2nd Quarter 2010Electrical switching & drive systems & components
The manufacture of highly efficient photovoltaic systems is progressing. A Korean development sets a new benchmark in respect to the efficiency of the solar cell itself, and how sunlight is concentrated on the cell. Power output from these newly developed systems is claimed to be about 300% higher than regular photovoltaic cells.
Three novel elements contribute to the remarkable improvement in performance: the high-resolution, real-time tracking towards the sun, highly efficient focusing of the solar radiation prior its conversion into electrical energy, and high-concentrated, extremely efficient solar cells.
Solar tracking of the panels is accomplished with 2-axis real-time control powered by maxon drives (brushless EC-max 30 mm motors with planetary gearhead GP 42 C) with a resolution of 0,0025 mm. Only this highly accurate positioning system allows optimal optical focusing. To concentrate sunlight on the solar cells, each cell is equipped with a 250 x 250 mm Fresnel lens photo-optic condenser. This 'condenses' sunlight by a factor of 300 to 500. Eventually, below the condenser high-concentration solar cells are capable of generating up to 37 watts of electric energy – this on a surface of just one square centimetre and at an efficiency of approximately 37-40%.
maxon brushless motors with planetary gearheads ensure optimal sunlight capture on these photovoltaic cells
Using this technology, self-contained systems comprising 12 modules and requiring a floor space of less than 20 m² are able to deliver 3,2 kW/h of electrical energy.
Beckhoff’s XPlanar boosts productivity in medical device assembly Beckhoff Automation
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
The intelligent transport system, XPlanar from Beckhoff provided the basis for an innovative system concept allowing the specialists at Automation NTH to reduce the space requirement of an assembly machine for medical diagnostic devices by a factor of 10.
Read more...Smart features increase crane safety
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
The newly launched Konecranes S series hoist offers a large bouquet of smart features which not only increase lifting device safety but also deliver a higher level of operator protection.
Read more...Redefining industrial lifting
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
The Konecranes S-series hoist redefines industrial lifting through its integration of a ground-breaking synthetic rope with smart features, a lifting capacity of 20 tons, and the ability to adapt to diverse girder configurations.
Read more...Seven years of uninterrupted service
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
A set of hydraulically operated Corflex pinch valves, installed in 2018 at a major North African gold mine, has delivered in one of the continent’s most demanding slurry-handling applications.
Read more...New generation soft starter ranges Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Schneider Electric has launched its new generation Altivar ATS430 and ATS490 soft starter ranges in Anglophone Africa, the latest innovations in motor control technology.
Read more...Reinventing the wheel
Editor's Choice Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Once a curiosity in the early automotive age, in-wheel motors are now re-emerging with real promise. From electric cars to commercial vehicles and even aircraft, they are on the verge of transforming transportation engineering.
Read more...NORD modular drives for frequently changing motor speeds Bearing Man Group T/A BMG
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
BMG has made a substantial investment over the years to ensure assembly, stockholdings and technical support for the Nord range are in line with stringent international quality, safety and environmental standards.
Read more...PC-based control for sustainable fertiliser production on an industrial scale Beckhoff Automation
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
On a farm in the USA, valuable ammonia is extracted from slurry and processed into ammonium sulphate. NSI Byosis has transformed this complex process into a flexible modular system. This modular approach requires an automation solution with flexible scalability in both hardware and software, which this Dutch company has found in PC-based control from Beckhoff.
Read more...Redefining motion control with Festo’s vision for seamless and intelligent automation Festo
Editor's Choice Electrical switching & drive systems & components
The quest for precision, flexibility and efficiency continues to shape the future of industrial automation, and Festo, as a long-standing leader in automation technology, stands firmly at the forefront of this movement, driving innovation and setting the benchmark for excellence.
Read more...The opportunity and impact of MEPS electric motor regulations WEG Africa
Editor's Choice Electrical switching & drive systems & components
South African companies are gearing up for the new Minimum Energy Performance Standards, part of a global trend towards energy-efficient electric motors.
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