Uncategorized Archives - Semer

INFO COVID-19: we remain at your service!

Christèle Piazza — Thu, 19 Mar 2020 16:41:30 +0000

Dear customers and partners,

Within SEMER we have taken the obvious precautions of protection to deal with the current situation of Covid-19.

SEMER has organized itself according to government directives to preserve the health of its employees, customers and partners.

SEMER’s switchboard and administrative and commercial services are operational by teleworking and can handle any request to anticipate and enable the future resumption of activity in the best conditions.

Your commercial contacts (after-sales service included), accounting, purchases remain accessible by email or mobile phone. At the moment we are still able to serve you in spare parts by colissimo.

We are working on how to secure and protect people to enable early site recovery.

SEMER and all the teams involved at your side thank you for your understanding, loyalty and trust.

Updated 19/03/2020

L’article INFO COVID-19: we remain at your service! est apparu en premier sur Semer.

SEMER, continued growth

Christèle Piazza — Thu, 01 Aug 2019 14:13:16 +0000

Year 2018, year of all challenges

The projected activity for 2018 increases by 30% compared to 2017! SEMER teams are taking up the challenge, both human and technological.

This growth is explained on the one hand by the importance of projects to renovate electrical equipment of ropeways in France and on the other hand, by the increase in POMA activity related to urban and leisure ropeways throughout the world, whether they are multi-section ropeways, operated without agents for some, or very high speed 3S type.

SEMER currently employs 95 people and is implementing significant resources to support this growth, and therefore increase its ability to meet the needs of its French customers.

The production workshop is extended by 400 m2 to reach a total area of 2,000 m2. It includes a modern load test bench for the production of DirectDrive inverters. 70 units are already programmed to meet the needs of 2019.

The on-site response capacity for wiring electrical equipment, powering up, troubleshooting or assisting operators in their maintenance work has increased by 50%.

The design office and the after-sales service are structured with a constant recruitment plan: a workforce already increased by no less than six technicians over 2018.

Major renovations in France

Several major projects are underway. Some clients have anticipated project planning, allowing studies to begin in the winter of 2017/2018.

In Les Ménuires, the strategic double-section gondola lift Les Bruyères has been completely renovated: built in 1987 and 3-km long, it provides a link with the other resorts in the 3 valleys ski area.

The same is true for the Roc des 3 marches gondola lift, with an evolution of the stations to increase their capacity. The Mont de la Chambre 6-seater detachable chairlift (2,850 m), giving access to Méribel-Mottaret and Val Thorens, has also been completely modernized and will be equipped with an AFE asynchronous motorization in compliance with environmental energy-related rules.

In Vaujany, the two-section Vaujany-Villette-Montfrais gondola lift has been modernized; it provides direct access to the ski area from the village centre and indirectly to the Alpe d’Huez resort.

In Lyon, if the Fourvière funicular was successfully returned to service with a major overhaul and inspection in the spring, it is now the turn of the Saint-Just funicular to be refurbished: motorizations, vehicles, hot redundant radio remote transmissions, control-command equipment, etc. This major project is being carried out in close collaboration with KEOLYS and SYTRAL.

Many other projects in La Plagne, the Southern Alps and the Pyrenees involve our technicians and their expertise.

Increasingly technological and high value-added projects

The leisure or urban transport markets are changing rapidly. Effective innovation is a strong strategic focus for SEMER engineers.

To make it easier the operation of ropeways, the implementation of agentless operation in stations is being carried out this year on the new POMA gondolas of Brévières in Tignes, and Paganon-Eclose-Bergers in the Alpe d’Huez.

In the same vein, the HyperView operation and maintenance support software now includes an “application programming interface” (API) to facilitate the exchange of information from each ropeway.

The new SmartBOARD control and driving station presented at Mountain Planet 2018 will make it easier for operators to work on the new “Vieux Mazot” gondola lift in Les Diablerets (Switzerland) and on the brand new 6-seater detachable chairlift “Pierre Longue” in Châtel, starting this year.

Improving performance is also a constant need.

