As a result of increasing digitalization in mechanical and plant engineering, electric drive systems are increasingly faced by the challenge of having to be integrated as smart components in future-oriented overall mechatronic concepts.
The SICK range of motor feedback systems with digital HIPERFACE DSL® interface offers the required remote intelligence and communication capability for motors and servo drive systems.
The rotative sensors also meet all requirements for application-based functionality, maximum precision and dynamics as well as certified safety.
The new product families EDS35 and EDM35 are the technological highlight in this range.
With its EDS/EDM35 product family, SICK presents technologically leading singleturn and multiturn motor feedback systems with highest performance density.
The optical system achieves a singleturn resolution of 24 bits – the maximum that high-performance servo controllers can sensibly process without losses due to electric noise. Like all other digital motor feedback systems from SICK, this product family also implements the multiturn functionality of 4,096 revolutions mechanically – without buffer battery and thus wear- and maintenance-free.
Sick Digital motor feedback systems for smart servo drive systems
Ultra-efficient electric propulsion systems for aircraft
WEG, a global manufacturer of motors and drive technology, is teaming up with aircraft OEM Embraer to advance the aerospace industry toward the next generation of propulsion systems.
The new technology cooperation agreement seeks to accelerate knowledge in the use and integration of electric motors in aircraft propulsion, which in turn will lead to deliverable benefits such as greater energy efficiency and better environmental sustainability.
An electric-powered demonstrator already has its first flight scheduled for 2020.
The electrification process forms part of extensive efforts which aim to ensure the environmental commitments of the aerospace sector.
Cooperation between the two research teams will support the creation of innovative technologies that generate opportunities for future aerospace platforms, and potentially develop new market segments.
After testing the newly developed technologies in the laboratory, an aerospace platform will be used for the integration and testing of complex systems under real operating conditions. A small, single-engine aircraft, based on the EMB-203 Ipanema, will be used as the test bed for primary evaluation, before the first demonstrator flight next year.
HBM digital torque transducer
With electric motors and drives now operating at significantly higher speeds, electromobility testing poses a greater challenge for engineers working on R&D or production lines. To overcome this challenge, measurement specialist, HBM has launched the T40B torque sensor which delivers greatly increased revolutions per minute for a selection of measuring ranges of 1, 2, and 3 kNm – up to 23.000 rpm – making it ideal for many types of applications including test benches, end-of-line tests (EoL) and process monitoring.
The T40B torque provides users with precise, reliable measurements first time, eliminating the risk of errors and the need for repeat tests, which can be costly and time consuming.
The sensor has an integrated, magnetic rotational speed measuring system, enabling automotive engineers to test the efficiency of the drive train with a range of motor vehicles. It also operates with analog or digital interfaces making it compatible with different types of test bench systems.
Automation controlled by motor control systems
With dryve D3 and D1 control systems, it is possible to automate powered linear axes, for simplest and most complex automations. Dryve D3 and D1 join the already existing Igus solutions of drylin E linear powered axes (with DC motors). Dryve D3 controls linear systems without software or PC, while the dryve D1 system has been enhanced for the control of stepper motors, DC and EC/BLDC motors.
For the most complex strokes, motor control parameters can be directly modified by browser, in real time and intuitively. The new D3 control system is compatible with all most common DC motors and few moves are sufficient indeed to operate this control system, which is user friendly and cost-effective at the same time.
Therefore, also small and medium companies without particular programming know-how can use linear powered axes for the automation of their plants.
The dryve D1 control system is equipped with very intuitive interface and can be used through a simple web browser in desk PC, or also remotely, through smartphone or tablet.
Bonfiglioli Integration of synchronous reluctance motors and drives
Constantly researching industrial motion-control solutions that can match competitiveness, high control performances and energy efficiency, in its research centres Bonfiglioli has developed a product to meet such requirements. It is a Power Drive System based on the coupling of synchronous reluctance motors of BSR series with the electric drives of Active Cube series, equipped with dedicated sensorless vector control.
The solution is available in two optimized packages, respectively for the compactness and reduction of operation costs, with very high efficiency levels (IE4 class for the motor and IES2 class for the Power Drive System, according to the new Ecodesign EN 61800-9-2 regulation). Bonfiglioli Power Drive System allows minimizing the energy consumption in any operation point, thanks to the complete mathematical characterization of the motor on board of inverter (motor digital twin) that also grants a simple and reliable configuration of the system. The full integration of the package and the broad variety of available control strategies at software level determine accuracy in the sensorless speed control, stability in the torque control, high torque delivery even at low or null speed and excellent overload features.
UL certification of insulation systems: inaugurated FAET Italian laboratory
Last October 3rd, in the prestigious venue of Golf Club at Tolcinasco (Milan), was held the first workshop signed by FAET, a meeting aimed at establishing a connection among the OEM world companies interested in the UL certification of the components for insulation systems equipping electric motors.
Spotlights were cast on the new FAET laboratory, on Third Party Test Data Program and on all related advantages for sector players, an ambit that is calling for higher and higher performances. As DuPont perfectly knows, company that during the meeting reported various case histories (by Roger C. Wicks, Global Technical Marketing Manager), as well as UL that, through the speech by the American Mark Raymond, one of the major experts in insulation systems in the world, illustrated the highlights of the specific Sealed Tube Chemical Compatibility Testing.
