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Design by Objective: Energy efficiency: Waste not, want not

Sept. 1, 2008
More than ever, using energy resources wisely is a critical part of today's automation landscape. Check out some of the latest tips, tools, and resources

More than ever, using energy resources wisely is a critical part of today's automation landscape. Check out some of the latest tips, tools, and resources for maximizing the energy efficiency of your design projects.

Energy-efficient gearmotor improves total system efficiency

Dodge Quantis ILH (In-Line Helical) and RHB (Right Angle Helical Bevel) C-face gearmotors combine with Baldor Reliance Super-E Premium Efficient Motors for total system efficiency. Motor and gearbox combinations up to 10 hp are available, featuring a NEMA clamp-collar design, foot-mounted housing configurations, standard inch output shafts, nitrile input and output lip seals, A1 mounting, and Mobilegear 600 XP 22 oil. Reducers are engineered for flexibility with greater torque density in compact housing, and are manufactured with rolled steel and cast iron construction meeting NEMA Premium efficiency levels.
Baldor Electric Co.
www.baldor.com
(479) 646-4711

Electromechanical cylinders combine power and efficiency

Electromechanical (EMC) cylinders provide high thrust, high speed capabilities with greater flexibility and control to applications traditionally using hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders. These IP65-rated cylinders contain a precision-rolled ballscrew actuator, providing high positioning accuracy and repeatability while eliminating stick-slip effect. The low-maintenance drives are highly efficient, reducing energy costs and offering an environmentally friendly alternative to hydraulics. EMC cylinders are available in six sizes ranging from 32 to 100, with stroke lengths to 2,000 mm and speed capabilities to 1.6 m/sec.
Bosch Rexroth Corp.
www.boschrexroth-us.com/brl
(800) 438-5983

Earth-friendly bearings boost energy efficiency

Tribologically optimized iglide plastic plain bearings require neither oil nor grease; they are lubrication-free, so no contaminants escape into the environment. In addition, the amount of oil used in plastics manufacturing is much lower than that used in aluminum and steel production: It takes 16 qt of oil to produce 1 qt of aluminum, 12 qt of oil to produce 1 qt of steel, and just 1.9 qt of oil to produce 1 qt of plastic. The lightweight iglide bearings can also help reduce fuel consumption and carbon dioxide output in vehicles or aircrafts, as their reduced weight leads to lower masses and subsequently lower energy consumption.
igus Inc.
www.igus.com
(800) 521-2747

Soft starters help motors attain energy efficiency

SSW07 soft starters for advanced energy efficient induction motor operation cover a wide power range, 17 to 200 A (200 to 575-V three-phase ac) and are available in three compact models. Versatility is based on DSP control, which combines accuracy and repeatability in the startup sequences with ease of configuration and programming. DSP enables the SSW07 to provide both a low inertia start and a high breakaway torque load start suitable for a variety of applications, and limits initial voltage drop while avoiding high current spikes or inrush current. Energy savings are achieved through the built-in bypass, which minimizes power losses and heat dissipation in the thyristors.
WEG Electric Motors Corp.
www.weg.net
(800) ASK-4WEG

Power-dense motor achieves 90% efficiency

The heart of the RE 65 dc motor is its ironless rotor, which means that the drive works detent-free and has minimal rotor inertia. High torques and fast acceleration times are produced in combination with the four-pole structure of the Neodymium permanent magnets. Depending on the winding variation, the 65 mm cylindrical drive delivers nominal torque of 0.5 to 0.9 Nm at a nominal speed of 2,400 to 3,700 rpm. The power density is more than double compared to existing drives. Combined with voltages in the 18 to 70 V range, the motor is suitable for battery-powered use, such as in electrical vehicles and mobile robots.
maxon precision motors inc.
www.maxonmotorusa.com
(508) 677-0520

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