Shanghai Fradwell Industrial Automation Co., Ltd.
cnsales@fradwell.com 86-21-68060766
Products
Products
Home > Products > Industrial Automation Control Systems > Modicon MC80 PLC: Customized Local Controller for Concentrated Solar Power (CSP)

Modicon MC80 PLC: Customized Local Controller for Concentrated Solar Power (CSP)

Product Details

Place of Origin: France

Certification: CE、UL 61010-2-201、UL508、CSA-E 1131-2、CSA 22.2 No.142、CSA 22.2 No.213( Class I Division 2)、RCM

Model Number: BMKC8020301 BMKC8020310 BMKC8030311

Payment & Shipping Terms

Minimum Order Quantity: 1

Price: $1000-$1800

Delivery Time: 3-5workdays

Payment Terms: L/C,D/A,D/P,T/T,Western Union,MoneyGram

Chat Now
Highlight:

Modicon MC80 PLC controller

,

industrial PLC for solar power

,

customized CSP control PLC

Type:
Programmable Logic Controller
Warranty:
Original Manufacturer's Warranty
Pakage:
Original Pakage
Shipping Term:
International Express(DHL/FEDEX/TNT/UPS/ARAMEX)/sea Freight / Air Freight / International Special Line
Freight Charge:
For Industrial Equipment (e.g., PLC Modules, Inverters..), Shipping Cost Varies By Package Weight/volume And Delivery Location. Contact Our Sales Team For A Customized Shipping Solution And Quote
Type:
Programmable Logic Controller
Warranty:
Original Manufacturer's Warranty
Pakage:
Original Pakage
Shipping Term:
International Express(DHL/FEDEX/TNT/UPS/ARAMEX)/sea Freight / Air Freight / International Special Line
Freight Charge:
For Industrial Equipment (e.g., PLC Modules, Inverters..), Shipping Cost Varies By Package Weight/volume And Delivery Location. Contact Our Sales Team For A Customized Shipping Solution And Quote
Modicon MC80 PLC: Customized Local Controller for Concentrated Solar Power (CSP)
Modicon MC80 PLC: Customized Local Controller for Concentrated Solar Power
The Modicon MC80 is a specialized local controller engineered specifically for Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) applications. It combines 64-bit high-performance processing with industry-leading 0.0003° solar tracking precision to maximize energy efficiency across trough, tower, and Fresnel CSP systems. Built to operate reliably in extreme environmental conditions (-25℃ to +70℃), it delivers unmatched performance for large-scale solar power plants while featuring dual Ethernet ports, built-in switches, and multi-protocol support for seamless connectivity with on-site instruments, inverters, HMIs, and other equipment.
Key Features
  • Superior CPU Performance: 64-bit processing power enables seamless execution of complex solar tracking algorithms, ensuring precise sun positioning
  • High Network Availability: Equipped with dual Ethernet ports with native RSTP ring topology redundancy for uninterrupted network connectivity
  • Extreme Environment Adaptability: Operates reliably in a wide temperature range of -25℃ to +70℃, perfectly suited for harsh mirror field conditions in CSP plants
Product Advantages
  • CSP Industry-Specific Customization: Tailored exclusively to meet the unique requirements of the concentrated solar power sector
  • Authoritative Certifications: Backed by recognized certifications in industrial automation, guaranteeing compliance and reliability
  • Unity Pro Programming Platform: Leverages intuitive and powerful Unity Pro software for efficient programming, configuration, and debugging
  • SG Backup Functionality: Enables fast program copying, cloning, and centralized management, minimizing downtime during maintenance
  • Solar Library Integration: Preloaded with dedicated "Solar Library" featuring ready-to-use function blocks for quick CSP application deployment
  • Proven CSP Solution Manuals: Supported by validated industry solution manuals providing actionable guidelines for smooth project implementation
Core Technical Specifications
Parameter Category Specific Parameter Details
Core Performance Processor 64-bit high-performance processor; Boolean instruction execution time: 0.06µs; Mixed instruction execution time: 0.08µs
Memory Configuration Total internal RAM: 3840KB; Program/Constant Storage: 3590KB; Data Storage: 128KB
Memory Retention Battery-free long-term retention for stable data preservation
Power Supply Supply Voltage 24V DC, voltage range: 20.4~28.8V (supports ±15%~20% fluctuation)
Power Consumption Maximum current draw ≤ 700mA
Isolation Voltage 1500V DC for enhanced anti-interference capability
Input/Output (I/O) Digital Inputs 8 channels (sinking current), Type 3; Voltage range: 19~30V DC; Operating current: 2.4mA
Digital Outputs 12 channels (sourcing output); Voltage range: 19~30V DC; Single-channel current: 2A; Total module current: 10A; Overload/short-circuit protection supported
