Latest Power Articles

Analytics from data algorithms can predict machine failures and provide diagnostics—but what should we measure? Then,…

Analytics from data algorithms can predict machine failures and provide diagnostics—but what should we measure? Then, once the information has been collected, what trends might point to problems?

Track energy data and monitor trends remotely with ABB’s new SmartTracker software and hardware solution to monitor UPS…

Track energy data and monitor trends remotely with ABB’s new SmartTracker software and hardware solution to monitor UPS system health, operation, and optimization from a secure, cloud-based platform.

The subject of grounding in electronics is broad and complex, spanning across a variety of functions and objectives. In…

The subject of grounding in electronics is broad and complex, spanning across a variety of functions and objectives. In this article, we will investigate the applications and regulation of grounding in control systems on a fundamental level.

Safety is a concern in any system containing potential energy, whether electrical, chemical, or fluid. Each has methods…

Safety is a concern in any system containing potential energy, whether electrical, chemical, or fluid. Each has methods of protection, and for fluid systems, certain shutoff valves are used in situations when excess pressure can be a problem.

Field-oriented control (FOC), also called vector control, can control 3-phase alternating current motors and brushless DC…

Field-oriented control (FOC), also called vector control, can control 3-phase alternating current motors and brushless DC motors. Read more to learn its advantages, how it works, and its best applications.

Large motors require a circuit to turn on and off. This may be as simple as a single on/off drum-type switch or as…

Large motors require a circuit to turn on and off. This may be as simple as a single on/off drum-type switch or as elaborate as a VFD unit. Learn about some common control circuit designs for typical three-phase motor requirements.

ABB introduces a retrofit program to replace aging protection devices with new multi-function devices. The program…

ABB introduces a retrofit program to replace aging protection devices with new multi-function devices. The program promises to extend the lifespan of switchgears and future-proof equipment for an ever-expanding electrical grid.

Uninterruptible power supplies are beneficial in applications where a consistent power supply protects and operates…

Uninterruptible power supplies are beneficial in applications where a consistent power supply protects and operates sensitive electrical equipment. Traco’s latest TIB-240BCMU module can turn a normal AC/DC power supply into an operable UPS system.

Power quality is an increasing concern for manufacturers all over the world as electrical equipment becomes more advanced…

Power quality is an increasing concern for manufacturers all over the world as electrical equipment becomes more advanced and therefore sensitive to discrepancies in the supplied power.

We are taught that parallel circuits maintain equal voltage across all branch resistors, equally sharing the source…

We are taught that parallel circuits maintain equal voltage across all branch resistors, equally sharing the source voltage. But reality is often far from ideal, and individual devices certainly impact the rest of the circuit.

Actuators are used to control the motion of manufacturing devices and raw materials. This article will compare electric…

Actuators are used to control the motion of manufacturing devices and raw materials. This article will compare electric actuators and several types of fluid-power actuators.

Closed-loop motor control is a control system used to regulate the output of a motor. Learn about the four common types…

Closed-loop motor control is a control system used to regulate the output of a motor. Learn about the four common types of closed-loop motor control systems to understand each one’s inner-workings and applications.

Data stored in a historian server is useful for analysis and troubleshooting. Learn about data archiving techniques for…

Data stored in a historian server is useful for analysis and troubleshooting. Learn about data archiving techniques for control systems, as well as what type of data is stored and the tools to make it happen.

Linear and switch-mode power supplies provide direct current to power control components and electrical devices. Learn…

Linear and switch-mode power supplies provide direct current to power control components and electrical devices. Learn about the differences between the two power supplies and which one is best for your control system.

Coil, field winding, rotor, stator, eddy current… When it comes to motors, there are numerous terms that describe the…

Coil, field winding, rotor, stator, eddy current… When it comes to motors, there are numerous terms that describe the theory of operation, but what is inside a 3-phase motor? Take a look, and learn how they work.

Siemens introduces a new addition to the Reyrolle protection product line that is capable of being installed in remote…

Siemens introduces a new addition to the Reyrolle protection product line that is capable of being installed in remote locations with the ability of dual-power sources.

CUI Devices has further expanded its power relay products. Suited for high-level current switching, the new line of power…

CUI Devices has further expanded its power relay products. Suited for high-level current switching, the new line of power relays offers max switching currents from 5 A to 40 A.

Programmable Logic Control (PLC) systems are the core of most industrial control systems that drive modern manufacturing.…

Programmable Logic Control (PLC) systems are the core of most industrial control systems that drive modern manufacturing. In this Control Automation video, we discuss the wiring process for buttons, switches, and discrete sensors, applicable to virtually every PLC.

Control Automation is proud to announce updates to several chapters of our popular online textbook. Check out the…

Control Automation is proud to announce updates to several chapters of our popular online textbook. Check out the improvements in the PLC, Feedback Control, and Power Generation sections.