IPC – your on-premises solution for Al-based autonomous operation
MAN Energy Solutions has developed a versatile control system extension that runs locally on an Industrial Personal Computer (IPC). Our IPC is an expandable and customizable on-premises hardware solution. By combining high performance with industry-standard safety and availability, it forms the processing core for autonomous operation – allowing you to benefit fully from our digital solutions.
Get the most out of your system
Providing resilience for the digital future: Evolving, AI-enhanced software running on the most powerful hardware currently available. The IPC enables autonomous operation, efficiency monitoring, and virtual sensors as well as upgrades with cutting-edge apps as they become available – helping you manage your assets and maximize utilization. Thanks to physical, on-site installation, cyber security issues are avoided completely.
The IPC unit runs independently of the control system and can therefore be updated without affecting operations. Like a tablet computer, you have the flexibility to adapt and extend your unit’s capabilities according to your changing needs, upgrading it with new apps and solutions as they become available.
Smart with Artificial Intelligence
Classic automation upgraded for today’s digital environment: MAN Energy Solutions uses the IPC to enable unmanned and autonomous operation of turbomachines. It provides the perfect platform for multiple AI-based apps, such as the Virtual Sensors app or the Compressor/Heat Exchanger Performance Monitoring app.
These can be used for predictive maintenance or to prevent false alarms and avoidable process shutdowns – resulting in higher asset availability and boosting efficiency.
Strong, thanks to reliable, high-performance hardware
The highly capable IPC provides a powerful extension to your conventional control system. Equipped with industrial Intel processors and the Siemens SIMATIC IPC, the hardware ensures robust, 24/7 operation at ambient temperatures of up to 55 °C. With up to 128 GB DDR4 RAM, an expandable GPU, and a Linux-based operating system, it delivers top performance even when processing the huge quantities of data required by AI.
Everything you would expect from MAN Energy Solutions – pioneers in AI-based solutions for the turbomachinery sector.
Secure on-premises solution
In today’s uncertain world, safeguarding your business and process data is a top priority. As an on-premises solution, the IPC avoids exposure to cyber threats. The unit is physically installed in your control cabinet – meaning that only you have access to it.
Your data is stored locally, rather than being uploaded to the cloud. Not only does this make your company less vulnerable to hackers, but the risk of production downtime due to interruptions in internet access is also reduced.
Not using cloud storage also improves your corporate carbon footprint, as you avoid the associated CO2 emissions.
IPC Applications
Virtual sensors
Virtual sensors are AI-based software algorithms which replicate the functions of physical sensors. This provides virtual redundancy which can be used to continuously check the plausibility of measurements. As well as being necessary for predictive maintenance, this helps avoid false alarms and unnecessary deployment of maintenance personnel. If a physical sensor should fail, the virtual sensor can bridge the gap until a repair can be organized, preventing expensive unplanned shutdowns.
This results in higher asset availability and reduces the stresses and potential hazards your equipment is subjected to during shutdown and start-up, extending its service life and boosting the efficiency of your operation.
Efficiency Monitoring
Efficiency Monitoring from MAN Energy Solutions uses state-of-the-art artificial intelligence to monitor your operation in real time. The diagnostics system can detect degradation across the entire compressor train, as well as within individual stages. It identifies fouling in the heat exchangers and predicts power losses so you can take pre-emptive action to resolve the problem – before it happens.
Access the advantages of AI with the IPC from MAN Energy Solutions
Be ready for the digital future: benefit from advanced, intelligent, and secure automation solutions – using your operation’s existing equipment. The powerful IPC from MAN Energy Solutions will allow you to maximize utilization of your assets while providing the flexibility to respond to changing needs. As an on-premises solution, it enables autonomous operation, efficiency monitoring, virtual sensors, and function upgrades, all without needing the cloud – providing robust protection against cyber threats and keeping your business safe.
Upcoming MAN ExpertTalks
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Industries
IPC: Your on-premises solution for AI-based autonomous operation
MAN ExpertTalkWe are excited to share the recording of our recent ExpertTalk, titled "IPC: Your On-Premises Solution for AI-Based Autonomous Operations."
On September 26, 2024, we hosted two engaging online sessions that explored MAN's cutting-edge IPC hardware and software solutions. In these sessions, we demonstrated our AI-driven innovations and their remarkable capabilities. Now, you have the opportunity to watch the recording and discover fresh insights into the virtual sensors and their advanced functionalities.
The MAN ExpertTalk was hosted by our Digital Team, featuring presentation from expert Jörg Massopust and Heiko Neuberger.