Smart Energy Link (SEL) uses custom Unipi Patron S207 PLC to control intelligent systems for the efficient use of solar energy in buildings. With Unipi Patron, SEL can easily optimize energy consumption and thus significantly reduce costs and increase sustainability.
Smart Energy Link (SEL) is dedicated to harnessing the full potential of solar energy for buildings. The company develops software and provides services for self-powered solutions in residential and commercial buildings and neighborhoods.
With its innovative and reliable solutions, the company optimizes solar energy consumption, reduces energy costs, and contributes to a more sustainable future. SEL's easy-to-use systems make it simple to enjoy solar power's economic and environmental benefits.
Thanks to cooperation with experts from INOVIS Live Automation, SEL found the ideal solution for its project in the customized controller Unipi Patron S207. With in-depth knowledge of the market and technology, INOVIS was able to mediate the collaboration with Unipi to ensure the optimal matching of SEL's requirements with the resulting customization of the Unipi PLC.
Challenge
In implementing their projects, SEL previously used Techbase’s iModX500M3. Unfortunately, long delivery times, poor support and insufficient quality of the product led to significant problems.
The iModX500M3 was initially attractive to SEL due to its specifications, as it is based on the Raspberry Pi. However, given the problems mentioned above, SEL sought an alternative solution. Initially, the Unipi Neuron S103 was considered, as it is also based on the Raspberry Pi. However, the availability of the Raspberry Pi was limited, so SEL switched to Unipi's custom Patron S207, which comes with the NXP i.MX 8M processor.
Solution
More powerful processors, such as the NXP i.MX 8M, are often considered unnecessary by competing manufacturers and simultaneously increase costs. Unipi, however, has decided to go a different route and offers PLCs with the NXP i.MX 8M processor, which brings new possibilities. Compared to the Raspberry Pi, the processor brings customers long-term product availability and industrial feature such as security.
Unipi's custom Patron S207 proved to be an ideal solution for SEL. The modular design of Unipi's products allowed SEL to meet their specific needs by having the controller customized. The company wanted a custom color and integration of the SEL logo on the chassis. In addition, SEL needed an additional RS-485 slot instead of the standard 1-Wire port.
Unipi's customization is based on its standard PLC models, modified according to customer requirements. Custom modifications are thus much faster and cheaper than developing entirely new hardware. When modifying equipment, customers can change the number and type of inputs and outputs. They can choose from a wide range of communication protocols and technologies for their solution, such as RS-485, RS-232, 1-Wire, Ethernet, LTE and more.
SEL easily implemented its software to the PLC, thanks to the software openness of the Unipi units, which makes it possible to choose from a wide range of available software solutions, from the officially supported Mervis platform to third party solutions and custom software.
Role of INOVIS Live Automation AG
As an international project, SEL required a local partner to ensure smooth communication and a deep understanding of the specific use case. INOVIS Live Automation AG played a key role in facilitating the collaboration between SEL and Unipi, leveraging their market and technology expertise to ensure that SEL’s requirements were met with the optimal customization of the Unipi Patron S207. Their support contributed to a seamless implementation, enabling SEL to efficiently integrate the tailored PLC into their energy management system.
The following devices are connected to the PLC:
- Energy meters
- Inverters
- Batteries
- Charging stations
- Heat pumps
- Electric heating cells
In addition, Unipi provides all customers with premium technical support directly from the developers via phone, conference calls or e-mail.
With a wide range of I/O interfaces and desired quality, the Patron S207 offered the robustness and performance SEL needed. Customization of the product, the chassis, including the company color and logo, also gave the controller a personal touch.
"Unipi developed and manufactured the essential hardware for our energy management in cooperation with Inovis Live Automation AG. We greatly appreciate the quality of the controller and the specific customizations. We have always been impressed with Unipi's communication, support and product quality. We are happy to have Unipi as a partner by our side." - Thomas Bühlmann, Head of Technical Support and Member of the Board of Smart Energy Link AG
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