Analog Inputs 4 channels; Supports -20~20mA current input, -10~10V voltage input; 16-bit resolution
Analog Input Response Fast reading cycle: 1.3ms + 1.3ms * number of channels used; Nominal reading cycle for 4 channels: 6.5ms
High-Speed Counters 2 channels supported; Compatible with 24V 2-wire/3-wire proximity sensors and push-pull output incremental encoders (10~30V); 2 sourcing outputs provided (0.5A per channel)
Communication Interfaces Ethernet 2 industrial Ethernet ports with built-in switch; Native support for RSTP ring topology redundancy
Serial Interfaces 1 RS-232 port, 1 RS-485 port (supports Modbus Master/Slave modes)
Dedicated Interface 1 CANopen Master port for connecting encoders, inverters, and other devices
Other Interfaces 1 USB port for local debugging and configuration
Environmental Operating Temperature -25℃ ~ +70℃, suitable for harsh mirror field environments in CSP plants
Protection Certifications Compliant with CE, UL, CSA No 213 Class I Division 2, and IEC standards
Physical & Software Dimensions Width: 220mm; Compact design saves installation space
Weight Approximately 1.05kg
Programming Software Compatible with Unity Pro (EcoStruxure Control Expert) programming platform
Supplementary Functions Supports SG Backup for fast program copying, cloning, and management; Built-in "Solar Library" with preconfigured function blocks
Product Model Comparison
Model Digital Input (DI) Digital Output (DO) Analog Input (AI) High-Speed Counter (HSC) Core Configuration Features Application Scenarios
BMKC8020301 8 12 4 / 2 RJ45 Ethernet ports (supporting RSTP, Modbus TCP), 1 CANopen port, 1 RS232/RS485 serial port, 3840KB user memory, operating temperature -25~+70℃, 16-bit analog input resolution, 2A per DO output (10A total per module) Small-scale automation scenarios requiring analog acquisition + digital control, such as small production lines, packaging equipment control, and thermo solar - parabolic through systems
BMKC8020310 8 8 / 2 (60kHz max) 2 high-speed counters (up to 60kHz), 2 Ethernet ports, 1 CANopen port, 3840KB user memory, operating temperature -25~+70℃, 2A per DO output Small equipment control scenarios needing high-speed counting, like motor speed monitoring, material counting, and short-distance conveyor belt control
BMKC8030311 8 12 4 2 (60kHz max) Integrated 8DI+12DO+4AI+2HSC, dual Ethernet + CANopen + serial port, supports Modbus TCP/CANopen/RS485 protocols, wide temperature adaptation, 10A total module output current Complex small-scale automation scenarios, such as photovoltaic thermal tower power generation equipment, multi-axis small motion control devices
BMKC8020300 (Old Model) 8 12 4 / Previous generation of BMKC8020301 with the same functions, now discontinued and replaced Only for old equipment replacement, no new application scenarios
BMKC8030310 (Old Model) 8 12 4 2 Previous generation of BMKC8030311 with the same functions, now discontinued and replaced Only for old equipment replacement, no new application scenarios
Application Fields and Scenarios
Solar Thermal Power Generation
This is Modicon MC80's flagship sector overseas—especially in regions with concentrated solar thermal plants (Spain, the US, the Middle East), where it's practically a standard local controller for trough, tower, and Fresnel systems.
  • Tower Solar Thermal Plants: The BMKC8030311 is the go-to model. At tower plants in Andalusia, Spain, it controls the precise alignment of heliostat fields using 4 analog inputs to collect light sensor data and 2 high-speed counters to monitor motor speed.
  • Trough Solar Thermal Plants: The BMKC8020301 is widely used in California's trough plants to manage temperature and flow of heat transfer oil in collector fields.
  • Fresnel Solar Projects: Small-scale Fresnel plants in the Middle East rely on the BMKC8020310 for tracking reflector swing frequency and detecting limit switches.
Small-to-Medium Manufacturing
Popular in Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe for standalone equipment control—no need for bulky PLCs, which saves space and cost.
  • Electronic Component Assembly Lines: Malaysian mobile accessory factories use the BMKC8020301 to control small SMT machines with analog inputs measuring nozzle vacuum pressure.
  • Small Metalworking Machines: Polish small lathe workshops use the BMKC8020310 with high-speed counters monitoring spindle speed and digital inputs detecting tool positioning signals.
Packaging Industry
A staple in European food packaging plants and Latin American beverage lines—ideal for mid-sized packaging equipment that requires precise, fast response.
