Enhancing sustainability and energy efficiency in buildings , factories , etc. with next-generation EcoStruxure
Providing integrated solutions ranging from communication products to remote control and analysis tool services

Schneider Electric has been preparing for the Fourth Industrial Revolution since early on . Since 1997, it has been supplying solutions incorporating the Industrial Internet of Things by implementing factories connected via Ethernet communication, a standard that had not yet been established . This is the background behind why Schneider , commonly known only as an electricity and energy company , currently generates 45% of its revenue from Internet of Things (IoT) related products . Founded in France in 1836 , Schneider Electric is a global specialist in energy management and automation, providing a wide range of solutions from simple switches to complex operating systems.

Life Is On

Schneider Electric's vision is based on connected technology. The 'Life is On Innovation Summit' hosted by Schneider Electric Korea last March appeared to be more than sufficient to illustrate this vision. The event served as a platform to showcase the innovation the company pursues and the direction of its future business to industry stakeholders, partners, and customers.

This event was held last year in Paris, France, where the headquarters is located, and in Singapore, where the Asia-Pacific hub office is located. The fact that a similar global event was held in Korea for the first time this year also signified that Schneider views the growth potential and competitiveness of IoT-integrated businesses in the domestic market highly.

Kim Kyung-rok, President of Schneider Electric Korea, said, “By strengthening our leadership in the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) in Korea as well, we expect the next-generation EcoStruxure to contribute to achieving innovation at every stage through IoT-based solutions that encompass various industrial sites—such as power grids, buildings, factories, and data centers—as well as high-level decision-making.”

The next-generation EcoStruxure, which is also a key topic of the event, is an integrated solution that maximizes Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) capabilities. EcoStruxure is a three-stage technology platform that enhances productivity by integrating IoT to optimize processes and manage energy efficiently. In the first stage, communicable smart products are interconnected; the second stage involves Edge Control, where data from connected products is uploaded to optimize and control them via mobile or remote means; and the final third stage consists of applications, analytics tools, and services that analyze vast amounts of data in real-time and support complex decision-making at the highest level.

EcoStruxure, which was launched in 2007 and is currently installed and used at approximately 450,000 locations around the world, has been reborn this year as a next-generation solution. The next-generation technology platform has enhanced cloud computing, real-time data analysis and action, and edge control in line with the development of Internet of Things (IoT) technology. EcoStruxure's key markets are buildings, data centers, factories, and power grids, where Schneider Electric possesses expertise.

In addition, Schneider introduced a new EcoStruxure lineup last April. These new lines consist of EcoStruxure for Industry, specialized for plants to improve process optimization and energy management, and EcoStruxure Power, designed to enhance energy efficiency and reliability in buildings. EcoStruxure Power is an energy management solution tailored to the size and characteristics of each building, featuring strengthened power distribution capabilities and maximizing the latest technologies such as the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), cloud computing, and analytics tools.

Through the expanded EcoStruxure, Schneider plans to provide efficient energy management and process automation services across various business sectors, including industry and buildings. EcoStruxure Industry facilitates data analysis for continuous processes through edge and cloud computing.

Integrating Microsoft Azure into EcoStruxure to Implement Mixed Reality Features

In May, Schneider Electric launched a cloud-based open IoT application in collaboration with Microsoft (MS). According to the company, open IoT applications integrating Microsoft Azure with Schneider Electric's EcoStruxure can significantly contribute to improving business decision-making and enhancing process productivity and efficiency. This is because digital transformation has been implemented across a wide range of industrial sectors, including manufacturing, buildings, grids, and data centers.

By utilizing open IoT applications, users can access next-generation capabilities such as Mixed Reality (MR) through Microsoft’s HoloLens technology. This is expected to improve worker safety, plant productivity, and efficiency in the areas of industrial maintenance, asset performance, and training. Currently, HoloLens is available as a feature of EcoStruxure for Industry, a plant-specific solution designed to enhance process optimization and energy management.

In this way, Schneider Electric is building an ecosystem by jointly developing EcoStruxure architecture solutions with leading industry partners. Based on partnerships with companies, it has formed the EcoStruxure Community to enhance applications, analytics, and services, thereby providing more in-depth data analysis and strategies.

Schneider recently launched System Platform 2017, which enhances operational efficiency and productivity by upgrading the overall plant data system. Wonderware-based System Platform 2017 is a data standard platform that incorporates Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) technology. By collecting and analyzing vast amounts of process data and visualizing it, it supports not only field operators but also management in efficiently operating plants and making optimal business decisions.

♦ Schneider EcoStruxure component products

1. StructureOn, a digital service that monitors by connecting to the cloud

StruxureOn is a digital service that monitors infrastructure where power maintenance is critical, such as data centers and server rooms, by connecting it to the Schneider Electric Cloud. It utilizes Internet of Things (IoT) technology to collect and analyze data in real time and provides communication optimized for mobile devices. Customers can remotely check equipment status 24/7 via smartphone and discuss matters with Schneider Electric's expert engineers when necessary. In the event of a problem, Schneider Electric engineers immediately notify the customer and dispatch a field service team to resolve the issue quickly, without the customer having to visit the site in person. In addition, through accurate condition diagnosis and history analysis, the possibility of equipment problems or failures can be predicted and prevented in advance, thereby significantly reducing the likelihood of accidents.

2. PowerTag easily attaches to existing circuit breakers or distribution panels in a building

As the world's first ultra-compact wireless energy sensor, it transforms existing power equipment that was previously incapable of communication into products for the Internet of Things (IoT) era. By easily attaching it to existing circuit breakers or distribution panels in a building, it wirelessly monitors data such as energy consumption, voltage, current, and power factor in real time, thereby improving building energy efficiency and enhancing the condition of power facilities. Furthermore, by sending this data to a Building Management System (BMS), building and facility managers can review accurate power data in real time and manage operations remotely. A key advantage is that it eliminates the need for complex major renovations to improve energy efficiency in existing buildings, and it is compatible not only with Schneider Electric products but also with most major circuit breakers on the market.

3. Altiva Machine ATV320: Easily monitor and control the inverter anywhere with an internet connection

The Altiva product, a service-oriented smart inverter, is a version specialized for machine manufacturing. The Altivar Machine ATV320 is characterized by its built-in web server interface based on Ethernet networks. By applying IoT technology, the inverter can be easily monitored and controlled anytime and anywhere with an internet connection. Furthermore, as a product that optimizes machine design and engineering costs, it is suitable for machine manufacturers prioritizing cost and operational efficiency. Previously, machine manufacturers faced the inconvenience of bearing various burdens, such as high design costs and limited connectivity, when using inverters. The Altivar Machine can be easily mounted regardless of the type of machine, resulting in low installation costs. As an integrated built-in device with enhanced connectivity via Ethernet communication, it improves safety and efficiency.

Other solutions

There are Green Contactor, which reduces power consumption by 80%, DCIM Cooling Optimize for data centers using artificial intelligence technology, Vijeo 360 with augmented reality technology, EYESIM with virtual reality technology, and Tricon CX, an emergency stop system for manufacturing sites where safety is critical, such as oil and gas.