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.
A smarter approach to simplifying motion architecture
Motion Control & Drives
n motion system design, the wiring and drive placement between motor and drive are often decided by default, yet they shape a machine’s cost, footprint and adaptability. Kollmorgen sets out how single-cable and decentralised architectures simplify the cabinet.
Read more...Robotic case packer achieves 99% uptime Rockwell Automation
Motion Control & Drives
DCC Automation designed a new robotic case packer for a nutrition supplement manufacturer using delta robots and a unified Rockwell Automation control platform, cutting changeover time from 45 minutes to 5 minutes, and achieving 99 to 99,5% uptime against the previous 10% per-shift downtime.
Read more...igus puts 3D-printed wear materials to the test igus
Motion Control & Drives
A new igus white paper compares its tribological iglidur 3D-printing materials directly with conventional POM, reporting lower wear, more stable friction and up to ten times longer service life in gear testing for customised, low-volume and replacement components.
Read more...SEW-EURODRIVE’s expanded local engineering capability SEW-EURODRIVE
Editor's Choice Motion Control & Drives
At Electra Mining Africa, SEW-EURODRIVE demonstrated how its expanded local engineering capability, digital technologies and lifecycle support strategy help customers improve reliability, energy efficiency and total cost of ownership across the full life of their drive assets.
Read more...Latest Danfoss automation drive Bearing Man Group t/a BMG
Motion Control & Drives
BMG has launched the Danfoss iC7-Automation enclosed variable speed drive range in South Africa, backed by significant local stockholding of 400 V models up to 710 kW, approved warranty workshops, and DrivePro digital asset management support.
Read more...Severe-duty workhorses powering mining
Motion Control & Drives
Mining machines such as rock crushers, pumps and conveyors need motors that combine high torque with robust enclosures, seals and cooling. WEG Africa explains how severe-duty motors deliver more than a decade of reliable performance in harsh conditions while meeting modern energy-efficiency standards.
Read more...Looking beyond the spec sheet when choosing motion architecture
Motion Control & Drives
When machine builders focus only on torque, speed and price, engineering time, integration effort and long-term maintainability get overlooked. Kollmorgen explains how thinking at the system level, not the component level, leads to better motion architecture choices.
Read more...Economy drive system closes the drive gap in the entry-level segment Beckhoff Automation
Editor's Choice Motion Control & Drives
Beckhoff has launched an economy drive system pairing its new AX1000 servo drive and AM1000 servomotor with the AF1000 dual-axis variable frequency drive on a shared EtherCAT platform, targeting series machines and price-sensitive markets without sacrificing TwinCAT integration or functional safety.
Read more...Mammoet supports critical heavy lift and marine activities for topsides
Motion Control & Drives
Mammoet provided specialised heavy lift and marine logistics support for the Munin topsides on Aker BP’s Yggdrasil North Sea development, including a complex transshipment operation and a tidal-window load-out classified as a Class 1 operation.
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