Day 1 - Thursday, February 14, 2008
Blue sessions - International Ballroom
Red Sessions - Redwood
Gold Sessions - Cottonwood
7:00 a.m. - Registration & Continental Breakfast
8:05 a.m. - Opening Address
8:10 a.m. 
Keynote Address
Automation Unplugged: The Future of Automation, Drives & Controls in a Global Environment
The fundamental purpose of automation, controls & drives is to improve productivity – generate increased output with reduced costs. Productivity has now become a global race. It’s a fierce, head-to-head competition between regions and nations for the single reason that it is the source of the wealth, the key to improvements in living standards. Those who can produce cheaper, faster, better – win!
Technology improves productivity and wins market-share. Hardware and software, products and systems, will continue on the technology treadmill, becoming smaller, cheaper, higher performance at a better price, more widely available. Within the next few years, literally billions of communications-enabled products and processes will provide intelligence and connectivity for almost everything, extending the Internet into almost every aspect of our lives.
Machine-to-machine communications (M2M) will yield significant benefits over the next decade. Imagine every major piece of equipment monitoring its own operation, including uptime, downtime, dwell-time, energy usage, malfunction and repair-time. Usage can then be reported with an Internet connection, providing real-time asset management and operating return on investment (ROI).
Wireless sensor networks will generate significant new growth, providing vast arrays of real-time, remote interaction with the physical world. The future of wireless is not just replacement of copper in conventional applications. New leadership and market share will go to those who use wireless imaginatively to completely reshape old systems with as yet unimagined benefits.
Jim Pinto, Futurist / Author / Consultant
Founder and Former President & CEO of Action Instruments
9:15 a.m.
Minimization of Losses in Converter-Fed Induction Motors - Optimal Flux Solution
Attendees will learn about a new technique developed to minimize losses in totally enclosed fan-cooled (TEFC) induction motors fed by frequency converters in applications with constant torque loads, especially at low speeds, in which the ventilation system is inefficient. The optimal flux solution avoids the need of torque reduction, motor oversizing and/or independent ventilation, for the motor temperature rise to be kept within the limits of its insulation thermal class. By means of the implementation of an optimal flux versus frequency curve into commercial static frequency converters, the study provided a (motor+converter) solution, which optimizes the variable speed driving of constant torque loads.
Sebastiao Nau, R&D Manager, WEG Motors
9:15 a.m.
Trends in Automation: How to Evaluate / Specify Automation Technology in the Wake of New Challenges in the Automation Industry
Today’s challenges for the end user are highly complex machine processes, smaller batch sizes and a need for just in time delivery. This translates directly into an increased use of servo and internet based web server technology in various machine applications, thus realizing a fast and flexible product changeover as well as reduced maintenance costs due to remote access to production data on the machine floor.
What should future selection criteria of Automation Components be based on? How does the use of future technologies influence the specification process? How does new multi axes Servo technology boost performance of new machine concepts?
Discuss with the experts how to overcome limitations of your current solution. Learn how new technologies are going to change the automation industry and how you are going to find the equipment that is best for you. Keeping in mind that it’s not about the latest technology hype, it’s about the latest solutions that provide key benefits to you.
Markus Sandhoefner, Sales Manager, B&R Automation
9:15 a.m.
Sound Optimization of Planetary Gear Drives
In today’s far reaching environment of electro-mechanical drive systems, the increasing demand on low noise is ever present. From the noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) discipline in automotive engineering to the personal encounters at home or in the office, human interaction and interpretation of sound levels and quality are constantly being optimizes.
This presentation will cover the various items which can influence the sound level and sound quality of a planetary gear drive system. The major focus is on the mechanics of the planetary gear drive, however references to motor design are also relevant. An elemental description of acoustics is presented to define the differences between sound, tone and noise and also the basic ways in which these can be measured. Although measuring these features graphically on a computer is one way to interpret the sound level, the affects of frequency and amplitude are also reviewed since the ultimate result is to provide the best sound quality as perceived by the human ear.
