Collaboration Between Schneider Electric and Saint-Gobain
Schneider Electric, a renowned leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, has joined forces with Saint-Gobain, recognized for its expertise in light and sustainable construction, to implement an innovative software-defined automation system tailored for glass production. This groundbreaking initiative was presented at a leading trade fair for the glass industry, showcasing the urgent need for improved reliability in the critical lehr process.
The Importance of the Lehr Process in Glass Manufacturing
The lehr process is essential for annealing and cooling flat glass. Typically, the lehr is designed to last between 15 to 20 years. However, any downtime during this process can bring production to a standstill. Studies indicate that even a one-minute power interruption could result in production losses of up to six months, often leading to costly equipment replacements with expenses potentially reaching €200,000 per day.
Introducing the Open Automation Solution
In response to these challenges, Schneider Electric and Saint-Gobain have developed a pioneering open automation solution for the lehr process. This proof of concept leverages Schneider Electric's EcoStruxure Automation Expert technology, a system that decouples hardware from software, allowing diverse devices and equipment to connect freely across architecture layers, regardless of the manufacturer. This flexibility enhances system reliability and efficiency.
Enhancing Safety and Efficiency
The partnership's innovative approach not only enhances operational efficiency but also boosts safety standards in glass manufacturing. By facilitating autonomous drive capabilities, the solution enables intelligent decision-making at the equipment level. It optimally controls two glass-pulling motors, determining which motor will operate, conducting quality assessments, and laying the groundwork for predictive maintenance.
Insights from Schneider Electric Leadership
Alex Richards, Vice President for Mining, Minerals, and Metals at Schneider Electric, shared insights into the collaboration: "Our profound understanding of the float glass process has driven us to create a solution that champions dependability, safety, and productivity. The incorporation of autonomous drive technology fosters smarter decision-making, embodying our commitment to innovation and illuminating the path for potential expansions of this technology across the industry."
Modular Design for Global Applicability
One of the core advantages of this new solution is its modular design, making deployment across different regions straightforward. The plug-and-play interoperability means that engineering, testing, and commissioning times can be reduced by up to fifty percent. This intrinsic scalability allows construction firms to harness substantial value on site while exploring exponential benefits on a global scale.
About Schneider Electric
Schneider Electric is committed to creating meaningful impacts by empowering individuals and organizations to maximize energy and resource efficiency, embodying its motto "Life Is On." This mission positions Schneider as a trusted partner in sustainability and efficiency.
As a global leader in industrial technology, Schneider Electric integrates advanced electrification, automation, and digitization solutions across various applications, including smart industries, resilient infrastructure, future-ready data centers, intelligent buildings, and connected homes. Their deep domain expertise enables the delivery of end-to-end lifecycle AI-driven Industrial IoT solutions, empowering customers to achieve profitable growth.
The company prides itself on being a people-centered organization, with a diverse ecosystem of approximately 150,000 employees and over a million partners operating in more than 100 countries, ensuring close proximity to customers and stakeholders. Schneider Electric is dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusion in all facets of its operations, driven by a commitment to a sustainable future for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the focus of Schneider Electric and Saint-Gobain's collaboration?
The collaboration is centered on developing an innovative software-defined automation solution to improve the reliability and efficiency of glass production.
What specific problem does the new automation solution address?
The solution aims to enhance the reliability of the lehr process, crucial for the production of flat glass, by mitigating downtime and associated costs.
How does the EcoStruxure Automation Expert benefit manufacturers?
This technology allows devices to connect across various architectures, providing flexibility and efficiency in operations while improving safety protocols.
What are the long-term benefits of this initiative for the glass industry?
This initiative is expected to foster increased productivity, safety, and cost savings, making glass production more sustainable in the long run.
How does Schneider Electric promote sustainability?
Schneider Electric's mission is centered on energy efficiency and sustainability, empowering organizations to make the most of their energy resources through innovative solutions.
