What Is A Grid-Tie Inverter?

Friday, February 3, 2012 by Beckie Bordenaro
Two weeks ago my response would have been 'heck if I know' but now that we have a line that carries them I can answer the question.

Of course my first action when hearing about grid tie inverters was to ask my old friend 'Google'. Which brought me to another pal, Wikipedia.

grid tied inverterTo start with, you might be calling them something different. I've seen GTI (grid-tie inverter), PV inverters, solar inverters, synchronous inverters, grid-interactive inverters and a mix of all of the above.

The purpose of a grid-tie inverter is to convert direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC) and send that electricity into an existing electrical grid.

Grid-tie inverters are popular in solar panels and small wind turbines because that power is being used to power homes and businesses.


You might ask why these are becoming popular... great question and one I asked myself!

In many places you are now able to sell your energy to the utility grid. There are a number of ways to do this so that would need a separate blog (and plenty of additional research by me).

Regardless, check out our our new single phase solar inverters (GTI, PV inverter, etc.) from Carlo Gavazzi, the ISGA series.

Marshall Wolf Automation is your authorized industrial automation distributor for the complete line of Carlo Gavazzi sensors, relays, industrial DC power supplies, monitoring relays and now... grid-tie inverters!



Safety at Work with Leuze

Friday, February 3, 2012 by Caryl Clement
The best safety devices are the ones that no one notices – like the ROTOSCAN RS4 Safety Safety Laser ScannerLaser Scanners from Leuze Electronics. With a range of up to 6.25, you can position the ROTOSCAN RS4 Safety Laser Scanner in your system exactly where it won't get in the way. It can be simply and completely integrated into systems. Almost invisible, the sensor detects the hazards which occur in your system early-on and protects operators and staff at all times, while nearly completely escaping notice.

Furthermore, its high reliability and low-maintenance operation make sure that you won't notice your ROTOSCAN RS4 until you really need it to protect you.

With its three different function packages - Basic, Extended and Motion Monitoring – you can use the ROTOSCAN RS4 Safety Laser Scanner optimally for the most diverse applications. The devices can be configured quickly and flexibly for all types of protective field contours, resolutions and other operational parameters. In addition, all models are equipped with the intelligent ConfigPlug device plug which saves all settings.

If you are looking for additional optical sensors for your special requirements such as Safety Light Curtains, Multiple/Single Beam Safety Devices, Safety Relays or special safety solutions without accepting any compromise –we can help.

Let Marshall Wolf Automation help you choose the right sensor for your application.  Call us today, 800-325-9653.


Leuze Safety Controllers

Friday, February 3, 2012 by Caryl Clement
Compact safety controls are being used increasingly to monitor the safety circuit on small to medium size machines. Users prefer a safety system that is quick and easy to install, and is independent of the standard controller. Designed as plug-and-play components, Safety controllers and safety relays from Leuze Electronics are well matched to each other and are easier to use than ever before.
The new Leuze MSI 100 and MSI 200 programmable safety controllers feature simple handling during commissioning, flexible configuration options and broad, on-board functionality. They offer an optimum system solution for small to medium size machines.
For very large machines and systems, the modularly expandable Leuze MS 200 is the appropriate solution. With this device, systems with up to 140 safety modules or with 44 drive components can easily be monitored. Additional MSI-FB fieldbus modules enable the transfer of diagnostic data to their respective PLC via the fieldbus.
The function of Leuze controllers can be quickly and effectively programmed using MSIsafesoft software. PLC open-certified function blocks, which can be integrated into the safety circuit using drag and drop functionality, facilitate the menu-driven operation.

Marshall Wolf Automation is your source for all of your safety needs!  Call us today at 800-325-9653.

New Product: Grid-Tied PV Inverters

Monday, January 23, 2012 by Beckie Bordenaro
Carlo Gavazzi has released their ISGA series of Grid-Tied PV Inverters!

grid tied pv intertersThe Carlo Gavazzi ISGA series features a transformer-less design which does not incorporate or require a cooling fan.

Cooling fans have moving components which eventually fail... this means not having one will give you a longer, maintenance-free product life span.

The primary markets for PV inverters include residential, commercial and light industrial.

