Telekom and RUD Take Conveyor Systems into the Cloud
09.08.2021 by Annalena Rauen
In many power stations nothing functions without RUD conveyor chains. They keep coal-fired power stations running smoothly, for example, by ensuring the continuous removal of ash. But the material is seriously impacted in the process and the manufacturer needs to monitor the condition of its chains. To do so continuously and to prevent outages RUD uses the Internet of Things (IoT) and can analyze all installations remotely via Telekom’s Cloud of Things.
Powerful forces are at work when coal is converted into energy. Tons of sedimentary rock run along conveyor belts from stockpiles to coal stacks and are incinerated at temperatures of around 1,300° Celsius after heavy machinery has ground them into dust. Steam is produced that powers turbines and generators. While the electricity that is generated is fed into the grid, the hot coal ash is disposed of beneath the boilers. If the coneyor chains are defective and no longer remove the incineration waste the worst case is that the entire power station may grind to a halt. Functioning conveyor systems are essential for a smooth material flow.