The various factors which can be controlled with the planetary gear drive will then be considered to determine their influence on the sound level. Factors in the design of the gears themselves such as tooth shape, contact ratio, overlap, strength, types of materials, tolerances and lubricant choice are all discussed to show the relative influence on the overall sound level.
The summary will review an actual example and will present the testing procedure and instrumentation used in the evaluation, including the anechoic chamber and acoustical & vibration measuring equipment. The results will be provided in both graphic and audible form.
Joe Sitta, Vice President, IMS Gear Planetary Gears Inc.
10:00 a.m. - Networking Break in the Exhibit Hall (Sponsored By Sko-Die, Inc.)
10:45 a.m
Active Front End Technology on AC Drives
Due mainly to rising energy cost and emphasis on reducing harmonics, active front end technology is gaining relevance in the AC drives market. Additional advantages including increased performance, reduced torque ripple, compensation for power fluctuations, power regeneration, power factor correction, and the capability of an OEM machine to run on various voltage levels worldwide have added to its popularity.
An AFE uses IGBT technology and its main purpose is to convert a three phase AC supply to DC power (DC bus) for an AC drive. The AC drive then inverts the DC power to a three phase Pulse Width Modulated supply to an AC motor. This discussion will explore the advantages of having a static DC bus that is isolated from line or load fluctuations.
Craig Nelson, Product Manager, Siemens Energy & Automation
10:45 a.m
Integrating Motion Control with Programmable Automation Controllers
Since its introduction several years ago, the Programmable Automation Controller has helped to change the control industry. By combining the features and capabilities of a PC-based control system with that of a typical programmable logic controller (PLC), a PAC system offers open, modular architectures. As industrial applications become more and more customized, this open architecture gives engineers more flexibility in determining the components of their control system. Integrating motion control right into the programmable automation controller is the logical future for motion control. Quicker time to production and better yield are the benefits of a shared common tag database and common programming language for both logic and motion. Higher productivity results from distributed control architectures. This session will explore how you can maximize your machine with integrated motion control and be a part of the future of motion.
Paul Derstine, Motion Product Manager, GE Fanuc Automation
10:45 a.m
Recent Developments in NdFeB Magnets Made From Rapidly Quenched Powders and Their Applications in Electric Drives
Rare-earth permanent magnets are among the major components of servomotors and motion control systems. The high-energy magnet rotors in combination with the electronic commutation and control provide the highest possible acceleration rate, efficiency and compact packages for industrial drives, factory automation and positioning systems, etc. The magnets, made from the rapidly quenched NdFeB powder, are widely used in servomotors. Due to significant improvements of the chemical composition, powder quality, coating, compaction technology and die upsetting technique, a noticeable progress with regard to the energy product and thermal stability has been achieved in recent years. This presentation will provide an update on the performance and available sizes of MQ1 and MQ3 magnets. Several applications of MQ1 and MQ3 magnets in industrial drives will be discussed along with their pros and cons as compared with the sintered NdFeB magnets.
Yuriy Zhilichev, Senior Scientist, Magnequench International, Inc.
11:30 a.m
Bridging the Gap: Communicating Motor Reliability to Management
"It's not the Motor!" just doesn't cut it anymore in today's highly advanced maintenance reliability world. Convincing management to spend money on reliability for a motor that is running "just fine" requires a higher degree of communication than merely pointing fingers. From reliability technicians and engineers to reliability supervisors and management, a common communication protocol can increase the understanding of a reliability situation and make these expensive decisions easier.
By focusing on the six fault zone approach, this presentation will "bridge the gap," providing insight into one of the largest problems faced in analyzing electrical equipment: accurately identifying where the true problem exists. Once identified, it is imperative that these issues are communicated to management efficiently and effectively.
David McGuire, Regional Accounts Manager, PdMA Corporation
11:30 a.m
Carbon Footprint of Industrial Products / Determination of the Footprint / Reduction and Offset Programs
It has become a widely recognized fact that the CO2 created by the activity of humans is a significant contribution to the overall increase of greenhouse gases on our planet. How much it contributes to a global warming trend is still hotly disputed. It is certainly prudent to assess and know how much CO2 individual companies are contributing during the process creating products. The creation of every man made product requires energy, and is associated with the burning of fossil fuels, hence every product has a certain CO2 footprint.
