PC-based control: TwinCAT solar position algorithm software library optimise solar energy harvesting.
The TwinCAT solar position algorithm software library enables high-precision determination of sun angles and the times for sunrise, solar noon and sunset all year round. The calculation of the sun angles with the TwinCAT library simply requires the specification of the date, time and exact longitude and latitude of the location (eg, through a GPS system). Depending on the required precision the algorithm can take into account additional parameters such as the time zone, the height above mean sea level, the slope of the ground or the orientation of the object, the air temperature and pressure, which influence atmospheric refraction. The algorithm can achieve an impressive precision of ±0,001°.
Areas of application include parabolic mirror systems with focusing mirrors of several metres diameter, which track the sun with great accuracy in order to focus the sun’s rays in an ideal focal point. This requires high-precision measurement of the sun angles. Photovoltaic installations that track the sun position also operate on this basis. Another area of application is building automation, where sensors alone are no longer sufficient to adequately deal with shading of large building façades. The Beckhoff software can also be used for exact calculation of shadow flicker from wind turbines, which is to be avoided in populated areas. The results allow individual turbines to be switched off if necessary.
New precision planetary gearboxes
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Teknic offers precision planetary gearboxes with a wide selection of frame sizes, gear ratios, output flanges and body configurations to accommodate a range of motion control requirements.
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Special machine manufacturer, ruhlamat Huarui Automation Technologies unveiled the second generation of its mass production line for flexible stators with bar winding. This enables extremely short production cycle and line changeover times, supported by PC- and EtherCAT-based control technology from Beckhoff.
Read more...Hans Beckhoff receives German Mechanical Engineering Award Beckhoff Automation
News
Hans Beckhoff has received the 2025 German Mechanical Engineering Award. This prestigious award honours entrepreneurs who have set standards in machine and system engineering, driven innovation, and taken on social responsibility.
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