Electricity + Control January 2017

ROUND UP

DRIVES, MOTORS + SWITCHGEAR

Latest-technology assembly cells for geared motors SEW-EURODRIVE CapeTown has invested in new assembly cells for geared motors to speed up production, increase quality and reduce wastage. As part of its ongoing development, the branch also plans a new assembly cell for electronics in the near future. “We have definitely started to do more business on the electronics side, especially in terms of servo motors and mechatronic units, which combine electronics with mechanical gearing,” comments Branch Manager Byron Griffiths. He explains that the assembly-cell development embarked upon by the CapeTown branch will increase its flexibility and capability to deliver total solutions for clients. It will also assist in reducing stockholding, as a lot of components are interchangeable, as opposed to having to keep one item in stock in every available size and configuration. CapeTown is a significant production hub for SEW-EURODRIVE, as it assembles units for other branches, including Nelspruit, Durban, Johannesburg, and Port Elizabeth. In addition, specific sizes and ranges are only assembled in CapeTown, and distributed to other branches when needed. “For example, a smaller location such as Port Elizabeth will rely on us for its production, from servo motors to geared motors,” Griffiths points out. He adds that the Western Cape market in particular is showing growth in terms of both volumes and turnover. “The market is definitely on the uptick compared to last year. We are doing surprisingly well, despite the prevailing tough market conditions.” Enquiries: Jana Klut.Tel. +27 (0) 11 248 7161or email JKlut@sew.co.za

Integrated drive system for open cooling circuits Based on its IDS concept, Siemens is now offering an environmentally friendly integrated drive system for open circuits comprising Simotics FDmotors and water-cooled Sinamics S120 converters. Using an integrated cooling concept, the new system turns available service water into cooling water for the drive system, enabling a joint open cooling circuit for the plant, mo- tor and converter.The joint cooling circuit allows the recooling module for the converter to be dispensed with, significantly reducing the amount of space required and providing improved economic and energy efficiency. Water cooling is a highly effective method of dissipating heat generated by the motor and converter, and is particularly vital in the process industry. With its water-cooled drive system, Siemens is providing an efficient overall concept which makes minimal demands on the qual- ity of the water. This means that any kind of available water, from service water customarily

occurring in industry through to treated river water, can be used for drive system cooling. Because the overall system is resistant to oxygen enrichment of the cooling water, it is also able to prevent unwanted oxidation. Dispensing with additives in the cooling water not only lessens the envi- ronmental impact of the drive system but also guarantees simpler commissioning and maintenance. Enquiries: Email Stefan.Rauscher@siemens.com or jennifer.naidoo@siemens.com

January ‘17 Electricity+Control

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