Rolling towards Industry 4.0: Do you prefer Traditional or Electric Bicycle?

Let's get nostalgic for a moment and travel back to the 19th century. Thomas Edison, an inventor with a brilliant mind, was immersed in a challenge that would lead him to revolutionize the world as we know it: to create the first incandescent light bulb. This path was not an easy one. Edison faced not only the disbelief and skepticism of many, but also technical problems, countless hours of work and more than a thousand failed attempts. But as a good pioneer, his perseverance and determination led him to find that famous light bulb that, when it shone for the first time, illuminated much more than a room; it ignited the imagination of the world.

Edison's milestone, that spark of ingenuity, was the prelude to a series of innovations that today converge in what we know as Industry 4.0. Since that first flash of light, we have embarked on a dizzying technological race that has taken us from steam-powered machines to artificial intelligence and global interconnection.

Now, if you thought incandescent light bulbs and Industry 4.0 were unconnected topics, get ready for the opposite!

To boot, it's vital that we understand a basic, but essential distinction: the differences between linear and nonlinear loads. Imagine that warm incandescent light bulb that Edison brought to the world. Can you visualize it? Its work is very similar to that of a traditional bicycle, the kind you see in your city. If you want to gain speed or overcome that little climb that you find so hard, you have to pedal with everything. It's easy, isn't it? In the electric world, that's how linear loads work: if you double the voltage, the current doubles linearly.

Now, flip the switch and think of those LED bulbs that light up your living room. They consume little but shine brightly. They are like the electric bicycles that you see flashing past you as you ride up a mountain. Even if the road gets heavy, their motor gives you that little push you need, and you don't have to sweat it out. This is more like a non-linear load. And even though they make your life easier, you have to keep in mind that this "extra" is not free. Apart from having a cost, you have to take care of certain details.

These innovations, or nonlinear loads, are very efficient and make our lives easier. However, it is crucial to be aware of two aspects:

• From the inside out: their non-"linearity" between current and voltage generates "noise" and interference that affects nearby electrical equipment. Let's say they can be like the noisy neighbors in the electrical neighborhood.
• Outside-in: Their sophisticated control mechanisms make them much more sensitive to variations in their power supply. Let's say they are also a bit of a diva and any variation in their power puts them in a bad mood, causing them to stop working or work poorly.

Of course, by embracing Industry 4.0 we are plunging into a world where the:

• Improved automation and efficiency.
• Seamless integration and communication between devices.
• Advanced analytics and predictive capabilities.
• Reduced production times and operating costs.
• Flexibility and customization in production processes.

However, to obtain all these benefits, we need the use of non-linear loads, and therefore, to optimize their performance to the maximum, it is crucial to protect and take care of advanced machines and devices. Just like when you take care of your smartphone with a good case, you need to protect this new wave of technology. That's where we at CIITAP come in. We created these devices called Active Harmonic Filters (APF) that are like helmets and knee pads for your electric bike 4.0. With them you get the best of both worlds. On the one hand, you gain the advantages of using the new non-linear loads and on the other hand you guarantee:

Reduced harmonic "noise" and therefore less interference with nearby devices.

• Improved quality of electricity supplied to the nonlinear loads.
• Longer lifetime and optimized performance for machines and devices.
• Protection against power supply fluctuations and variations.

So, if you're up to all this and want to know more about how to protect and ensure the transition to Industry 4.0, visit CIITAP! Because here, in addition to learning, what we are looking for is to roll towards a bright energy future for Mexico!

If you need more information about our products, we have a team ready to assist you. Send us a message and one of our experts will contact you.

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