Intelligent power distribution for recycling machines
The Doppstadt Umwelttechnik GmbH relies on the SCS200 and the MPR20 from E-T-A
The Doppstadt Umwelttechnik GmbH produces mobile recycling machines for wood, organic waste and mixed construction waste at two locations, in Calbe (Saxony-Anhalt) and Velbert (North Rhine-Westphalia).
After initial contact with E-T-A, the company planned to use the intelligent SCS200 power distribution system in a new prototype - a mobile screening machine with a direct BUS connection to the main control system - and the MPR20 as a battery isolation switch.
A six-month test phase showed: E-T-A’s products are the perfect solution for the company’s requirements. Since then, they have been using the SCS200 and the MPR20 as standard in its new generation of SM-620 screening machines.
Andreas Mühlberg is an electrical designer in the technical development department at Doppstadt Umwelttechnik GmbH and made the initial contact with E-T-A.
Why did you choose the E-T-A SCS200 and MPR20 products for the respective application?
For us, the SCS200 is a genuine alternative to a fuse box manufactured exclusively for Doppstadt, but at a lower price and with less mounting requirements, which helps us reduce costs considerably.
We use the MPR20 as a battery isolation switch. This electronic solution offers us many advantages over mechanical disconnectors.
What benefits do you see in using E-T-A products? What were you able to improve because of using them?
The MPR20 is a monostable electro-mechanical power relay. The electronic control of the relay considerably improves the service life.
The SCS200 increases the availability of our machines since we can put them back into operation quicker than with mechanical safety devices. Installation is easy, as the SCS200 has a simple plug-in connection. We can easily expand and scale the system with additional modules from the same series.
What are the advantages of E-T-A products compared to the competition?
Unlike devices with conventional mechanical actuation, the MPR20 has an electrical control for disconnecting the battery voltage. Integrated control electronics reduce the power consumption of the holding power by a factor of 10 compared to normal power relays.
Thanks to the reliable isolation provided by the MPR20, continuous currents (quiescent currents) are prevented, which reduces the load on the battery. If the operating voltage drops, the safe, physical disconnection of the energy also reduces the risk of fire. Some mechanical disconnectors did not provide this safe disconnection.
How did or do you rate the support provided by E-T-A?
The support was very good, especially during the commissioning of the SCS200. We received comprehensive support from the application developers at E-T-A - both in connecting the SCS200 to the ECU (main PLC) and the HMI via the existing CANopen BUS system
and in setting up the communication via CANopen and correctly addressing the BUS participants. Special thanks go to Johannes Dürgner, application developer at E-T-A, who supported us at our production facility in Calbe. He analysed the CAN BUS on site using an oscilloscope and checked the BUS parameters.
Is Doppstadt Calbe planning to continue using E-T-A products?
We are planning to use the SCS200 in other machines and series products, including at our site in Velbert.
