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Energy efficient control of heating elements with Eurotherm EPACK LITE

November 24, 2023
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Energy efficient control of heating elements with Eurotherm EPACK LITE-0

The control and proper use of heating elements is a hot topic in manufacturing and households. We have found an effective solution for precise control of heating elements to ensure that electricity is used efficiently. In this article, we will explain how to achieve energy-efficient heating element control with Eurotherm EPACK LITE.

How does heating element control work?

To start with, there are different variations of heating elements. Such as finger, flexible, sinking, circulating, air, temperature and other heating elements that are widely used for temperature control. There are also those designed for immersion in liquids to hold the liquid at a specific temperature. These heating elements can be used for applications ranging from freezing gutters to heating tanker cargo. There are also heating elements that can be attached to regular or irregularly shaped surfaces. In turn, they are widely used for frost protection. Whatever the purpose of the heating element, they all need to be monitored to ensure that they work accurately and energy efficiently.

As a real example here in Latvia, we can mention the introduction of heating element control at MB Holding. The main task of this project was to solve the control of heating elements and data transfer in two fire tanks depending on the water level. In this project, the heating element control systems offered by ZTF Lāsma were used.

Fast integration into industrial systems

Eurotherm Whether replacing an existing product or creating a new process, the EPack Lite SCR (Silicon Controlled Rectifier) power controller has been carefully designed to support easy and fast integration into industrial systems.Whether replacing an existing product or creating a new process, the EPack Lite SCR (Silicon Controlled Rectifier) power controller has been carefully designed to support easy and fast integration into industrial systems.

The EPack Lite range of controllers offers a simplified choice to ensure a high level of quality, accuracy and reliability for your process. Definitively more than just a product, EPack Lite power controllers offer a professionally designed solution based on more than 50 years of Eurotherm experience worldwide.

 

EPack LITE Power Controller technical data

EPACK LITE is available in 3 types, depending on the required project solution. Choose one of them. For easier transparency, we have created a table, see below.

EPack Lite-1PH EPack Lite-2PH EPack Lite-3PH
 1-phase 2-phase 3-phase

16 A, 25 A, 32 A, 40 A,

63 A, 80 A, 100 A, 125 A

16 A, 25 A, 32 A, 40 A,

63 A, 80 A, 100 A, 125 A

16 A, 25 A, 32 A, 40 A,

63 A, 80 A, 100 A, 125 A

EPack Lite-1PH

This EPack Lite-1PH controller provides single-phase constant impedance or primary transformer load control. It combines simplicity of set-up and operation in a compact format.

EPack Lite-2PH

The EPack Lite-2PH is a latest generation power controller designed to be a cost-effective solution for controlling 3-phase loads, the control is specifically tailored to control balanced loads.

EPack Lite-3PH

The EPack Lite-3PH controller is the ideal solution for constant resistance or primary transformer load control. Controlling each phase ensures precise control even when loads are unbalanced. Current and voltage measurements also ensure a high level of accuracy.

Example of how EPACK LITE works with Pixsys

We've prepared an illustrative example of one of the principles of heating element control. In the video you will see how the Eurotherm EPack Lite roller controller works in combination with the Pixsys controller. This time we have chosen a luminaire with a resistive load as the test component - in this case it will be a spotlight.

For this example, we have chosen an EPackLite controller with 1 phase and 25 A output and a Pixsys controller with 4-20 mA output and PID control.

  1. Select the required roller and Eurotherm EPACK LITE;
  2. Must be switched off according to the diagram and the parameters set;
  3. We run a control test with 3 options (this is also covered in the video).

EPACK LITE Controller main advantages

  • Reduced electricity costs;
  • A linearly distributed network that is not overloaded;
  • Precise control of the required temperature;
  • Transparent operational processes that comply with defined management standards.

Production process control and monitoring with EPACK

The quality of any product depends on choosing the right temperature and maintaining it correctly. Watlow Eurotherm has developed an effective solution for temperature control. The Eurotherm Epack provides unlimited possibilities to control production processes via several industrial communication protocols. The manufacturer offers the possibility to use EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP and ProfiNet protocols in its products to facilitate and optimise our work.The quality of any product depends on choosing the right temperature and maintaining it correctly.

Watlow Eurotherm has developed an effective solution for temperature control. The Eurotherm Epack provides unlimited possibilities to control production processes via several industrial communication protocols. The manufacturer offers the possibility to use EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP and ProfiNet protocols in its products to facilitate and optimise our work.
The implementation of Watlow Eurotherm products in production processes is quite complex and complicated, as certain parameters have to be controlled and checked. We recommend to facilitate this process by using Eurotherm iTools v9.86 software or one of the well-known equipment such as PLC or HMI visualisation panels.

Eurotherm iTools software

Eurotherm iTools is a versatile suite of software tools that allows you to configure and monitor multiple controllers and relays. It also provides monitoring of the 6000 series graphic loggers. It can edit, save and "clone" complete controller configurations, as well as set up data logging, process monitoring and Ethernet and modem connections. In short, Eurotherm iTools performs the following processes:

  • Data configuration;
  • Data logging;
  • Communication;
  • Software monitoring.

Controllers, PLC and HMI

Various controllers, data visualisation panels (HMI) and programmable logic controllers (PLC) can also be used to monitor certain parameters. As our company specialises in industrial automation products and solutions, we offer products from manufacturers such as:

  • Weintek.
  • Fatek Automation;
  • Schneider Electric;
  • Siemens.

Main advantages of the EPACK controller

  • Rated load current: 1 A to 125 A
  • Voltage: up to 500 V
  • Compact DIN rail and bulkhead mounting
  • Configurable via front panel or Eurotherm software (iTools)
  • Plug and play Ethernet communication with zero configuration network (zeroconf)
  • V2, I2 or True power control
  • Controls a wide range of loads: resistive, infrared, transformer primary, silicon carbide loads.
  • Power consumption measurement
  • Advanced load diagnostics
  • Integrated two-port Ethernet switch for "daisy-chain" communications
  • Modbus® TCP or Ethernet IP protocols
  • Protects OEM knowledge and IP (OEM safety)

Eurotherm joins Watlow

WatlowEurotherm joins US-based Watlow in 2023, becoming part of the experienced industrial giant. Eurotherm joins US-based Watlow in 2023, becoming part of the experienced industrial giant.
Watlow is well known worldwide as a leader in industrial technology and thermal products. The company designs and manufactures heating solutions. These mainly consist of electric resistance heaters, temperature sensors, power controllers and ancillary software.
Watlow works with its customers to optimise thermal performance, reduce design time and improve the efficiency of applications. Watlow has 100 years of experience in many industries including semiconductor processing, environmental technology, power generation, diesel emissions, medical and food manufacturing.

Other articles and videos about Eurotherm products:

  1. Eurotherm ESwitch Power Switch
  2. Cooperation partner Eurotherm
Products
ETS-00086
Code: ETS-00086
In stock: 1 pcs In stock: 0 (on request)
399.00 EUR (w/o VAT)
Contact the manager
Mārtiņš Kāns
Mārtiņš Kāns
Project Division Manager
+371 2910 0172
martins@lasma.eu
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