Web-based software sizes linear motion equipment

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Excerpt: The latest version of a company’s web-based linear motion-system sizing and selection software, Linear Motioneering 2.0, lets OEM and factory automation users optimize machine design and operation by walking them through an intuitive process that delivers the data necessary to make a logical s …

Motors & Drives 101

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Excerpt: Large electric motors in the nacelle power hydraulic pumps, power the blowers for cooling, turn the nacelle, and pitch the blades. Pitch drives can be electric or hydraulic, although hydraulic units seem prevalent on utility-sized wind turbines. Smaller fractional-hp motors are found on a variety of …

Electrical & Electronic Components 101

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Excerpt: Motors and drives Nacelles on utility-scale turbines are filled with motors, drives, and controls. The latter devices are part of the turbine controls that tell motors what to do. In just a few tasks, electric motors pitch the blades on turbines to capture the most power from the available wind. Mo …

Pitch system for 3-MW wind turbine

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Excerpt: Guodian United Power Technology Co. Ltd. (GUP) has successfully completed the grid connection for its first 3MW wind turbine, which uses Moog’s AC servo motion-controlled pitch system. This expands the partnership between Moog Industrial Group, a division of Moog Inc. and GUP, and promotes the gro …

What are the different types of motors & drives in wind turbines?

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Excerpt: Pitch drives can be electric or hydraulic, although hydraulic units are prevalent on utility-sized wind turbines. Hydraulic pitch controls would use servovalves along with microprocessor-based electronics and one of several network connections, such as CANopen, Profibus, or Ethernet fieldbus inte …

Trends in motors and drives

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Excerpt: One trend in wind motors and drives is an increasing demand to refine overall turbine design for lower cost and higher availability. Also, instead of buying the gearbox and motor separately from different manufacturers, some companies offer them packaged together. Lastly, requirements for pi …

Finding and fixing drivetrain problems

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Excerpt: Ashley Crowther, VP Engineering, Wind Romax U.S. A case study shows how condition-monitoring data and engineering analysis can identify the root cause of trouble in wind-turbine drivetrains, and then give design teams information to solve the problems. Maintaining profitability is one of the big …

Smart drives for fans and pumps

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Excerpt: The ACS310 is intended to install and get up and running fast, particularly when it is to drive pumps and fans. The addition to ABB’s ac drive family ranges from 200 to 480 Vac, 0.5 to 30 hp (0.37 kW to 22 kW). The drive has features for pumps and fans– complemented with advanced, energy eff …

Electric blade pitch control

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Excerpt: A state-of-the art servodrive for electric pitch systems was on display at WINDPOWER 2010 in the Moog booth. The PITCHmaster II was developed for the harsh conditions prevailing in rotor hubs. It operates reliably at constant internal switch gear cabinet temperatures ranging from -22°F to 158°F. …

Electromechanical device for blade pitch control

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Excerpt: In addition to hydraulically controlled and actuated blade pitch control systems, Parker can provide components and systems for dynamic performances with electromechanical technology. Parker’s electromechanical solutions, on display in Booth 10443, include dc drives with rugged designs and flexibl …