Loading
Press Release | 11 September 2023

Seamless data pathways and optimized solar tracking delivered by tightly integrated control solution

Innovative solar-thermal technology relies on Rockwell Automation controllers and FactoryTalk® View visualization software to deliver optimized heat generation, supply, and storage.

Share This:

LinkedInLinkedIn
XX
FacebookFacebook
PrintPrint
EmailEmail
Glass panels view

Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK), the world’s largest company dedicated to industrial automation and digital transformation, today announced that its seamlessly integrated hardware and software control solutions are proving pivotal to the success of a new form of carbon-free heat supply and storage.

The solar-capture technology, developed by Danish Company Heliac A/S, uses steerable arrays of Fresnel lenses to concentrate incoming sunlight onto receivers placed behind each panel. The heat generated at each receiver raises the temperature of water flowing through the system by about 1 to 2°C, and once the desired temperature is reached, the heat is delivered to where the end-user needs it.

A typical system comprises 144 panels, with each panel assembly using an Allen-Bradley® Micro800™-PLC controlled dual-axis tracking system to dynamically follow the sun to help ensure optimized solar capture. All panels are interconnected via several kilometers of water pipes, while the Micro800 PLCs all feed into a single Allen-Bradley CompactLogix™ programmable automation controller (PAC), which in turn supplies the operational data for the FactoryTalk View display.

“Innovative sustainability solutions come in all shapes and sizes, and not all of them require complex control solutions,” explains Åsa Arvidsson, regional vice-president, sales, North EMEA, at Rockwell Automation. “In Heliac’s application the combination of our low- and mid-range controllers along with FactoryTalk View has delivered an ideal best-fit architecture for both control and operational data collection. We look forward to delivering further support as this new idea gains traction.”

“As well as carbon-free heat generation, our approach to solar energy capture goes one step further due to its use of less-polluting water, as opposed to more traditional oil-based systems,” says Christian Del Mastro, commercial manager at Heliac A/S. “Our lead engineer’s previous experience with Rockwell Automation hardware has been bolstered by support from the company’s Danish distributor, Wexoe, resulting in a control solution that does exactly what we need, backed by the peace of mind that wider global support will be available as we look to grow our geographical user base.”

 

About Heliac A/S

Founded in 2014, Heliac A/S develops and distributes high-efficiency thermal solutions to process industries worldwide. Its proven and patented technologies offer a truly automated and flexible high-temperature solar solution, which drastically reduces the costs and carbon footprint of thermal heating.

Its solar fields require a minimum of space and are simple to install and decommission, without harm to natural surroundings. RockStore, its heat storage solution, is a viable game-changer set to release the full potential of solar thermal and power to heat.

Published September 11, 2023

About Rockwell Automation

Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK), is a global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation. We connect the imaginations of people with the potential of technology to expand what is humanly possible, making the world more productive and more sustainable. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Rockwell Automation employs approximately 27,000 problem solvers dedicated to our customers in more than 100 countries as of fiscal year end 2024. To learn more about how we are bringing the Connected Enterprise to life across industrial enterprises, visit www.rockwellautomation.com.


Media Contacts

Stanley A. Miller
Stanley A. Miller
Head of Public & Analyst Relations for Europe, Middle East and Africa
Connect:
EmailEmail

Topics: Chemical Metals Mining, Metals & Cement Oil & Gas Power Generation Water Wastewater
Related News
Loading
  1. Chevron LeftChevron Left Rockwell Automation Home Chevron RightChevron Right
  2. Chevron LeftChevron Left Com... Chevron RightChevron Right
  3. Chevron LeftChevron Left News Chevron RightChevron Right
  4. Chevron LeftChevron Left Press Releases Chevron RightChevron Right
  5. Chevron LeftChevron Left Optimized solar tracking delivered by integrated control solution Chevron RightChevron Right
Please update your cookie preferences to continue.
This feature requires cookies to enhance your experience. Please update your preferences to allow for these cookies:
  • Social Media Cookies
  • Functional Cookies
  • Performance Cookies
  • Marketing Cookies
  • All Cookies
You can update your preferences at any time. For more information please see our {0} Privacy Policy
CloseClose