  • Food Pouch Packaging Machines: German snack factories use the BMKC8020301 for vertical form-fill-seal machines with analog inputs collecting material weight data.
  • Beverage Bottle Labeling Machines: Brazilian juice factories rely on the BMKC8020310 with high-speed counters tracking bottle conveyor speed and digital outputs triggering labeling heads.
Material Handling Industry
Used in Australia's mining auxiliary transport and European logistics sorting lines—tough enough for harsh environments while keeping control simple.
  • Mining Small Conveyors: Iron ore auxiliary conveyor lines in Western Australia use the BMKC8030311 with analog inputs monitoring conveyor belt tension.
  • E-commerce Sorting Lines: Small UK warehouses use the BMKC8020310 with high-speed counters tracking parcel conveyor speed and digital outputs controlling sorting arms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Purchase & Compatibility
Can I use the same Modicon MC80 model for both European and North American markets?
Yes, but check the power supply and certifications first. All MC80 models run on 24V DC (universal for industrial use), and they're certified for CE (Europe), UL (US), and CSA (Canada). The only thing to note is terminal block compatibility—if you're in North America, use Schneider's BMX FTB series terminal blocks.
Are old models (like BMKC8020300) still available for replacement?
No, Schneider has discontinued old models—BMKC8020300 is replaced by BMKC8020301, and BMKC8030310 by BMKC8030311. The new models are 100% functionally compatible: same mounting dimensions, wiring ports, and programming software.
Do I need to buy extra software to program the MC80?
You'll need Schneider's EcoStruxure Control Expert (ECE) software—version 15.0 or higher works. It's not free, but most industrial customers already have ECE for other Schneider PLCs. The MC80 uses the same programming logic as Modicon M241/M251 PLCs.
Installation & Wiring
Why can't I connect the MC80 to my Ethernet network?
Most of the time, it's a simple setting issue. First, check if the MC80's IP address is in the same subnet as your PC (default IP is 192.168.1.10). If you're using a switch, make sure the Ethernet cable is Cat5e or higher. Also, RSTP is enabled by default—if your network uses STP, go into ECE and switch the setting.
The digital outputs aren't working—what's wrong?
Two common issues: 1) Overload—each DO channel can handle 2A max, and the total module output is 10A. If you're driving a large motor directly, use a relay or contactor instead. 2) Wiring polarity—DO channels are sinking/sourcing configurable, but make sure you're using 24V DC.
Can the MC80 withstand harsh environments (like desert heat or mining dust)?
Yes, but you need to take basic precautions. The MC80's operating temp range is -25~+70℃, which works for desert areas. For dusty mining sites, use a NEMA 4X enclosure to keep dust out of the ports. Avoid mounting it directly next to high-voltage equipment.
Operation & Troubleshooting
The analog inputs are giving unstable readings (e.g., temperature fluctuating randomly)?
First, check the wiring—analog signals are sensitive to interference. Use shielded cables, and keep them away from power cables (at least 10cm apart). If you're using 4-20mA sensors, make sure the loop power is connected correctly.
The high-speed counter isn't counting correctly—how to fix it?
First, confirm the counter type (the MC80's HSC supports incremental encoders). Check the encoder wiring: A/B phases must be connected to the correct terminals. Also, set the correct frequency in ECE—max 60kHz for MC80.
The MC80 crashes or freezes occasionally—what's the solution?
Most of the time, it's a software issue. First, update ECE to the latest version. Then, check your program—avoid infinite loops or too many interrupts. If you're using Modbus TCP, limit the number of client connections (max 8 for MC80).
Maintenance & Support
How often do I need to maintain the MC80?
It's a solid-state device—no moving parts, so minimal maintenance. Every 6-12 months, clean the dust off the vents (use compressed air, not water) and check the wiring terminals for loose connections.
Where can I get technical support if I'm in a remote area (e.g., rural Australia)?
Schneider has global technical support—you can call their regional hotline or use the EcoStruxure Support Portal to submit a ticket. We also offer remote support—send us your program and a video of the issue, and we can troubleshoot via TeamViewer.
Can I upgrade the MC80's firmware myself?
Yes, it's easy. Download the latest firmware from Schneider's website, connect the MC80 to your PC via USB, open ECE, and follow the firmware update wizard (it takes 5-10 minutes). Make sure to back up your program first.