Whereas it is fairly easy to find calculations schemes to assess the personal CO2 foot-print of an individual or of a household, it is difficult to find guidelines and definitions on how to determine the footprint of an industrial product. This session will present some basic definitions and simple methods to allow companies offering products for Automation (motors, drives, mechanical components) to determine the carbon footprint of its products. Also, possibilities of reduction or offset programs are presented and discussed.
Dr. Gerhard Antony, President & General Manager, Neugart USA LP
11:30 a.m
Improvements of New IGBT and Diode Technologies for 1200 V Give Benchmark Performance
This session will report on new technologies for both IGBT and diode which are optimized for a swtiching frequency of 20 kHz and above ... and its benefits in the application. It will give deep considerations of the design aspects and the internal states of the diode during current commutation. Also, a benchmarking with previous generations and the benefits for the application will be pointed out. The presentation will focus on the principal IGBT and diode properties only.
Dr. Wolfgang Frank, Concept Engineer, Infineon Technologies
12:15 p.m - Luncheon in the Dining Hall
1:15 p.m
Permanent Magnet Machines for Direct Drive Applications
“Direct-Drive” ac motors open a new horizon for industrial drives. The elimination of the gearbox reduces the parts subjected to wear, while low speeds increase the life. The result is far greater reliability than with a conventional geared induction motor.
“Direct-Drives” motors are permanent magnet synchronous machines with a high number of poles. “Rare earth” (NdFeB) permanent magnets have high magnetic energy density producing improved power factor and higher efficiency.
The PM motor family includes two designs: Internal rotor and external rotor. All designs are industrially rated and adopted in critical applications such as elevator winches and wind power generators. They can also be used in flux-vector applications.
Roberto Lamberti, Technical Manager, Sicme Motori SpA
Gianmario Pellegrino, Dept. of Electrical Engineering, Politecnico Di Torino
1:15 p.m
Common Industrial Control Software Language
The concept of an open architecture programming language for controls has been discussed for years and is realized today with the IEC-61131-3 standard. The worldwide standard comes from the International Electrotechnical Committee which was founded in 1906 and is recognized worldwide for standards in the controls and power industry.
IEC 61131-3 is an open programming standard being used to implement open industrial systems and is being adopted by users in a wide range of industries.
IEC 61131-3 harmonizes the programming interface allowing people with different backgrounds and skills to create elements of a program throughout the software lifecycle: specification, design, implementation, testing, installation and maintenance. The standard promotes XML exchange of programs between control vendor products to increase reusability and portability of applications.
This presentation will explain and illustrate by example the value of using IEC-61131-3 to implement control and automation systems. It will also provide a clear description of IEC-61131-3 programming with examples including control functions.
Bill Lydon, Managing Director, PLCopen North America
1:15 p.m
A High Temperature, High Ripple Current DC BUS Film Capacitor in an Annular Form Factor
As industry continues to push for size reduction, improved performance, and lower cost, component parameters such as operating temperature range are becoming more critical to achieving these goals. As an example the DoE’s FreedomCAR & Vehicle Technologies (FCVT) program is pushing for higher temperature limits of under-the-hood components. The FreedomCAR program is pushing for capacitor technology capable of operating over a wide temperature range, with the goal of being able to cool the power electronics with the standard +105ºC radiator cooling system in Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV & PHEV) applications. For some capacitor technologies this requires a +150ºC rated component; that margin is needed just to handle the internal capacitor temperature rise above the coolant temperature!
While there are various capacitor dielectric options available with high temperature ratings, most are either too expensive or have negative performance attributes.
SBE will present information on the utilization of state-of-the-art biaxially oriented, highly crystalline Metallized Polypropylene film as a dielectric, and its feasibility when wound into a large “disc-shaped” form factor capacitor and operated at elevated temperatures under high ripple current conditions.
Polypropylene film with a highly crystalline structure has the capability of handling higher temperatures (+105ºC to +125ºC) than typical polypropylene film (+85ºC to +105ºC). When this highly crystalline polypropylene film is utilized in winding a capacitor with minimal internal temperature rise the anticipated result is a capacitor solution that can handle high ripple current, require reduced cooling, and improve reliability.
