Frank J. Bartos

Motor Summit 2014: Energy efficiency focus is on total motor systems

Presentations at this biennial technology conference showed growing movement to embrace work on the larger electrically driven system beyond the motor itself. This approach can enable large efficiency gains. Motor Summit was hosted by European and international energy associations and co-hosted by the National Electric Manufacturers Association (NEMA) of the U.S.

Big plans for small nuclear reactors

Cover story: U.S. nuclear power plant outlook: new designs, safety, plant openings are part of the nuclear energy spotlight in 2014. Speakers at a recent American Nuclear Society meeting discussed more efficient nuclear reactor designs with simpler controls, nuclear plant safety, small modular reactors, and timeline for next new nuclear power plants.

Direct-drive linear motion expands its applications

Direct-drive linear (DDL) motion technology had its start in the machine tool industries: high-quality machining, honing, grinding, punching, and laser cutting. Linear motor systems have expanded into gantries/material handling, flying cut-off equipment, metal forming, assembly shuttles/conveyors, and food-processing machinery and other applications. See photos, supplier table, links to related stories.

PC-Based Control Delivers for Manufacturing

Influences of personal computer (PC) technology are all around us. Penetration of PC control into industrial communication, operator interfaces, production monitoring, and so on is enormous. PCs also have spawned a host of application software and tools that help streamline diagnostics, data management, and other plant functions.

AC Drives Simplify Complexity

They span the gamut of sizes from "micro drives" that virtually fit into your shirt pocket to large system drives and medium-voltage units. However, ac adjustable-speed drives have some attributes in common: increasingly capable control of ac induction motors, including torque control in some models, and inherent benefit of energy savings for many applications.

IPM Designs Improve Brushless Servos

Permanent magnet synchronous motors—brushless servo motors for short—rely on a rotating magnet rotor to generate the magnetic field needed for efficient torque production. Most often, the magnets reside on the rotor's outside periphery for the sake of design simplicity, providing good dynamic performance for many applications at lower cost than alternatives.

Starting, Stopping Motors Softly

Good reasons not to start (or stop) ac induction motors under full input voltage include exposure to extremely high locked-rotor currents and torques up to 230% of full-load torque. Solid-state, reduced-voltage (SSRV) soft starters serve to mitigate destructive effects of such very high motor inrush currents and resulting mechanical stresses on connected equipment or system components.

ASICs Versus FPGAs

As with other technologies, reports of the demise of ASICs have been premature. Design starts may be down sharply, but ASIC revenues continue to impress, especially in Asia/Pacific regions. Also, alternative hybrid approaches, such as "structured ASICs" may add new life to the technology. Meanwhile, FPGAs (and other programmable logic devices) are flexing their muscles, gaining critical mass, a...

Hydraulic cylinder anatomy

Available in a gamut of sizes, types, and design configurations, cylinder actuators form the main output device of a hydraulic motion system, and often the most visible part. These actuators convert hydraulic fluid pressure into rapid, controllable linear motion and force to move loads. A typical actuator consists of the cylinder body, end caps, piston, piston rod, seals, and bearing surfaces ...

Java in the Factory

Newer technologies carry inherent potential to improve on what has gone before. A case in point is Sun Microsystems' 1995 introduction of Java software and programming language, ushering in advances like platform/operating-system independence, ability to reuse software applications, Web connectivity, and basis on industry standards.

Hannover Fair Widens Coverage

Change is the only constant in business today, and tradeshows are no exception. With the incorporation of Interkama+ as an annual event—after its relocation from Düsseldorf and debut here in 2004—plus the addition of two other shows, Hannover Industrial Fair is at an all-time high for number of shows under one umbrella.

Closed-Loop Stepper Motion Alternative

Most step-motor-based motion systems operate in open loop and thereby provide a low-cost solution. In fact, stepper systems offer the only motion technology inherently capable of position control without feedback. However, when step motors move loads in open loop a potential loss of synchronism between commanded steps and actual steps may occur.

Intelligent Motion Unites Diverse Worlds

Intelligence means different things to different people. Intelligent motion control generally has incorporated motion and machine logic, plus power switching, in the same control package. Lately, other functions such as predictive maintenance, machine safety, and advanced communications, are increasingly part of the mix of "intelligent motion" architectures.

ABB hosts technology day in Sweden

ABB suggests that Western companies will only remain competitive in the world through research and inventive use of automation. Some of its own examples include the world's most-powerful dc transmission line; selling ABB robotics to more than 80% of automotive manufacturers; and more than 20% ABB market share in distributed control systems, high-power ac drive...