Since today, in the up-to-date structure at Rozzano (Mi), FAET can in fact test whether the mix of the various components inside the insulation system is appropriate and then it can achieve the UL certification.
The details of the accomplishment of this important partnership were finally explained by Silvio Cattinzoli, Quality System & Technical Manager of FAET, who underlined how it is strategic to supply, in the whole Mediterranean basin, an added-value service to customers that so benefit from not being compelled to directly interfacing with UL.
«We are speeding up an important phase for FAET and UL, in the name of insulation systems’ safety. We hope this workshop is the first of a long series because companies increasingly need information, dialogue and aggregation» – the Ceo and owner of FAET, Gabriele Guidi, stated at the event start.
Elvem Asynchronous electric motors in aluminium
Either single phase and three phase, this Elvem asynchronous electric motors with aluminium housing has double polarity. The standard size goes from MEC 56 to MEC160, efficiency classes IE4, IE3, IE2 and IE1.
The casing of the electric motors features a detailed design, in square section. It is designed for optimal cooling and easy installation and maintenance. It features lifting devices on all sides that guarantee easy handling of the motor.
Foot fastening point is parallel to the centre line of the casing and foot attachment is modular allowing you to fit the motor either to the left or to the right side.
The terminal box spins to allow you to arrange the cable glands in the optimal direction.
Anchoring is simple and ensures excellent stability in all mounting positions.
Schaeffler Steering systems for electric mobility
For the automotive and industrial supplier Schaeffler, electric mobility is one of the most important innovative driving forces for the future. Against this background of increasing vehicle electrification and automation, Schaeffler has been working together with several project partners to develop concepts and prototypes for new steering systems in urban applications. After a duration of three years, the “OmniSteer” group project – which received a subsidy of 1.9 million euros from the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research – is now set for successful completion.
Omni stands for orthogonal and multidirectional driving maneuvers and non-linear steering. In combination with the “Schaeffler Intelligent Corner Module” and innovative wheel suspension that allows wider steering angles, functionally reliable mechatronic lateral and transverse (distance and lane) guidance systems have been developed that will make greater vehicle manoeuvrability possible in the future.
Schaeffler’s E-Wheel Drive electric wheel hub drive is the suitable solution for the mobility of tomorrow. The initial prerequisite for OmniSteer is the electrification of the drive train and, in a subsequent step, the corresponding integration of the drives into the wheels.
ABB IEC, food safe stainless steel motors
ABB has launched a full range of IEC Food Safe motors designed for applications in the food and beverage industry that need frequent sanitation. The IEC Food Safe motors are part of ABB’s Food Safe family that includes stainless steel NEMA motors, mounted ball bearings and gearing.
IEC Food Safe motor feature smooth stainless steel enclosures that are easy to clean and sanitize so customers can meet increasingly stringent hygiene standards. The motors’ have achieved the IP69 water protection rating and encapsulated winding enable the motors to last much longer than general purpose products in tough washdown conditions.
The external surfaces of the motors are self-draining, with no crevices where particles can collect. The markings are laser etched onto the frame, avoiding channels and ridges where contaminants could accumulate. The motors can withstand high-pressure sprays and are fully compatible with clean-in-place (CIP) methods. Food Safe motors also eliminate the need for motor shrouds, which can harbor food particles and allow bacteria to breed.
“Customers in the meat and poultry industry have been rigorously testing prototypes of the new motors,” says Tero Helpio, Food and Beverage Segment Manager, IEC LV Motors, ABB. “The motors have been subjected to harsh cleaning and sanitizing regimes in high hygiene environments, and the customers confirm that they meet all the requirements for food safety and reliability.”
ABB IEC Food Safe motors are available in the power range 0.18-7.5 kilowatt, in 2-6 pole versions for 230-690 volt at 50 or 60 hertz. They feature IE3 premium efficiency to reduce energy consumption and emissions. Flexible mounting arrangements ensure they will fit almost any application. The motors come in frame sizes 71-132.
ViscoTec Resin mass application electric motor
In the production of electric motors, more precisely in the casting of the coil in the stator, very liquid, low-viscosity materials are processed. A continuous pulsation-free dispensing flow of the material is particularly important here.
In order for the resin masses to harden, they – and also the stators – must be heated. This requires perfect process reliability.
ViscoTec dispensing systems are excellently suited for the application of resin masses. They can easily be integrated into existing production lines. However, they are also impressive in newly designed customer-specific systems.
The endless piston principle used in the ViscoTec dispensing pumps enables pulsation-free, continuous dispensing. Continuously adjustable in application quantity and application speed. Therefore, the dispensing technology specialist can guarantee an ideal penetration behaviour and a completely clean impregnation result, both when processing 1- and 2-component resin masses or trickle resins. ViscoTec dispensing pumps function regardless of viscosity. Even if viscosity fluctuations occur due to storage time or storage temperature, the dispensing functions perfectly.