The Carlo Gavazzi ISGA series is available in 2kW, 3kW, 4kW and 5kW output sizes. The inverter has an output efficiency up to 96.4%!

Other features of the Carlo Gavazzi ISGA series include:
  • Low MPPT input voltage
  • One or two MPPT inputs
  • High efficiency rating
  • Transformer-less design
  • Fanless design
  • Informative mimic panel display
  • Free graphical user interface software
  • RS232, RS485, Ethernet or USB communications
  • UL1741, CSAC22.2, IEEE1547 and FCC
  • Up to a 10 year warranty!
Marshall Wolf Automation is your authorized industrial automation distributor for the complete line of Carlo Gavazzi sensors, monitoring relays, solid state relays, industrial DC power supplies and much more!

Search all of our Carlo Gavazzi products now!

Carlo Gavazzi Grid-Tied PV Inverters

Friday, January 20, 2012 by Beckie Bordenaro
As we are getting snowed in here I figured it would be a great time to blog about solar inverters!

Carlo Gavazzi has launched the ISGA series of grid-tied PV inverters.

solar invertersThis series features a transformer-less design which does not incorporate or require a cooling fan. This means quiet operation and one less part that can fail or needs maintenance!

Other features of the Carlo Gavazzi ISGA PV inverter include:
  • 2kW to 5kW output sizes
  • Single phase
  • IP65/NEMA 3R - suitable for indoor or outdoor applications
  • Ideal for grid faults - guarantees uninterrupted energy production!
  • Energy efficiency of up to 96.4%

Learn more about the Carlo Gavazzi ISGA solar inverters now!

Marshall Wolf Automation is your authorized industrial automation distributor for the full line of Carlo Gavazzi including solid state relays, industrial DC power supplies, monitoring relays, sensors, cup anemometers and much more.

Search all of our Carlo Gavazzi products now!


Phase Monitors & Monitoring Relays

Friday, January 6, 2012 by Beckie Bordenaro

Marshall Wolf Automation is your source for phase monitors including phase loss and phase sequence, voltage monitors including over- and under- voltage, over- or under- current monitoring, 3-phase load guards, 3-phase monitor, phase monitor, monitoring relays.

When electrical parameters are in control everything runs smoothly which reduces downtime and maintenance costs.

Single Function Monitoring Relays: 
Reacts when the setpoint is eclipsed or for major failures (i.e. phase sequence or loss). 
Applications: correct motor rotation direction, ON/OFF current monitoring, motor over-temperature

Extended Function: 
Adds time delay, more ranges, RMS measurement and more.
Applications for expanded function monitoring relays include monitoring mains quality, motor overload, generator speed and pump dry running.

Full Function: 
Use for complete monitoring with two set-points and two relay outputs.

Applications for full function monitors include full mains monitoring, sophisticated current and voltage monitoring and full generator parameters.

Marshall Wolf Automation is your source for 3 phase monitors, phase monitors and monitoring relays!


Energy Management Solutions

Friday, January 6, 2012 by Beckie Bordenaro
energy management solutionsLet's face it - we are all looking to reduce our energy usage. It saves money and is good for the environment.

Here are just a few of of products we can offer you:
  • Energy meters and energy analyzers
  • Humidity/temperature sensors
  • Environmental sensors
  • Voltage and frequency monitoring relays
  • Regenerative converter units
We also have premium efficiency industrial electric motors and a wide range of variable frequency drives that can help you lower your energy usage.

Marshall Wolf Automation is your industrial automation distributor for a wide range of energy management solutions!

Do You Have A Vending Machine Application?

Thursday, December 15, 2011 by Beckie Bordenaro
power relay for vending machinesOur Carlo Gavazzi CS30/CF30 series of power relays is ideal for vending machines and other compressor load applications.

This high power output relay is sealed and offers a switching capacity of 30 amps and meets class F construction.


To make these relays even more attractive we can offer overstock savings on the following models:
  • Carlo Gavazzi CF30A200120
  • Carlo Gavazzi CF30A200240
  • Carlo Gavazzi CF30D20012
Contact us today to find out how much you can save on these models!