The famous DirectDrive technology of the HTI group now includes the possibility of coupling 2 DirectDrive motors, thus allowing useful powers higher than Megawatt, while continuing to benefit from the availability advantages of each motor…

The comfort of passengers in the cabin is not to be outdone: on-board Wi-Fi access point, intercom, sound and video, seat heating, ventilation and ambient lighting… These solutions require adapted and high-tech on-board power supply systems.

SEMER engineers and technicians are working to implement these solutions on numerous projects, whether for urban pulsed-lift in Belgium, urban gondola lifts with 3 or 4 sections for megacities in Colombia and Ecuador or 3S gondola lifts in the “Chimelong Ocean Kingdom” park in Zhuhai in the delta of the Pearl River, a real “Chinese Riviera” near Macao.

L’article SEMER, continued growth est apparu en premier sur Semer.

ProTEC II: autonomy and reliability

Christèle Piazza — Thu, 01 Aug 2019 14:00:34 +0000

Already widely used in ski resorts, the ProTEC remote control is undergoing new developments. SEMER’s remote-controlled radio solution becomes ProTEC II.

ProTEC is the tool designed by SEMER to perform safe maintenance operations on ropeways, both online and at the station. The solution is now deployed in 120 ski areas, representing a fleet of 700 ropeways. To meet the needs of its customers, SEMER has made further improvements resulting in the production of ProTEC II. Hardware developments, maintenance solutions and new services: an overview of the ProTEC universe.

The advantages of ProTEC II

ProTEC II benefits from an “energy saving” mode, an evolution expected by some users. This standby mode on the backlit display provides the operator with up to 50 hours of battery life.

The other major development concerns radio coverage: the active secure radio repeater ensures optimal radio coverage even in the case of a complex line profile or difficult site configuration.

Finally, in this second version, ProTEC is still based on a positive safety trigger system; once released, for any reason whatsoever, it guarantees the shutdown of the installation and therefore the protection of the operator in the event of a problem.

The importance of maintenance

Facing a drop in radio performance, it is necessary to adopt the right reflexes to maintain a quality signal. And it starts with a preventive maintenance approach, especially before each season of use, as the antennas and connectors may have suffered from the vagaries of the weather. Thanks to the maintenance kit offered by SEMER, the operator can, himself or with the help of a SEMER technician, control the radio coverage of the line and make adjustments. This kit is composed of the “Dialog RSP” software, through which it is possible to view the radio signals along the line profile, check their quality and adjust, if necessary, the receiver’s directional antenna. This kit also includes the supply of equipment dedicated to controlling the connection between the repeater and the antenna.

And always the SEMER service

SEMER offers ropeways operators the maintenance of their ProTEC remote controls fleet via the revision of their equipment – suitcase and handle – with the replacement of components if necessary, in order to guarantee the system’s performance.

ProTEC remote controls can always be repaired, regardless of the version.

Last but not least, the features of the ProTEC II system can be integrated into the ProTEC I version.

L’article ProTEC II: autonomy and reliability est apparu en premier sur Semer.

SmartBOARD, get on board!

admin — Thu, 18 Oct 2018 09:50:49 +0000

SEMER has developed SmartBOARD, a centralized, ergonomic, instinctive and aesthetic control and driving tool, in response to the needs of ropeways operators.

SmartBOARD was developed with one objective in mind: to offer ropeways drivers the best operating conditions to guarantee passenger safety. This new driver’s station allows them to visualize the line and the areas of embarkation and disembarkation and thus to be reactive and precise in their decision-making. More generally, ropeways drivers have access to relevant information in real time on operating conditions, whether they are inside or outside the room.

The concern for ergonomics

The SmartBOARD dimensions allow installation under the glass window of the operator room. This positioning allows visualization of the areas to be monitored (embarkation, disembarkation, online departure).

Its two 22” color touch screens are part of the operator’s field of vision without obstructing the operator’s view of the passengers. Each of the screens can be rotated 180°, so that they can be seen from the outside, through the glass window. The operator can therefore operate from the outside using his FreeMan remote control and have real-time information about the wind on the line, the causes of stopping…. The driving ergonomics are simplified as much as possible. The number of control buttons is minimal. The driving mimic display panel is clear and light effects heighten the indication of the driving mode.

