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17.01.2025
IO-Link | Advanced technology for machine room control
TechnoAlpin, the snowmaking innovation leader for the last 35 years, always uses the most advanced technologies to boost the performances of the solutions provided to ski resort operator to help them face the challenges of snow production. For the management of machine rooms, the beating heart of the installation, and the control of its components, this is the IO-Link communication system that is being used since 2019.
The IO-Link communication system, a globally standardized and proven technology, allows to digitally transmit all readings of sensors and actuators in the machine rooms. This smart communication system makes more and more accurate information available, while making the set-up and installation process much easier, with the need to fewer sensors to manage components. In the past, sensors were mostly limited to analogue data.
Today, smart sensor data provide the foundations for the machine room 4.0. Modern snowmaking process control involves recording and processing large number of values, often simultaneously, to feed accurate data to the ATASSpro control software and the other applications, like SNOWMASTER. The digital machine room delivers far more information compared to analogue systems and at a faster pace. With IO-Link technology, the data transmission is smooth and flawless, as incorrect transmissions or analogue signal conversions are eliminated.
The IO-Link technology allows to provide a comprehensive overview of the actual status of the system and notifies the snowmaking operations team of any malfunctions. The component sensors relay instant information about the type of fault. This makes the maintenance process easier for snowmaking crews and now also facilitates remote support.
Plug-and-Play-Installation
Machine room 4.0 components with IO-Link are standardized and pre-assembled. Installation set-up is virtually error-free in terms of both the cable material and the sensors, as the smart system recognizes the components and assigns them correctly. This increases efficiency in the programming process and in the installation work on site, allowing ski resorts to save time and money.
Last but not least, IO-Link technology is not only reserved for new machine rooms, as existing equipment and components can be retrofitted with this technology: everyone can benefit from this performance booster!