SBE will report on design options, analysis of ripple current capability, results of temperature rise testing of highly crystalline polypropylene film, and the advantages created for a variety of AC Motor Drive applications.
Terry Hosking, VP of Engineering, SBE, Inc.
2:00 p.m
Current Control Techniques in Motor Drives
In both AC and DC motor drives, current control is one of the most important factor determining motor performance and efficiency. A variety of different current control techniques are now used depending on motor type, drive cost and application. The presentation will discuss the influence of the motor current (waveform and phase) in torque production, torque ripple, efficiency and harmonics. The discussion will also introduce several different types of current regulators and compare their advantages and disadvantages in terms of performance, difficulty in implementation, parameter tuning and test. Focused current regulator types will include, phase current regulator, synchronous regulator, predictive current control and sliding mode control.
Dr. Dal Ohm, President, Drivetech, Inc.
2:00 p.m
Networking Machine Safety: A Hands-On Presentation
Relatively recent changes to important US safety standards (NFPA 79) have enabled US users to consider networking safety devices like Light Curtains, E-Stops, and Interlock Switches. This presentation will give an introduction to networking safety and use AS-Interface Safety at Work, a low cost open networking solution for both standard and safety I/O approved for safety applications up to Category 4, to specifically address some of the benefits derived from networking machine safety devices. The presentation will address many of the technical questions engineers have, but will also discuss why this technology makes financial sense.
The speaker will close the presentation with a live demonstration involving the audience. The audience will construct a running network with several safety functions including Light Curtain muting and basic E-Stop operation.
Dr. Helmut Hornis, Manager, Intelligent Systems Group, Pepperl+Fuchs, Inc.
2:00 p.m
Practical Approaches for Deploying Fi ber Optic Rotary Sensors for Motion Control Applications in Harsh and Hazardous Locations: Three Case Studies
Many motion control applications operating in harsh and/or hazardous environments have been shifting to fiber optic technology as the means to meeting system and reliability performance requirements. Micronor’s fiber optic rotary encoder and commutation sensors have established themselves as a proven means of providing EMI-immune position and speed feedback in a wide range of heavy duty, electric drive applications. Applications range from cable cars to flight actuation systems; from food processing plants to steel mills. The products and underlying technology have been presented in previous conferences. This time the focus is on the problems and solutions faced by first-time fiber optic users and engineers.
From GbE networking applications to remote optical sensors, first-time fiber users are learning that deploying optical technology can be quite different from copper systems. Attention must be paid to user training, evaluating optical loss budgets, designing the optical cable plant, selection of suitable connectors, choosing proper cabling, proper installation techniques, testing the installed fiber plant, and devising practical repair/replacement strategies. This presentation offers guidelines and practical solutions used to successfully deploy optical technology – using the backdrop of three diverse applications and operating environments: oil rig, steel mill and aerial cable car.
Dennis Horwitz, Vice President, Micronor Inc.
2:45 p.m - Networking Break in the Exhibit Hall (Sponsored By NEC Electronics)
3:30 p.m
Protecting AC Drives: Upstream and Downstream Devices, Their Function and Effectiveness
The presentation will describe how to specify protective equipment including:
• Circuit Breakers • Fusing • Line Reactors • DC Chokes • Special Cabling • Noise Filters •
• Dynamic Breaking Components • Sine Wave Filters • Static Harmonic Converters •
• Enclosure Sizing
Mike Freeman, Sales & Marketing Manager, Amtech Drives, Inc.
3:30 p.m
Discussion of the Latest Developments in Distributed Control Cabinet and Machine Mount IO, Including Ethernet and Wireless Communication
This Session will focus on the industry trends and influences surrounding the growth of Industrial Ethernet and wireless communication for control and monitoring of IO on the factory floor. In addition, it will review the latest developments in PC-based control technology, including the areas of convergence between traditional discrete I/O fieldbus and motion networks.
