4th Quarter 2015Electrical switching & drive systems & components
SKF has launched a new magnetic system which is an oil- and contact-free drive solution for centrifugal compressors in chillers. Combining a high speed permanent magnet motor and active magnetic bearings with integrated controls, the magnetic system can operate with variable speed drives to deliver energy savings of at least 10% versus conventional centrifugal compressors. In addition, the system’s vibration- and friction-free performance results in extremely low noise.
Electromagnets levitate the compressor shaft, allowing it to rotate without contact. By eliminating the mechanical contact and the losses that occur with oil-lubricated bearings, the magnetic system reduces energy use significantly. By eliminating the need for oil lubrication, the system also improves heat transfer efficiency in the evaporator and condenser.
The permanent magnet motor at the heart of this SKF solution is more energy-efficient than induction motors at full and partial loads and offers a higher power factor and lower current draw. It also operates with a smaller size variable speed drive than induction motors. The system’s active magnetic bearings are capable of speeds in excess of 40 000 rpm, and can accommodate instant and frequent startups and transient surge forces. An active control system tracks and maintains rotor position to within a micron-sized orbit up to 15 000 times per second, eliminating vibration.
High speed permanent magnetic motor solutions from SKF utilise technology pioneered by S2M, a leading producer of magnetic bearings and high speed permanent magnet motors. Acquired by SKF in 2007, S2M has been refining contact-free, levitating bearing technology for more than 30 years.
New generation low power frequency inverters Bearing Man Group T/A BMG
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
New to BMG’s electromechanical range are energy-efficient Synergy PI150 series frequency inverters, which have been designed for efficient use in many applications.
Read more...Planar motor system for quality assurance Beckhoff Automation
Editor's Choice Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Achieving the shortest possible inspection times, even when working with different components, is paramount when it comes to series production. This is precisely what special machine builder, stoba Sondermaschinen set out to achieve with its InspectorONE optical inspection system, which is based on deep learning and features the Beckhoff XPlanar planar motor system at the conveyor system core.
Read more...SKF empowers employees SKF South Africa
News & events
The cornerstone to SKF’s success as a global leader in premium bearing products and rotating technology is an unwavering commitment to investing in its valued employees. Tsholofelo Choma, who now proudly holds the position of quality environmental health and safety (QEHS) officer, exemplifies SKF’s employee-centricity ethos.
Read more...Siemens elevates automotive and aerospace simulation Siemens South Africa
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Siemens Digital Industries Software has announced the latest update to its Simcenter portfolio, delivering advancements in aerostructure analysis, electric motor design, gear optimisation and smart virtual sensing. These enhancements are designed to streamline workflows, accelerate certification and provide deeper insights into system performance.
Read more...Turbomachinery controls: the call of duty Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
There’s a lot to be said about the unsung heroes of this world; those men, women and machines that deliver such important functions, often overlooked and recognised. One such machine is turbomachinery, and while the name does sound quite obvious to the layman, its rich history and daily functions are not.
Read more...More movement in the market
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Aerotech aims to revolutionise the market for precision motion and machine controls with an intuitive control platform.
Read more...Motion technology for all types of automation Bearing Man Group T/A BMG
News & events Electrical switching & drive systems & components
BMG has been appointed by The Timken Company as a distributor in southern Africa for the Rollon linear motion guidance system.
Read more...Servo motor series for explosive environments with expanded certification Parker Hannifin - Sales Company South Africa
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Parker Hannifin’s ongoing commitment to safety and performance in hazardous environments is evident in the new certifications and product improvements for its EY and EX servo motor series.
Read more...The world’s most powerful worm
Editor's Choice Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Geothermal energy from the natural heat of the Earth is an inexhaustible resource, yet the growth of the global geothermal power sector lags behind other renewable energies. Now Swiss startup, Borobotics is hoping to speed this up with its innovative new electric-powered geothermal drilling robot, which can be used to fast-track and lower the cost of heat pump installations in confined spaces.
Read more...The impact of gearless mill drive technology on CO2 emissions
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
ABB has released an in-depth white paper detailing the vital role that gearless grinding technologies can play in driving productivity in mining while simultaneously reducing their carbon footprint.
printer friendly version