The Special Astrophysical Observatory is a research institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences. It is located in the northern part of the Caucasus and uses SEW-Eurodrive drives. This giant optical telescope was built more than 25 years ago, and until the early 1990s it was the world's largest reflecting telescope - with a 6 m diameter reflecting mirror.
Now several of its drive components have to be optimised to enable the telescope to meet the requirements for participation in an international research project. The SEW servomotors and controllers which have been installed to move the telescope are coupled to a heavy Russian precision gear unit weighing several tons.
The drives have to meet the exacting requirements for precise and smooth movement, regardless of their speed. The angular deviation of the telescope's motion must be less than 0,15 arc seconds. Such a tight tolerance is difficult to imagine, given an object with a height of 42 m.
The motion control system is equipped with a triple-loop configuration of high-precision absolute encoders (also made in Russia). These are connected to a powerful computer in the main control circuit. Both telescope axes (azimuth and elevation) have already been fitted with SEW drives. The technical data for the azimuth axis drives are well within the criteria specified by the customer. The drives have been operating without problems for more than a year now.
The drive for the elevation axis is currently undergoing trials. The first test results indicate that it too will meet the technical requirements. A special report submitted to the Russian Academy of Sciences praised the quality of the SEW components and recommended them for use in similar projects.
For more information contact Carrina Davies, SEW-Eurodrive, 011 248 7000.
Smart features increase crane safety
Motion Control & Drives
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...Compact, powerful hexapod for high-precision applications
Motion Control & Drives
With the HEX150-125HL, Aerotech is launching the latest generation of its hexapod technology. The compact six-axis positioner combines precise movements with high load capacity and simple integration.
Read more...Hexagon Electrical services electric motor sector
Motion Control & Drives
Hexagon Electrical has expanded its manufacturing and service capabilities to meet the growing demand for customised, high-performance specialised electric motors in heavy engineering, and hazardous industrial and mining applications.
Read more...NORD modular drives for frequently changing motor speeds Bearing Man Group t/a BMG
Motion Control & Drives
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...Medium voltage drive for enhanced energy efficiency and process optimisation Schneider Electric South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
Schneider Electric South Africa has unveiled its cutting-edge Altivar Process ATV6100 medium voltage (MV) drive range, designed to enhance energy efficiency and operational reliability across various industries.
Read more...Powerful high-precision hexapod
Motion Control & Drives
With the HEX150-125HL, Aerotech is launching the latest generation of its hexapod technology. The compact six-axis positioner combines precise movements with high load capacity and simple integration.
Read more...Servicing the electric motor sector
Motion Control & Drives
Hexagon Electrical has expanded its manufacturing and service capabilities to meet the growing demand for customised, high-performance specialised electric motors in heavy engineering, and hazardous industrial and mining applications.
Read more...Control system for deep antenna Rockwell Automation
Motion Control & Drives
When a major university in South Korea set out to build a 21-metre deep space antenna, the researchers needed a control system that could track celestial objects with pinpoint accuracy, a level of precision they thought was out of reach. By partnering with Rockwell Automation, they discovered that the right technology and support could turn their vision into reality.
Read more...Cable solution simplifies connectivity SEW-EURODRIVE
Enclosures, Cabling & Connectors
Cabling can be one of the most challenging aspects of automation and drive system installations, often leading to delays, faults and inefficiencies. SEW-EURODRIVE offers a solution that simplifies connectivity, its innovative Digital Data Interface technology combined with a single cable system.
printer friendly version