Greg Dixson, Product Marketing Manager, Phoenix Contact Automation Systems
3:30 p.m
Advanced Networked Motion Control Applications in an ARM Cortex-M3 Based MCU
This presentation will show how a complete networked motion control application can comfortably run in a Cortex-M3 based MCU. Unlike a DSP or traditional MCU motor/motion control approach, Cortex-M3 allows a prioritized interrupt driven algorithm, whether using chopping, sine-wave, space-vectors, FOC, or adaptive PWM. This approach avoids factoring applications, and comfortably allows for a mix of advanced motion control of one, two, or three motors, along with networking (e.g.
Ethernet, CAN, 1588 HW time synchronized Ethernet, or older multi-drop serial), and a sophisticated application, whether PLC/PID or RTOS or other design. This both reduces BOM costs and the complexity of the application. The presentation will show the board wiring for different types of motors, as well as explain how the algorithms work and why.
Paul Kimelman, Chief Technical Officer, Luminary Micro, Inc.
4:15 p.m - General Session Panel Discussion
Medium Voltage Drive Technology: Overview, Challenges & Outlook
Medium voltage drives are a fast growing sector of the motor and drive market that present excellent growth opportunities and many technical challenges driven by changing economics due to the increasing energy costs and demands for greater efficiency and “clean” power.
A panel of experts that represent users, drive manufacturers, component manufacturers, utilities and end-users will discuss the potential market size and growth opportunity of these drives along with the technical difficulties that limit the potentially explosive growth of this important market segment.
Executives, managers and designers should attend this discussion to learn about this technology and explore if this market segment presents an opportunity for their company’s growth and product development.
Moderator
• Dr. George Holling, Technical Director, Rocky Mountain Technologies
Panelists:
• Dan Cooper, Dir., Medium Voltage Drive Apps., Siemens
• Jerry Gallagher, Strategic Accounts Mgr., Infineon
• Eric Motto, Principal Applications Engineer, Powerex, Inc.
5:30 - 7:30 p.m - Cocktail Reception in the Exhibit Hall
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Day 2 - Friday, February 15, 2008
Blue sessions - International Ballroom
Red Sessions - Redwood
Gold Sessions - Cottonwood
7:30 a.m. - Registration & Continental Breakfast
8:00 a.m. - Keynote Address
State of the Motors & Drives Industry and the "TEAM" Approach Driving Global Productivity: A 360° Perceptive on the Motors & Drives Industry
This presentation will provide a global overview of the motors and drives market with a discussion on the market growth, dynamics and challenges, as well as discussion on the key trends by the end-user applications, the newer growth areas. Attendees will hear discussion on various technology developments in the market and how the increasing role of technology innovation in motors and drives have helped manufacturing to be more efficient, reliable and productive.
Trends by geographies and a keen focus on the growth opportunities across various emerging nations such as China, India, Brazil, Russia, and Mexico will be addressed.
Discussion on investment themes and best investment destination for themotors and drives market Critical challenges faced by customers and innovative technologies and solutions in overcoming the same. Finally, strategies for growth both from a manufacturer's standpoint as well as from a customer's standpoint will be addresses.
Shibu SL, Industry Manager - Industrial Automation & Process Controls, Frost & Sullivan
8:45 a.m. General Session Panel Discussion
Comparison and Selection of High-Resolution Servo Motor Feedback Protocols
Attendees will come away from this discussion with an understanding of the differences between competing high resolution servo motor feedback systems, understand the pros and cons of the options available, and will have a more critical perspective with which to evaluate the various claims and offerings of feedback suppliers.
Moderator
• Dan Jones, President, Incremotion Associates
Panelists:
• Scott Hewitt, President, SICK STEGMANN
• Rick Campfield, Chief Strategy Officer, US Digital
• Mark Langille, Servo Feedback Account Manager, Dynapar
10:00 a.m. - Networking Break in the Exhibit Hall (Sponsored By Virginia Transformer)
10:45 a.m
The DynaMotor: A Unique, Integrated, High Torque Variable Speed Motor
The DynaMotor is a patented brushless AC motor that runs at variable speed by means of electronic switches that are embedded in the coils on the wound rotor. These switches regulate current flow in the rotor and thus control the motor’s torque and speed. Each switch is controlled by a photo-detector, which is turned on and off as it rotates past an array of stationary LEDs. These are activated by conventional analog or digital signals. This presentation describes how the DynaMotor works, including its internal closed-loop control, its design parameters and typical performance data. It explains how the DynaMotor can produce triple the torque of an inverter drive system at low speeds, thus eliminating mechanical gearing. Additionally, it covers the elimination of high frequency PWM switching and related audible whine, RFI/EMI and ground currents.
