January 2012
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
In the eighth year of its Mars expedition, the Mars rover Opportunity has found evidence that water once existed on Mars. According to briefings by NASA, in late 2011 the rover found a vein of a notably light coloured mineral – apparently gypsum – deposited by flowing water. For scientists, the gypsum deposits are a sensation. They are convinced that the discovery proves that water once flowed at this site. On its way through the desolate Meridiani plane, the rover came across the light coloured streaks in the ground by chance. An analysis of the minerals should help scientists better understand the geological history of Mars.
Opportunity has covered approximately 35 kilometres and, in the process, transmitted almost 162 400 images of the surface and the atmosphere of the Red Planet to the mission control centre in Pasadena, California.
Motors manufactured by maxon motor ensure that the Mars rover is able to safely navigate the surface of Mars. A total of 39 DC motors by maxon motor are at work in Opportunity, and they continue to diligently carry out their tasks. The precision drives are used to drive the robotic arm, the rock abrasion tool, the camera operation, and the control mechanism for the six wheels that propel the 180 kilogram vehicle, 1,6 metres long and 1,5 meters high, across the surface of Mars.
The motors are largely standard products with a diameter of 20 to 25 mm and an efficiency of over 90%. Minor modifications were necessary to adapt the motors for the harsh environmental conditions. The temperature on Mars can fluctuate from -120 to 25°C. In addition, the motors had to withstand the special conditions during the voyage to Mars. And the atmosphere, which largely consists of carbon dioxide, is also a very special environment for the high-precision motors.
Originally, two rovers were active on Mars but since March 2010, NASA has been out of contact with Opportunity's twin, Spirit. A next generation rover is already on the way to resume where Spirit left off. Curiosity, a space lab launched by NASA in November, is scheduled to land on Mars in August 2012.
Read more...PC-based control for additive machine tools Beckhoff Automation
Editor's Choice Electrical switching & drive systems & components
IRPD is a specialist in additive machine tools. Development is heavily focused on high system throughput and consistently high process quality. This goal was achieved with the help of PC- and EtherCAT-based control and drive technology from Beckhoff.
Read more...Major software release for Parker PSD servo drives Parker Hannifin - Sales Company South Africa
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Parker Hannifin has released its PSD servo drive family delivering new control modes, advanced synchronisation functions and performance optimisations designed to improve throughput, accuracy and system efficiency in demanding industrial applications.
Read more...Beckhoff expands economy drive system Beckhoff Automation
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Beckhoff’s new AM1000 servomotor joins the company’s economy drive system. The compact, powerful motor and the AX1000 servo drive provide users with a perfectly coordinated, cost-optimised drive system.
Read more...Moving next-generation monopiles
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Wind turbine sizes are increasing at an unprecedented rate. The bigger the turbine, the more power it can generate and the fewer are needed per wind farm. Mammoet has been ahead of the curve in coming up with ways to make the movement of even XXL monopiles faster and more cost-effectively.
Read more...PC-based control for flat wire motors for electric vehicles Beckhoff Automation
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Special machine manufacturer, ruhlamat Huarui Automation Technologies has unveiled the second generation of its mass production line for flexible stators with bar winding (pins). This enables an extremely short production cycle and line changeover times, supported by PC- and EtherCAT-based control technology from Beckhoff.
Read more...New generation surface drill rig
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Epiroc South Africa is launching a new and improved PowerROC T45. This new generation surface drill rig offers increased fuel efficiency and high availability, and is a welcome addition to the PowerROC family.
Read more...Rip-and-ship solution speeds up nuclear decommissioning project
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
When removing steam generators from decommissioned nuclear reactor buildings, the most economical method is to remove them in one piece. Mammoet was commissioned by Framatome to support with the removal of four steam generators from PreussenElektra’s Nuclear Power Plant Unterweser in Germany.
Read more...Helping to solve wastewater challenges
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
KSB Pumps and Valves is doubling its efforts to help government and municipalities find practical and technical solutions to the growing wastewater challenges gripping large parts of the country.
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