One screen for driving, another for operation and maintenance

One of the touch screens is dedicated to supervision; it allows you to select the active driver’s station, the operating modes, and to display all the states of the parameters and variables of the ropeway components (by location or by function). It integrates all alarm and fault messages and displays all events.

It allows, among other things, access to prerecorded tests for periodic testing, to the ZenIS load simulator and to the EcoDRIVE mode, allowing power consumption gains by regulating queue volume and ropeway speed.

The other screen is dedicated to the operation and maintenance support functions. It makes it possible to use the advanced features of the CoPILOT software, which provides up-to-date documentation of the installation. The TimeLINE feature allows you to track defects, alarms and events chronologically and make use of diagnostic help automatically.

This screen also gives access to the features of HyperView software. The latter offers the “Dematerialized Exploitation Register” function. The generation of operating reports becomes semi-automatic and allows an exhaustive follow-up of periodic tests.

An integrated concept for real space saving

The SmartBOARD driver’s station integrates all the control and command components of the control room. It replaces the traditional control cabinet.

The FreeMan operation radio remote control, the ProTEC radio remote control for maintenance operations, their chargers and connectors are integrated and accessible via a glass door. On the operator comfort side, the SmartBOARD also includes shelves, with 230 V and USB sockets, to accommodate coffee machine and charging benches for walkie-talkies, telephones…

Centralized functionalities, accuracy of information, responsiveness of decisions, comfort of operation and maintenance: in developing SmartBOARD, SEMER was inspired by the needs of ropeways operators with whom the company shares an essential objective such as user safety.

L’article SmartBOARD, get on board! est apparu en premier sur Semer.

Fourvière funicular: SEMER unveils the strings of its missions

admin — Thu, 18 Oct 2018 09:00:33 +0000

Used by more than 2.5 million passengers each year, the Fourvière funicular is an integral part of the Lyon landscape. Inaugurated in 1900, it allows access from the historic district of Vieux Lyon to the Fourvière hill, overlooking the capital of the Gauls. As part of the major inspection work, SEMER, agent for the works, was entrusted, with POMA, with the electrical renovation of stations, track and vehicles: a project synonymous with stakes and challenges.

Even if the Fourvière funicular had undergone major modifications in 1985, the SYndicat Mixte des Transports pour le Rhône et l’Agglomération Lyonnaise, or SYTRAL, decided, in accordance with the legislation in force, to carry out a complete upgrade of the electrical architecture of the equipment, the line and the vehicles. Through the intervention of SEMER, which will be able to express all its experience and know-how, the ‘’Ficelle’’ will offer itself a real youth therapy and benefit from the latest technologies. Indeed, all electrical components and wiring works will be replaced to be refurbished: from vehicles to machinery, via the tunnel that connects the two stations. To do this, with the assistance of COMAG, it was first necessary to dismantle the machinery and vehicles.

A total renovation for a total commitment

To give the Fourvière funicular a second lease of life, SEMER has demonstrated a total commitment. Indeed, the timing of the project is tight because the works carried out by the company from the Upper Savoy region is coordinated with other companies in the POMA group. Nevertheless, within this constraining time frame, SEMER’s missions are not lacking, since it is necessary to renovate and replace everything. In the top station, the control command automated systems will be refurbished, as will the control and power cabinets, in order to increase the availability and reliability of the installation. A new high-efficiency traction motor of type asynchronous for improved energy efficiency for the main winch will also be installed, and a control desk integrating a driving screen with departure management, according to the time slots defined by the operator Kéolis Lyon. A screen of the same type will also be installed in the lower station.

