ODVA has launched an initiative – in co-operation with suppliers including Rockwell Automation, Schneider Electric and Cisco Systems – to develop a comprehensive approach to optimising industrial energy use that is scalable, open and involves both users and suppliers. It says the initiative will make it easier to understand energy consumption and will lead to control methodologies that optimise energy use from the plantfloor to the grid.

ODVA contends that production planners have not previously had all the tools they need to understand energy consumption. It hopes to change this by fostering best practices in energy resource allocation, including making energy data visible across all layers of production information systems.

As a first step in its initiative, ODVA has formed a special interest group (SIG) to develop specification enhancements for energy applications using its Common Industrial Protocol (CIP). The SIG will focus on developing energy parameters, objects and services for energy optimisation. Initial enhancements of the ODVA’s specifications are expected to be available in 2012.

“The starting point for ODVA’s energy initiative is to ensure that energy data can be seen throughout the production domain in order to empower industrial consumers with the energy information they need to solve their energy consumption and efficiency problems in a holistic manner,” says ODVA executive director, Katherine Voss.

The initiative is the result of a lengthy investigation by ODVA into the energy needs of industry, combined with a strong interest from its members to support the sustainability objectives of manufacturers. ODVA expects the initiative to be supported by many of its members.

♦  Bosch Rexroth is joining ODVA as a principal member, alongside Rockwell, Omron, Schneider and Cisco. It has been an ODVA member for several years and its increased involvement is expected to result in it launching more ODVA-compliant products under the Rexroth brand, especially those that implement the EtherNet/IP network.