‘Real’ High-Voltage Motors Are Here

Imagine electric motors operating with input directly from a utility distribution line. Just think about the energy savings, drastic reduction of heat and power losses, and elimination of the costly, maintenance-prone transformer plus related switching equipment. Higher voltage also allows operation at lower current for the same power output.

AC Drives Stay Vital for the 21st Century

Physical size and weight provide the most visible evidence of the remarkable evolution of ac variable-frequency drives (VFDs) in the past 50 years. However, what's under the skin is even more dramatic for the performance, efficiency, and reliability now delivered by these motor controls. Making it all happen were advances in power-switching transistors, microprocessors, other hardware, plus sof...

The Path Forward: Link Technology and Business

Andrew McDonald is responsible for the management of Unilever's strategic program relating to process control and automation. A degreed electrical and electronic engineer, he is a Chartered Engineer and a member of the Institution of Electrical Engineers (U.K.). His career has included work with electrical and system integrators, control engineering roles on various waste management and decomm...

Shrinking Hardware, Increasing Functions

There's no question that board- and chip-level control products are shrinking in physical size, while continuing to add embedded functions. It's part of a natural progression to smaller, portable, more functional devices and gadgets desirable in the commercial and consumer world. The trend extends into industry, as well, where original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) face continual demands to re...

Temperature scale redux

Numerous scales and units have been devised for measuring temperature—the most commonly sensed and monitored physical parameter—but only two major units now find everyday usage. Two 18th century European scientists are credited for today's degrees Fahrenheit (°F) and degrees Celsius (°C) scales, of which the latter is virtually universally used except in the U.

Washdown motor anatomy

Industrial electric motors have inherently rugged designs, but still require extra protective features to handle pressurized washdowns and cleaning agents used in food and beverage processing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and related packaging applications. In particular, the industry workhorse ac induction motor has been enhanced with "washdown-duty" features, and every major motor manufactur...

Is Linux at the Gates of the Factory?

Open solutions represent an increasingly clear direction for industrial controls. So it's not surprising that something as vital as the "master regulator" of software in a computer—the operating system—attracts enthusiastic supporters for an open-source operating system (OS) like Linux. Originally developed and patented by Linus Torvalds in 1990, Linux has indeed made great waves i...

Software Tools Advance Embedded Control This article contains online extra material.

Although the development of application software for any environment has similar traits, software for embedded control imposes more stringent requirements and limits. Execution speed, timing issues, memory size, extent of testing and safety partitions—depending on the criticality of the application—all have higher requirements than in general PC-based software.

Got Field-Oriented Control in Your Servos? This article includes online material.

Field-oriented control—sometimes called flux-vector control—is a method that enables highest performance from permanent magnet (pm) synchronous (or brushless servo) motors throughout their speed range. FOC algorithms model the torque-generating efficiency of dc motors and allow linear torque control.

Distributed Power Demands Safe, Reliable Controls

In the wake of the recent power outage in the Northeastern U.S. comes a fresh reminder of how we take uninterrupted supply of electricity for granted. The need to protect and make power supplies more reliable likewise comes to the forefront. One element along the route to reliability is a nascent trend toward smaller-scale, modular distributed power systems.

Artificial Intelligence …Within

Perhaps we don't hear much about artificial intelligence (AI) methods used within today's technologies because it's slightly unnerving when computers emulate human thinking. Yet we, and computers themselves, continue to improve the way AI works quietly in the background to optimize, reduce process costs, and improve timing and product quality.

AC Drives Trend to Efficient, Modular Designs

Whether you call them ac adjustable-speed drives(ASDs)—the name preferred by most—or use other labels, such as variable-speed drivesor variable-frequency drives, or frequency converters as the international community prefers, ASDs excel at one key point: increasingly capable control of ac motors.

Servos Optimize Torque per Volume

They're the elite among various electric motor types. Servo motors stand out by incorporating the latest high-force magnet materials, advanced design methods, and precise dimensional tolerances. Combined with appropriate electronics, servo motors offer the most sophisticated motion control available today.

A Wider Field of View

The technology basket that represents today's mix of "sensors" includes much more than the standard sensors to which we're accustomed. Wireless networking, intelligent systems, MEMS (microelectromechanical systems), MST (microsystem technologies), nanotechnology, biosensors, and others are firmly in the mix.

‘Division’ or ‘zone’ by any other name is still hazardous

Not all parts of processing plants or manufacturing facilities are created equal. In fact, some areas of petrochem plants, underground mines, even grain silos pose the potential of accidental explosion, due to ignitable gases, vapors or dust that may be present. Various classifications have been set up to identify these potentially dangerous industrial environments so that electrical equipment ...