Marshall Wolf Automation is your authorized industrial automation distributor for the full line of Carlo Gavazzi solid state relays, industrial DC power supplies, monitoring relays and energy management solutions.

View all of our Carlo Gavazzi products now!

Energy Management Solutions - Part 2

Tuesday, November 22, 2011 by Caryl Clement
Carlo Gavazzi Energy Meter
11 Series Energy Meters
: innovative energy management solutions!  The EM10 Series is a single-phase energy meter to monitor 120VAC or 230VAC.  Providing a cost-effective solution for most metering applications, this AC digital panel meter allows an effective energy measurement without the need for an external current transformer. This ultra-compact device can easily be interfaced with a PLC, thanks to its optional pulse output (1 Wh resolution). It is ideal for use in public buildings, offices, condominiums, apartments and in most facilities that require energy cost sharing and the metering of common loads.

The EM11 Series is also a 120 or 230VAC single-phase device, which provides information concerning the status of the power supply, in conjunction with energy measurement. It is the ideal solution for any application requiring a power analyzer to display and control the main energy supply. It prevents line overload conditions by switching off selected non-priority loads through its alarm output. Controlling and limiting power before a shutdown of the entire electrical system occurs makes this item irreplaceable.   It is also suitable for metering most commercial and industrial applications.

Call Marshall Wolf Automation for your Carlo Gavazzi relays and sensors too!  800-325-9653 (WOLF)

Programmable Logic Controllers 101

Friday, November 18, 2011 by Beckie Bordenaro
What is a programmable logic controller?
According to the Crouzet website:
A logic controller is a programmable module. It can be used to control 
and monitor a set of conditions according to the state of the sensors, the 
crouzet millenium 3 smartpassing of time and the program created using a software workshop.

What can you replace with a programmable logic controller?
Counters, timers, level control, relays and temperature controllers.

The Crouzet Millenium 3 is the latest generation of micro-PLC's. The Millenium 3 is easy to program and offers communication capabilities.

The Crouzet Millenium 3 Smart has a blue screen which improves the readability of the display. It also features 76 slots available allowing the use of more application specific functions.

Marshall Wolf Automation is your authorized industrial automation distributor for the complete line of Crouzet Millenium, phase monitors, power supplies and much more!


Single Phase Energy Devices from Carlo Gavazzi

Monday, November 14, 2011 by Beckie Bordenaro
Carlo Gavazzi has recently introduced two new energy management solutions, the EM10 and EM11 series.

energy metersThe Carlo Gavazzi EM10 is a single phase energy meter which monitors 120 or 230VAC. This is a cost effective solution for most metering applications. The Carlo Gavazzi EM10 allows for effective energy measurement without the need for an external current transformer!

The Carlo Gavazzi EM11 is also a single phase energy device that also provides information concerning the status of a power supply. The EM11 is an ideal solution for any application requiring a power analyzer to display and control the main energy supply.

The Carlo Gavazzi EM11 prevents line overload conditions by switching off selected non-priority loads through its alarm output.

Learn more about these Carlo Gavazzi single phase energy management solutions!

Marshall Wolf Automation is your authorized industrial automation distributor for the complete line of Carlo Gavazzi sensors, relays, phase monitors and energy management solutions.

Monitoring Relays: An Overview

Tuesday, October 25, 2011 by Beckie Bordenaro
Let's face it - most industrial applications have the need to monitor something. It could be phase sequence, voltage, liquid level or any number of other things.

You can review applications for phase monitors in a blog I did earlier this year, 'Monitoring Relays Applications'.

monitoring relaysTake a look at all our different types of monitoring relays listed in this blog, 'All Types of Monitoring Relays'.

If monitoring speed is part of your application take a look at 'Monitoring Speed with C-Lynx Speed Relays'.

Marshall Wolf Automation is an authorized distributor for a wide range of monitoring relays from top manufacturers including Carlo Gavazzi and Crouzet.

Search all of our phase monitors and monitoring relays now!

Motor Soft Starters

Thursday, October 13, 2011 by Caryl Clement
Carlo Gavazzi offers a range of motor controllers for soft starting/stopping, dynamic braking, and reversing of three phase squirrel cage motors. Applications include conveyor systems, pumps, compressors, industrial dryers, mixers, automatic doors, palletizers, and fans.

