Automation Parts

Lithium-ion Batteries Set For PV System Trials A new Franco-German project is dedicated to the development of a new concept in energy conversion and storage for grid connected photovoltaic systems. Saft, Conergy and Tenesol have announced the launch of Solion, a Franco-German project dedicated to the development of a new concept in energy conversion and storage for grid connected photovoltaic (PV) systems. The objective of the Solion partnership is to develop an integrated energy kit able to be produced on an industrial scale for decentralised on-grid, residential PV systems. This project will introduce large lithium-ion batteries into PV systems on the largest scale ever tested in Europe. Lithium-ion technology is required in order to meet the need for 20 years' battery life in demanding environmental conditions. The 75 systems will be deployed in Germany and France. These trials will validate the performance of the system, its economic viability, the added value of energy storage

Sensors Measure Up To 30 Positions In One Multiposition measurement is available for all sensors with a fieldbus interface, and CANbus and Profibus sensors are able to measure up to 30 positions simultaneously. MTS Temposonics noncontact position sensors can now measure up to 30 positions along a common axis using only one sensor Depending on the number of measuring points, an appropriate number of position magnets that all generate an individual signal travel along the sensor housing simultaneously. Each magnet is firmly assigned to a mobile machine part. Simultaneous detection of several positions permits considerable savings compared with conventional displacement sensors and rotary encoders. Due to a decreased number of position measurement systems and the compact construction of the Temposonics sensor, the costs of displacement measurement and space requirements are reduced. Multiposition measurement is available for all sensors with a fieldbus interface, whereby CANbus and Profib

Wire Processing Kit Targets Railway Sector The new Nova range of wire processing equipment has been designed especially for the manufacture of wire harnesses for the locomotive and rolling stock industry. Wire processing specialist Spectrum Technologies is set to make a major move into the locomotive and rolling stock (LRS) sector. Using the InnoTrans 2008 show in Berlin as a platform the company will be introducing its new Nova range of wire processing equipment designed especially for the manufacture of wire harnesses for the locomotive and rolling stock industry. Nova is a modular range of wire processing products based on Spectrum's successful new Nova platform recently introduced to the aerospace industry. Nova wire processing systems incorporate ink jet or laser technology, as required, for direct wire marking and identification in place of expensive heat shrink sleeve marking systems. These marking technologies are embodied in a range of wire mark, measure and cut systems th

Consultants Model Novel Arresting System Project is aimed at developing new civil aircraft arresting systems for safely decelerating an aircraft that overruns a runway during landing or take off. Protection Engineering Consultants of Spring Branch, Texas, has chosen to add DEM Solutions' EDEM software to an already impressive arsenal of innovative software solutions used in multi-hazard assessment and protective design consulting work. Protection Engineering Consultants will use the EDEM modelling software in a current project aimed at developing new civil aircraft arresting systems for safely decelerating an aircraft that overruns a runway during landing or take off. DEM Solutions' EDEM software package will provide a way to model, test, and evaluate promising alternative granular materials and design options for the arresting systems by modelling the action of aircraft tires rolling through simulated aggregate arresting beds. EDEM offers a virtual representation of aggregate

Motor Protection Relays in SymCom Model 777 Product Family are more than simple overload relays. They are complete motor, pump and system protection devices. These protection relays combine voltage and current monitoring to provide robust motor management. The Model 777 overload relay can be used to protect any 3-phase motor drawing 2-800 amps (external CTs are required above 90A). It combines overload, underload, and voltage and power monitoring functions in one package and has a 3-digit display for viewing voltage, current, and last fault information to simplify diagnostics. Model 777 products are UL listed, CSA recognized and CE approved. Specialized Model 777 units are available to provide linear trip capability, handle medium voltage applications, provide low power trip functions for special pumping applications and more. See page 4 for descriptions of available specialized Model 777s. Adding an optional Modbus, DeviceNet™ or Profibus communications module enables communicati

Gearboxes & Couplings For The Big Apple Major subway car builders like Kawasaki, Alstom and Bombardier have all used Renold couplings in their propulsion systems with proven success. Renold has won a US $14 million contract to supply rail traction gearboxes and couplings to Alstom for trains ordered by the New York City Transit Authority (NYCT). The contract is phase two of a three phase schedule and is expected to be fulfilled over an 18 month period commencing May 2008. The couplings are being fitted on the new R160 series trains destined for operation on the famous New York Subway. The subway system carried over 1.5 billion passengers in 2007 and the R160 cars will run on the highest traffic areas of the system, so reliability is an essential factor in design and manufacture. The new gearboxes and couplings are fitted in-between the AC traction motor and the drive axle. They allow the safe transmission of torque while the motor and gearbox shafts are misaligned, vertically and h

Strategy provides a holistic approach to saving energy in electrical drive applications. As a responsible solution provider and technology partner Lenze, the drive and automation technology specialist, actively supports the current efforts to reduce greenhouse gases and energy costs. With this in mind, Lenze AG has developed a three pillar strategy which provides a holistic approach regarding electrical drives. It allows the user to identify the potential for improvements in energy consumption. By increasing energy efficiency, energy requirements can be reduced with no detrimental affects on the process. In this way the strategy contributes directly to the reduction in greenhouse gases. In industry electrical drives are among the biggest consumers of energy. As a result, increasing their efficiency is a key factor for efforts to reduce CO2 emissions and energy costs. Although product oriented efforts will undoubtedly help reduce energy consumption, only a holistic approach focus

Accelerometer Gets The Measure Of Shocks Measurement Specialties has released the Model 3700 accelerometer for impact, structural and transient shock testing. New from Measurement Specialties, the Model 3700 MEMS piezoresistive shock accelerometer was specifically designed for use in impact and shock testing environments and is packaged in a rugged stainless-steel housing. The accelerometer is available in ranges from +/-2000 to +/-6000g and is ideal for long-duration shock transient measurements. The accelerometer incorporates mechanical overrange stops that offers shock protection greater than 10,000g. A PFA-jacketed cable, with customer selected cable length, provides reliable operation in transient environments.