Implementación de un sistema automatizado con control de arranque y eficiencia energética en la etapa “Acabado en Húmedo” para el Laboratorio de Curtiembre Ciencias Pecuarias.

Abstract

The application of an automated system with boot up control and energy efficiency in the “wet finish ” stage for the leather tannery laboratory of the Livestock Sciences Faculty. In the leather tannery laboratory of the Livestock Sciences Faculty, the wet finish stage relied on a deteriorated system; the system was evaluated by means of an analytical method through which defects in the mechanical, electrical and electronic areas were identified. The automation began with the sizing and selection of the devices, followed by the designing of electric schematics, cabling and the elaboration of the control panel. A programmable logic controller (PLC) was used for system control with a human machine interface (HMI). Through the interface, the user accesses two functions: one to execute programmed instructions, and another to key in the required functioning time. Two pushbuttons were included in the cabinet which activate the motor with a frequency of 55Hz and 15Hz correspondingly, as well as a pushbutton for the motor; parameters for controlling the start up of the motor were configured in the variable frequency drive. With the system running, measurements were taken of the electric current and input voltage to the 3HP motor with the drum discharged and later with a weight of 60kg, just as it was done with the old 2HP motor; with the gathered data, curves were plotted for its analysis and averaged in order to calculate performance and energy efficiency. It was concluded by performing the comparative analysis of the curves that with the variable frequency drive avoided electrical current surges at boot up; this allows for a performance of 80% for the new motor and an energy efficiency of 16%. The use of the user’s manual is recommended in order to understand how the automated system functions and to avoid system damage.