Soft start controllers feature internal bypass relays which eliminate the need for large external heatsinks. This minimizes the space requirements in your panel and also greatly reduces the heat generated.

Motor soft starterWe also offer soft starters with built-in over temperature monitoring, thermal monitoring of motor via PTC sensor, and built-in overload protection (class 10 or class 20).

With the increasing use of geo-thermal energy and the rising cost of energy in HVAC systems in general, our range also includes single and three phase soft starters for scroll compressors in order to minimize the starting current and preventing light flickering.  

The RSBT series, mainly used in heat pumps, are one of the most cost-effective energy management solutions to replace fossil-fueled heating equipment. Heat pumps could contribute up to 80% of total emission reductions targeted by 2015!

Marshall Wolf Automation is the place to go for Weg soft starters, as well as the Carlo Gavazzi line.  Call us today!  800-325-9653!

What Can The Carlo Gavazzi REC Solid State Contactor Do?

Friday, September 30, 2011 by Beckie Bordenaro
Do any of these requirements sound familiar to you?
  1. To switch on and off, or reverse, three phase motors with short duty cycles... with the ability to do so more frequently
  2. To cut down on long term costs related to mechanical contactor replacements and maintenance
  3. To drastically reduce system downtime... maximizing operations efficiency and profitability
  4. To guarantee repeatable results with each and every switching operation
  5. To completely eliminate irritating clicking sounds
  6. To reverse the direction of 3-phase industrial electric motors with a compact solution
carlo gavazzi contactorThe Carlo Gavazzi REC three-phase solid state motor contactors and reversers are designed to handle ALL of these requirements!

The Carlo Gavazzi REC even has an integrated heatsink that is enclosed in the plastic housing.

Marshall Wolf Automation is your authorized industrial automation distributor for the full line of Carlo Gavazzi relays, sensors, phase monitors, contactors and much more!

Search all of our Carlo Gavazzi products now!

Crouzet Millenium: Application Stories Part 2

Friday, September 23, 2011 by Beckie Bordenaro
Crouzet Millenium Application #2:
Water Treatment


Do you own a pool, manufacture swimming pools or service pools? This application is going to focus on controlling water quality in a swimming pool.

As a pool owner, manufacturer or user you need to:
  • Control physical filtration of water
  • Set fitering time in relation to the temperature of bathing water
  • Control the pH of the water
  • Control the level of water disinfection

Using the Crouzet Millenium 3 XD10 24VDC logic controller, pH probe, ORP (Redox probe) and Pt100 probe, plus an application specific analog extension you can do the following.

millenium for swimming poolsWater needs to be filtered regularly to keep it clear. The higher the temperature the longer this takes.

Both pH and Redox are measured using probes submerged in pipes, a container or an analysis chamber. These probes will analyze the presence of hydrogen and chlorine ions capable of oxidizing an electrochemical couple with the probe.

This oxidation generates an electrical voltage, expressed in mV, which is forwarded to the PLC. After a calibration process the PLC converts this into values for the pH and Redox.

Additional Crouzet Millenium 3 functions are available for other requirements including lighting control, vacuum pumps for the pool cleaning brushes and more!

Marshall Wolf Automation is your authorized industrial automation distributor for the full line of Crouzet Millenium controllers, solid state relays, phase monitors and more!

Search all of our Crouzet products now!







Crouzet Millenium: Application Stories Part 1

Friday, September 23, 2011 by Beckie Bordenaro
Crouzet Millenium Application #1:
Heat Pumps

Make the most of natural energy - air, water - to heat or cool a hot water system or heating circuit.

Using a Millenium 3 logic controller and NTC and Pt100 accessories you can do the following:

The heat from the warm fluid is captured by a refrigerating liquid which is compressed to give it a pressure of 40 bar and a temperature of 140°.

In a heat exchanger, this refrigerating liquid then transfers its heat to water for a hot water system or a hot water tank.

Once this thermal exchange has taken place the fluid, which has lost both temperature and pressure, has its pressure further reduced by a solenoid valve which drastically reduces its temperature even more.

