With the rapid development of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) technology, traditional industries are undergoing unprecedented changes. In this revolution, seemingly abstract concepts such as static electricity, surge, and electrical fast transient/burst (EFT) actually play crucial roles in ensuring stable equipment operation, enhancing production efficiency, and securing data safety. This article, from the perspective of a senior engineer, delves into the value of these concepts in practical applications.
In IIoT systems, static electricity can be a potential threat. Since electrostatic discharge may lead to equipment damage, data loss, and even fires, static electricity protection is particularly important. In industrial environments, measures such as using antistatic materials, increasing grounding devices, and installing static eliminators can effectively reduce the generation and accumulation of static electricity, protecting equipment from damage caused by static electricity.
However, static electricity is not only harmful. In certain specific applications, it can also be cleverly utilized. For instance, in electrostatic spinning machines, by controlling the strength of the electrostatic field, precise fiber spinning can be achieved. Additionally, technologies such as electrostatic spraying and electrostatic flocking are widely used in the automotive, household appliances, and textile industries, improving product quality and production efficiency.
Surge refers to transient voltage or current fluctuations in the power grid, which may be caused by lightning, power grid switching, equipment failure, and other reasons. For IIoT systems, surges can lead to equipment damage, communication interruption, and other serious consequences. Therefore, installing surge protectors, lightning rods, and other devices in the system can effectively reduce the impact of surges on equipment, ensuring the stable operation of the system.
In the IoT industry, the requirement for lightning protection is particularly stringent. As IoT systems are typically composed of numerous sensors, electronic devices, and core transmission equipment, any malfunction in any part may affect the operation of the entire system. Therefore, when designing the system, the need for lightning protection must be fully considered to ensure that the system can withstand natural disasters such as lightning.
Electrical Fast Transient/Burst (EFT) refers to transient pulse groups generated by the switching of inductive loads within the system. Although these pulse groups have small energy, they have a wide frequency spectrum and may have a certain impact on the reliability of equipment. In IIoT systems, due to the presence of a large number of digital circuits and communication interfaces, EFT may enter the system through power lines, signal lines, and other paths, causing interference or damage to equipment.
To address the threat of EFT, the following measures can be taken: first, install filters or surge protectors at the power input to reduce the impact of pulse groups on power lines; second, use shielded cables and differential signal transmission techniques in signal lines to improve signal anti-interference capabilities; finally, adopt redundant design and fault-tolerant techniques within the equipment to ensure that the equipment can still operate normally when subjected to EFT interference.
In summary, concepts such as static electricity, surge, and electrical fast transient/burst have significant practical application value in IIoT systems. By deeply understanding the characteristics and hazards of these concepts and adopting appropriate protective measures and coping strategies, we can ensure the stable operation and data security of IIoT systems. At the same time, this also brings more opportunities and challenges to traditional industries, promoting the innovation and development of industrial Internet of Things technology.
