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.
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If you want to move something, you have to be able to control the movement. When positioning in the nanometre range everything matters and requires high performance motion control. Six years ago, Aerotech therefore set itself the goal of revolutionising the market for precision motion and machine control systems.
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NSK and the German Aerospace Centre are developing a robotic hand system that will help automate manual tasks. The concept centres on a customisable robot hand comprising individually configurable finger modules, an industry first.
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BMG has extended its range of Ingersoll Rand ARO fluid handling products to include the new EVO series electric diaphragm pumps, designed to enhance energy efficiency and improve fluid handling productivity.
Read more...Flexible EtherCAT communication interface for DALI-2 Beckhoff Automation
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The EL6821 EtherCAT Terminal from Beckhoff allows up to 64 DALI/DALI-2 slaves and 64 DALI-2 input devices to be connected. The TwinCAT 3 System Manager makes it easy to configure and parameterise DALI devices flexibly.
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Modern non-residential buildings place many high demands on building automation. This can be optimally implemented with EtherCAT-based control technology from Beckhoff, which provides an efficient central automation architecture thanks to ultra-fast data communication.
Read more...PC-based control for university studies Beckhoff Automation
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The IDEA box developed at Heilbronn University of Applied Sciences is designed to introduce students to the topic of Industry 4.0 in a simple and practical way. At the core of the corresponding demo case is PC-based control from Beckhoff.
Read more...Grease degradation diagnosis technology
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NSK is developing a world-first: a high-accuracy way of rapidly and accurately diagnosing the remaining life of lubricant grease. The company will provide the solution as a mobile app, enabling users to perform the onsite analysis of lubricant condition in bearings and linear motion systems.
Read more...New compact VFDs with higher power ratings
Motion Control & Drives
Invertek Drives has revealed the extension of its industry-leading Optidrive Coolvert variable frequency drive with the launch of two new compact frame sizes with higher power ratings.
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