This fluid is then able to receive the heat from the hot source and the cycle is ready to begin again!

Marshall Wolf Automation is your authorized industrial automation distributor for the complete line of Crouzet Millenium programmable logic relays, solid state relays, timers and phase monitors.

Search all of our Crouzet products now!




Learn About The 3 Hybrid Relay Versions We Carry!

Monday, September 19, 2011 by Beckie Bordenaro
Carlo Gavazzi has released the RMD series which is a hybrid relay that merges the benefits of solid state technology with the power of Electro-mechanical technology. This is a great way to replace mercury relays!

Carlo Gavazzi RMD1H
  • One pole hybrid relay with one switching pole
  • 17.5mm housing
  • Capable of switching up to 20 amp heaters at 6 cycles per minute
  • Temperature up to 77°F

carlo gavazzi rmdCarlo Gavazzi RMD2H
  • 3-phase hybrid relay with two switched poles and one live pole
  • Can switch loads up to 40 amp heaters at 20 cycles per minute
  • Temperature up to 140°F
  • This is an economical version of the RMD3H


Carlo Gavazzi RMD3H
  • 3-phase hybrid relay with all three poles being switched
  • Eliminates any phase imbalance & provides safer switching
  • Can switch loads up to 40 amps at 20 cycles per minute
  • Temperature up to 140°F
Marshall Wolf Automation is your authorized industrial automation distributor for the complete line of Carlo Gavazzi sensors, relays, phase monitors and much more!







Leuze Electronics - Best In Class

Friday, September 9, 2011 by Beckie Bordenaro
Have you taken a look at Leuze Electronics? Here is a quick overview of our Leuze sensors:

leuze photoelectricDetect 
Optoelectronic Sensors
  • Cylindrical
  • Inductive proximity sensors
  • Measuring switches
  • Light curtains
  • Forked sensors
  • Double sheet monitoring

Identify
Identification systems, data transmission systems, distance measurement
  • Stationary bar code readers and 2D-code readers
  • Modular interfacing units
  • Industrial image processing - smart cameras
  • Optical data transmission systems
  • Optical distance measurement & positioning

Protect
Safety sensors and safety systems
  • Safety laser scanners
  • Safety light curtainsleuze bps
  • Single light beam devices
  • AS-i product range
  • Safety relays
  • Programmable safety controllers
Marshall Wolf Automation is your authorized industrial automation distributor for the full line of Leuze Electronics!

Need To Replace Mercury Relays Because You Can't Use Mercury?

Wednesday, August 17, 2011 by Beckie Bordenaro
Carlo Gavazzi has introduced the RMD series of mercury-free hybrid relays!

The Carlo Gavazzi RMD series was mainly created to replace mercury relays and some mechanical contactors in applications where mercury is banned or where high ambient temperature and early failure are an issue.
carlo gavazzi rmd hybrid relays

If you are unable to use mercury and mercury relays in your applications, this would be a great solution for you!

Marshall Wolf Automation is your authorized industrial automation distributor for the complete line of Carlo Gavazzi relays!

Carlo Gavazzi's relay line includes solid state relays, general purpose relays, hybrid relays, phase monitoring relays, PCB and DIN rail mount relays... and much more!

Search all of our Carlo Gavazzi relays now!

Carlo Gavazzi RMD Hybrid Relays

Thursday, August 11, 2011 by Beckie Bordenaro
Carlo Gavazzi has launched the RMD series of hybrid relays! The Carlo Gavazzi RMD series is a low cost switching device that provides you with mercury-free switching.

carlo gavazzi rmdIdeal applications for these Carlo Gavazzi relays include controlling the heating element inside of food ovens, warmers, fryers and other food equipment.

This is one of the few products on the market which is capable of switching up to 20 cycles per minute... with a 4 million electrical cycle life expectancy!

Marshall Wolf Automation is your authorized industrial automation distributor for the complete line of Carlo Gavazzi!

Carlo Gavazzi has an extensive offering of  products including AC to DC switching power supplies, inductive and capacitive proximity sensors, AC and DC digital panel meters, soft starters, phase monitors and much more!

Search all of our Carlo Gavazzi products now!