Ehringshausen, May 27, 2009 --- For Areva T&D, Ludwigslust, HEDRICH winding systems implemented a retrofit of the control system of a third-party manufacturer’s winding machine. In addition to the equipment control system, all drives and the wire guiding device were modified.  Altogether the modifications provided the machine with an extended scope of functions.  

By retrofitting the control system of a winding machine setup times are considerably reduced. The entire winding procedure is called up from a single set of defined parameters and is no longer programmed layer by layer. Furthermore, the control cabinet and the control computer of the equipment control system were exchanged, all drives of the machines were replaced by maintenance-free AC servo drives. Moreover, HWS replaced the mechanical wire brake of the initial system by an electronic wire tension control that receives preset values directly from the winding program.

„With the control system modification accomplished by HWS, we have actually obtained a completely new machine with significantly extended scope of functions and improved productivity – without need to invest in new machine“, emphasizes Alfred Przybilla, foreman of manufacturing department of SF6 high-voltage instrument transformers and deputy production manager, Areva T&D GmbH. “With the retrofitted machine we are well prepared for future challenges.“

„We consider the control system modification to be an effective approach to secure the competitiveness of our customers“, says Heiko Peinemann, Head of Service, Hedrich winding systems. „Retrofitting is possible on any winding machine irrespective of the manufacturer. The example of Areva T&D shows that within the scope of this retrofitting work completely new functionalities can be integrated into the machine eliminating the need to buy a new one. From our customers’ point of view, this is a clear cost advantage just in times of tightly calculated budgets.“

Areva T&D employs nearly 30.000 persons at more than 72 locations. In power transmission and distribution AREVA T&D belongs to the world’s leading enterprises and offers their customers comprehensive solutions for improving the stability and efficiency of grids. The company belongs to the Areva group, where sustainable development is a central element of the corporate strategy. With 75.000 employees, AREVA, as a responsible-minded enterprise, helps securing for more and more people access to safe, environment-friendly and cost-effective energy.