With regard to vehicles, in cooperation with Sigma Composite, SEMER will install on-board automated systems with control desk in each train set, as well as a remote transmission automated system for the exchange of information between each vehicle and the control command system installed in the drive station. Safety is also taken into account by rewiring the electrical circuits of each train set according to the specific rules related to the “fire” risk. New motorizations for the automatic doors will be rearranged, controlled directly by the driver via a touch screen. Because SEMER has thought about operating comfort: drivers will benefit from new control desks equipped with touch screens, with particular attention being paid to the design and ergonomics of the driver’s stations in the cabin. New LED lights will also be installed on the two cars of the Fourvière funicular, thus contributing to the renewal of their design.

Safety comes first

For SEMER, safety is not only a requirement but also a prerequisite. As part of the major inspection of the Fourvière funicular and its serious facelift, SEMER will equip the ‘’Ficelle’’ with a high-performance braking system, designed and developed by POMA engineers, which already equips the people mover at Miami airport, among others. The system availability rate is also part of the requirements implemented, in order to provide the operator with maximum comfort for the operation and maintainability of the funicular. Thanks to the “hot” doubling of certain functions and the inventive design of SEMER engineers, the automated system makes it possible to ensure continuity of operation in nominal conditions, even in the event of components failure.

The winch is also equipped with redundant functional and safety subassemblies: a second inverter/motor torque and a second braking unit are installed to ensure better availability of the installation.

More than an intervening company, SEMER is a real partner for SYTRAL and the operator KÉOLIS, with whom it has been collaborating for many years. And the story should not stop there, since after pampering the Fourvière funicular, SEMER should intervene on the Saint-Just funicular at the beginning of 2019.

L’article Fourvière funicular: SEMER unveils the strings of its missions est apparu en premier sur Semer.

SEMER: the “DirectDrive” guarantee

admin — Thu, 18 Oct 2018 08:00:03 +0000

Operating comfort, maintenance, environmental footprint, the DirectDrive is particularly remarkable at several levels. Quiet in the station, the DirectDrive technology is also quiet in drive cabinets thanks to hydraulic cooling (which allows, by the way, to recover dissipated thermal energy). Comfort benefits that should not make you forget the essential: higher efficiency of the entire kinematic chain, lighter maintenance due to low speed and therefore lower mechanical wear. Add, at the electrical level, the filtering of harmonic currents and the compensation of reactive energy, at the ecological level, the absence of oil due to the absence of a gearbox, and the DirectDrive becomes essential (this drive solution also optimizes electrical premises thanks to the dimensions of the inverters modules – H x D x W : 2100 x 800 x 400 mm).

With drive commissioning all over the world (Pyrenees, Alps, South America, Asia…), SEMER has recorded very positive feedback!

Priority to availability

One of the strengths of DirectDrive is operation continuity. A motor stator consists of 48 windings. On small motor’s sizes, 2 “inverter” modules supply 24 windings each. On large sizes, 4 “inverter” modules supply 12 windings each. In the event of loss of a module or winding, if the motor is sufficiently oversized, degraded operation can be maintained at nominal speed and flow rate.

Production and after-sales service 100% SEMER

Within this range of assets, the most unknown advantage of DirectDrive is not the least important: SEMER’s technological mastery in its entirety. 100% of the components, of EC origin and mass-produced in large series by recognized industries, are thus bought and stored by SEMER, a guarantee of availability.

The entire assembly of the inverters is carried out by SEMER at the factory. The teams of technicians have been trained in the specificities of these inverters, their factory and on-site controls. SEMER engineers are experts in the implementation and adjustment of inverters, as well as in their diagnosis and component replacement. They are constantly supported by the inverters designers from the HTI group and participate in the continuous improvement of these products. Some components can be replaced directly by the operator, others must be replaced by SEMER. Its engineers, and those of the HTI group, can diagnose and possibly adjust the inverters remotely if the remote service is activated.

A solution of the future

The DirectDrive inverter owes its success to its simplicity and modularity, the result of the investment of highly skilled teams who also strive to meet the new needs of the markets: increase in ratings (torques) and voltage levels, operation with electric power supply on generator set, use with the ZenIS load simulation function or compatibility with the EcoDrive function, which allows to regulate the speed of the lift and queue volume.

L’article SEMER: the “DirectDrive” guarantee est apparu en premier sur Semer.