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.
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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