2nd Quarter 2012Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Using Siemens technology, the world’s first solar ski lift is being operated in Tenna, in the Swiss Canton of Grisons. The Skilift Tenna (GST) co-operative opted for technology from Siemens Industry Automation Division to modernise its drag-lift. Since its commissioning in late 2011, the solar ski lift has produced three times more solar power than that required to operate it and has doubled the number of people it can transport.
The 460 metre long drag-lift is located at an altitude of 1644 metres in the holiday resort of Tenna and required refurbishing after 40 years in operation. To achieve this, GST opted for a combination of a photovoltaic system and automation.
The newly installed photovoltaic equipment associated with the drag-lift is based on a solar wing system, whereby 82 photovoltaic modules forming so-called solar wings are hung between position of the sun. The system produces a total power of about 90 000 kWh a year, two thirds of which are fed back into the grid at market prices, using Sinvert PVM string inverters. The drag-lift’s operation involves a significant number of automation components. A Simatic S7 programmable logic controller, enhanced with a fail-safe CPU and ET 200S modules, control the ski lift‘s movements. The refurbishment made it possible to double the hourly transport capacity to 800 persons. The exchange of data between the lift’s mountain and valley stations is also based on Siemens technology, using an IM 151-3 interface module from the ET 200S distributed peripherals range. The entire ski lift system is operated using a Simatic Touch Panel.
Magma X100 delivers AMB systems for wide range of industrial machinery
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
SpinDrive launches Magma X100 controller, bringing active magnetic bearing technology to a new generation of industrial applications. The Magma X100 expands SpinDrive’s oil-free, frictionless AMB technology to applications below 150 kW, unlocking new addressable markets.
Read more...Why lubrication fails in mining and what to do about it
Editor's Choice Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Lubrication Engineers explains the recurring failure points behind mining lubrication problems and how the right product, storage and application practices can improve equipment reliability.
Read more...Echain protects cables in cleanrooms igus
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Advanced polymer manufacturer igus has developed a new cleanroom energy chain with an innovative guide system that allows for abrasion-resistant travel over distances of up to 30 metres.
Read more...PowerFlex drives cut energy use by up to 30% amid rising costs
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Rockwell Automation’s PowerFlex 755TS variable frequency drives are delivering energy reductions of 10 to 30% in Africa’s industrial operations, with adaptive control and predictive maintenance features that cut downtime by up to 50%.
Read more...Next-generation oil-free motor systems with active magnetic bearings
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
WEG and SpinDrive are collaborating to integrate SpinDrive’s AMBs and built-in IoT condition monitoring into WEG’s market-leading electric motor offering, creating an oil-free, maintenance-free drive solution.
Read more...Direct drive with integrated control Vepac Electronics
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
The PSD 40 direct drive is a mechatronic system with integrated control, bus interface and absolute measuring system, with no battery required.
Read more...AI-powered on-premises analytics for industrial drives Siemens South Africa
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Siemens is introducing a new on-premises analytics solution for industrial drive systems. The software enables users to evaluate drive data entirely within their own infrastructure and meet stringent data-sovereignty requirements.
Read more...Hydrostatic machine base for ultra-precision grinding centre
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Hyprostatik Schönfeld has developed a high-precision hydrostatic machine base for a new ultra-precision grinding centre for Optotech. The machine platform enables a previously unattainable combination of dimensional accuracy, dynamics and surface quality in the ultra-precision grinding of optical surfaces.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version