What Is a Power Control Unit?
A power control unit is a device that controls the power to equipment.
They are commonly used in factories and homes to centrally control the power supply of equipment.
With the penetration of IoT technology, network-compatible products have recently been launched, which can be linked to smartphones via a network to centrally control devices.
Demand for integrated management tools for devices in companies is growing rapidly, especially in relation to the IoT.
Uses of Power Control Units
Power control units are used for integrated management or systemization of devices in companies in factory automation (FA) and IoT.
Power control units can be broadly classified into two types in the current situation, and it is necessary to select the type of power control unit that best suits the purpose of use, operating environment, and other factors.
The categories of power control units are as follows:
- Networked Power Control Units: These units are network-compatible and can be used with smartphones and other devices to create multifunctional systems.
- Analog Type Power Control Units: Analog-compatible only, capable of controlling only devices that are hard-wired together.
Principle of Power Control Units
A power control unit is an assembly of components that receive the power supply status from devices and elements or devices that instruct the connected devices to turn the power supply on or off.
In the case of a network-compatible type, a communication control unit or the like is additionally mounted to the above.
They are used in integrated factory management systems and enterprise systems.
As an example, the following is an example of a power control unit implemented to monitor multiple units of production equipment installed in a factory:
- The power on/off status of each production facility is constantly managed via hardwire.
- The system is integrated into an integrated monitoring room system.
- The power supply can be remotely turned on or off at any time in the event of an emergency or other problems.
In the case of the network-compatible type, multiple systems can be integrated via a communication unit and centrally managed using a master computer.
In recent years, this system is sometimes implemented in the process of constructing automated systems for DX promotion in conjunction with power monitoring and other systems.