The SIMOCODE M-CP Offers Flexibility and Scalability in Compact Form

A motor control center from Siemens offers efficient monitoring, data collection, and feedback, enabling more accurate control decisions.

Siemens has recently released SIMOCODE M-CP, their newest motor control center (MCC). The MCC distributes power to multiple loads and provides monitoring, data collection, and feedback for process control decisions. SIMOCODE M-CP is also designed for industrial use, particularly where physical space is limited.

The Siemens SIMOCODE M-CP is compact and DIN rail mountable, making it easy to physically install in most industrial environments. Image used courtesy of Siemens

 
Space and Cost Savings

One unique feature of the SIMOCODE M-CP is its scalability and, thus, flexibility to meet the needs of any particular manufacturing facility. Six digital inputs and four relay outputs are included on the MCC. The ports allow for efficient power distribution between multiple devices based on feedback from several sensors.

The SIMOCODE M-CP can be front-panel mounted or DIN-rail mounted, making its physical installation compatible with existing hardware. It is designed to be mounted within withdrawable units in switchboards, making it easy to inspect, maintain, and reconfigure units as needed.


Siemens SIMOCODE M-CP mounted in a withdrawable unit. Image used courtesy of Siemens

Siemens also makes it easy to use only the features that are required. Control functions are available for subscription use, meaning engineers can select which functions are necessary for their particular facility’s needs and only pay for those. In the long run, this saves money and complexity, as they are not paying for bloated software packages with functionality that is neither necessary nor appreciated. As a subscription model, software upgrades are readily available versus having to retire legacy software and purchase new software throughout the life of the physical MCC.
 
Communication with SIMOCODE M-CP

Communication is made possible through Single Pair Ethernet (SPE). These wired connections are secure and reliable and have already been used in many industrial facilities. Furthermore, SPE requires only two cables, drastically simplifying setup, configuration, and troubleshooting efforts.
 
Motor Control Signature Analysis

Built into the MCC are tools such as the Motor Current Signature Analysis (MCSA), which can evaluate the current flow of four motors and adjust power as needed. This MCSA works from an energy efficiency standpoint, optimizing the load between motors, and from a safety standpoint, looking for unusual load conditions from a safety standpoint.

The MCSA can be used to highlight trends and schedule preventative maintenance. For example, suppose the current of one motor slowly increases over time. This could mean that the bearings are worn and should be replaced or that the motor needs to be thoroughly cleaned.
 
Targeted Applications

Siemens has produced automation hardware and software that serves virtually every industrial and manufacturing market. The SIMOCODE M-CP will also be suitable for almost every industry and will be used in many different fields. Due to its ease of installation and compact size, it will serve both space-limited small manufacturing facilities and heavy industry alike–there is a lot to appreciate with this small MCC. Chemical processing, steel, construction (such as tunnel boring), pharmaceuticals, and many other industries will benefit from the small footprint and processing capabilities made possible by the SIMOCODE M-CP.