Direct-Drive Linear Motion Lives!

Technologically, they've made a straight line to success. Direct-drive linear motion systems eliminate gearboxes, ballscrews, belts, couplings, or other rotary-to-linear motion converters between motor and load—offering superior speed, acceleration, load-positioning accuracy, and rapid stroke cycling, compared to systems based on rotary motors.

Are You Going to Hannover Fair?

Apologies to Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel who popularized the song "Scarborough Fair" in the mid-1960s—and to the unknown writer and caretakers of this English folksong from late medieval times—but it was an irresistible tie-in with Hannover Fair 2003. And there's even some historical connection.

Motion Control Standards Continue to Evolve

Too many standards or not enough, that's the question? Whether or not you include de facto industry standards and communication standards as part of motion control will determine that answer.

Springtime for Switched-Reluctance Motors?

Build a ''better'' electric motor (and its associated controls)—based on simple, rugged design that eliminates costly permanent magnets—and users will flock to apply the technology. Well, this notion has not yet been proven for switched-reluctance (SR) motors, given the present business conditions and a more sober evaluation of SR technology by potential users.

Control Engineering Motors, Drives, & Motion Control eNews for November 2002

AutomationDirect - Half-priced drives, next day delivery Would you like a low-cost micro drive with "big drive" features? Then try out the new line of AC drives from AutomationDirect. The GS series drives offer features not commonly found in microdrives, at half the price of the competition. They also offer simple programming, simple communications, and AutomationDirect's 30-day money-back guarantee and two-year replacement warranty. Check out the new line of AC drives at: Click Here Welcome back to the Motors, Drives, & Motion Control E-newsletter after a hiatus of a few months.

Medium-Voltage Motors Ease Limits on Current Capacity and Power

Most electric motors run on supply voltages under 600 V, yet operating at these so-called ''low voltages'' limits current-carrying capacity and output power needed for large industrial loads. Current limits pose a special problem during motor start-up. Medium-voltage (MV) ac motors overcome such limits.

Chip-Based Motion/Motor Control Saves Time, Cost, and Space

You would expect leading-edge digital signal processors (DSPs) to be reserved only for sophisticated, high-end motion applications. However, some of the latest processor chips now provide single-axis motor control in washing machines, refrigerators, and related commercial products.

AC Drives Meet and Exceed User Demands

Simpler variable-torque applications continue to be the most common use for ac adjustable-speed drives, yet manufacturers are adding increasingly sophisticated capabilities and high-level functions to these products. EXPANDED ARTICLE AND PRODUCTS ON-LINE

Motion control standards have a way to go

"Lack of standards" is a complaint often heard in the motion-control arena. Given the kaleidoscope of technologies and products that comprise this sector, the comment isn't surprising. However, if one includes proprietary approaches and de facto standards, plus various communications buses used in motion control, then probably there are too many "standards" out there.

Electric Servos Go for Ease of Use, Integrate with the Whole Plant

'Integration and more integration" describes in the fewest words the current direction for electric servo technology. Integration runs from the grand scale of servo systems blending with machine controls and overall factory processes to the micron scale where functionality of microcontrollers and digital signal-processor (DSP) chips just keeps growing.

Slip rings safely send power and data across rotary interfaces

What do you need to transmit electric power and/or information between continuously rotating structures and stationary equipment? Slip rings are your most likely solution. These electromechanical devices —also known as rotary joints and rotary electrical interfaces—fall into two basic types.

Motion Trends 2002

How readers use motion technologies is a moving target. Additional findings of an extensive survey of readers of Control Engineering and Design News who use and specify motion control technology are highlighted in a Special Supplement in this issue. Current developments in motion control center on the spread of distributed control architectures and increased integration of components that...

Seven shows in one at Hannover Fair 2002

Hannover, Germany—The 2002 edition of the "world's largest industrial fair" will consist of seven individual trade shows, including its Factory Automation centerpiece. The other six shows are: MicroTechnology, CeMAT, SurfaceTechnology, Energy, SubconTechnology, and Research & Technology.

Rotary encoders make versatile motion feedback devices

'Encoding" or converting angular position into electronic signals is the mission of rotary encoders. Ways to detect motion include mechanical (via brush contacts) or magnetic/inductive methods, but noncontact optical encoders comprise the most common feedback device used in industrial motion control.

Anatomy of an ac induction motor

Often referred to as the "workhorse" of industrial electric motors, ac induction motors offer users simple, rugged construction and easy maintenance. These factors have promoted standardized motor designs and development of a manufacturing infrastructure leading to a vast installed base worldwide.