solutions and dual and multi-feeder protection for industrial applications. It also includes integrated motor protection for medium/large induction and synchronous motors.
Industrial motors, feeder systems, transformers, and generators can use Multilin relays. These management relays protect while offering advanced monitoring functions.
GE Multilin is part of GE Grid Solutions. GE Grid Solutions is the renewable energy subsidiary of GE. It offers products and technology for control, metering, and communication. It is applicable for industrial, commercial, and transportation applications.
How are GE Multilin Relays used?
Many industries make use of GE Multilin relays. For example, utilities use the 850 Feeder protection system to ensure continuity within the power grid. Small and medium-sized distribution transformers, also part of the power grid, use the Multilin 350 feeder protection series.
Additionally, distributed generation interconnect protection and bus blocking often use the 750/760 Feeder management system. The 489 Generator Management Relay design protects and controls small to medium-sized generators. Moreover, the 369 and 469 Motor management relays offer management and protection to three-phase medium (369 AC only), and large (469 only) HP motors and driven equipment.
What are the benefits of Multilin Relays?
Multilin relays must stand up to rugged industrial standards. Most have front panel displays for viewing and programming in the field as well as RS232/RS485 ports to network and download data. Front panel LEDs are easy to read and the front keypad makes it simple to toggle through values and fault diagnosis information, as well as to set new data points.
A note about the FM2 Multilin and resetting trips
The FM2 Feeder series has a reset key that will allow a tripped state to be reset. However, earth faults or thermal overloads cannot be reset using this key. But the Lockout Reset feature will assign a fault to the programmable switch inputs. Overriding this lockout can occur through the lockout reset interlock.
How do I program my GE Multilin or update firmware?
GE is great about providing technical help to its users. There are over 100 Multilin videos on the gegridsolutions.com website covering everything from how to update the firmware to how to set a transient recorder. These videos are available in French, Spanish, Portuguese, English, and sometimes Russian.
AX Control carries a wide variety of GE Multilin products, including the GE Multilin 750.
A useful Infographic covering some of the most-asked questions about PLCs.
FAQs, and an Infographic you can use.
How does a programmable logic controller work?
A PLC works like a computer. The CPU manipulates and processes input signals and executes instructions to control output devices. These are the controllers behind most modern industrial automation.
What are programmable logic controllers used for?
PLCs are used in industrial settings for the control of light fixtures, machinery, and assembly lines. They are also used to control other things such as amusement park rides.
Download a high-quality PDF of this infographic below.
Yes. There are Relay Output PLCs, Transistor Output PLCs, and Triac Output PLCs. The name of each type of PLC derives from its output. Relay outputs are solid-state outputs or mechanical contacts. Transistor outputs are solid-state switches, but can only handle DC current. Low-power AC loads use Triac outputs. This includes motor starters and lighting.
Mechanical design is another way to categorize PLCs. For example, a “brick” is one type of PLC design. This is a small PLC that includes the CPU, the power supply, and the inputs/outputs in one small case. One type of brick PLC is the DirectLogic 05.
Other PLCs are modular. Modular PLCs have a rack system that has space for different modules. These modules can provide different functions and may act as the PLC’s power supply, I/O, communication interface, or processor.
PLCs use a traditional programming language that mimics circuit diagrams; this is called ladder logic. Other PLCs may use programming languages like Function Block Diagram (FBD), Instruction List (IL), Sequential Function Chart (SFC), or Structured Text (ST). IEC 61131–3 standard defines these languages.
What are the advantages of using a PLC?
There are several. PLCs are easy to install, maintain, and troubleshoot. They are flexible by nature and offer many different operations. Also, they offer a rugged design specifically for industrial processes. Finally, they’re cost-effective.
Are There Disadvantages to PLCs?
The most common disadvantage to PLCs stems from interoperability or lack thereof.
Originally, manufacturers created PLCs using their own proprietary software and programming. When machines did their own thing, separated from the rest of the machinery on the factory floor, that was fine.
But now we have IIoT efficiencies to think about. Machines need to “talk” to each other and share information. Unfortunately, older PLC design doesn’t allow this.
Luckily, industry groups are now working to solve this problem through new forms of open-access middleware like MQTT, AMQP, and CoAP.
If you need a PLC for your industrial processes, talk to the staff at AX Control today. We’re here to help! We offer many brands of PLC systems and replacement parts, including the popular GE Fanuc PLCs.
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