Robert Klimo, VP of Engineering, DynaMotors, Inc.
10:45 a.m
Linear Motor Technology Strengths & Weaknesses for Industrial Automation Applications
Linear motors have been used for more than30 years for industrial automation applications. But still it is quite difficult to convince customers, designers and decision makers to select linear motors, even when they are the technology with the best performance-cost ratio.
This presentation will describe the available technologies for linear motor axis and their specific weaknesses and strengths from the application point of view in the area of industrial automation. It contains information about the linear motor technology, measuring systems, linear guides and housing. Some applications are presented with some remarks about the integration of linear motors axis in these specific applications. Another interesting discussion point is the SWOT analysis of the different drive technologies pneumatics, belt, lead screw, ball screw and linear motor. Part of this discussion includes a proposal of how to select the technology which fits best for a specific customer application. In conclusion, future trends in linear motor technology will be shown from the viewpoint of the presenter.
Jeurgen Kuehnle, Product Manager, Festo Corporation
10:45 a.m
High Density Electronics Cooling Using a Pumped Liquid Two-Phase System
The focus of this presentation will be to discuss the value of changing from water-cooled design to a two-phase R134a design. On the surface there are obvious advantages to the R134a design including: elimination of de-ionized water sub-system and pump seal servicing, packaging size and weight reduction, and a simplified control strategy. These and other advantages will be discussed in detail.
Dr. Nazih Khatib, R&D Engineering, Parker Hannifin
11:30 a.m
University Centers of Electric Machine Research in the USA
There are twenty-six established University Centers and several multi-university research consortiums actively conducting research in the field of electric machines. A variety of machine emphasis and R&D strengths exists within these Centers, changing with funding opportunities, commercial interest, and personnel. The Centers are tasked with R&D goals, dissemination of information within this community (usually in the form of publications and short courses), and preparation of engineers for participation in industry. As resources, University Centers thrive with industrial partners. A large proportion of these Centers are currently concentrating on power electronics for machines, machine control, or hybrid vehicles. A smaller proportion of Centers emphasize machine design and/or testing. A few Centers have specialized in automation, robotics, actuators, or machines for energy storage. In this presentation, R&D strengths will be discussed along with examples of Center funding portfolios.
Dr. Aleta Wilder, Staff Scientist, Center for Electromechanics, University of Texas
11:30 a.m
Automated Design of Multiphase Switched Reluctance Machines
Most design algorithms for multiphase switched reluctance machines (SRM) are based on semi-analytic approaches that combine analytic approximations and an iterative process using finite element methods (FEM) to verify and determine the optimal design parameters. These methods can be time consuming and difficult to implement. Recently, a number of algorithms have been suggested that can be implemented using only computer aided design. In this presentation, a fully automated design algorithm is implemented for SRMs. A minimum number of inputs that specify the performance criterion of the motor are used to initiate the design process and no analytic approximations are made in subsequent steps. The design process presented here is demonstrated for the case of an 8/6 SRM and the results are compared with those from an industrial 8/6 SRM.
Dr. Tanvir Rahman, Application Engineer, Infolytica Corporation
11:30 a.m
Advancing Hydraulic Technology Into the Age of Hybrid Vehicles and AC Drives
Mechanical engineers know that many electrically powered machines use hydraulic systems for performing useful work functions. Battery powered forklift trucks, steering systems on electric vehicles, and many industrial process machines like injection molding machines are a few examples of such machines. Producers of machines that use hydraulic systems traditionally build hydraulic power packs from modular motors, pumps, inverter drives, valves, and interconnecting components from separate vendors.
This presentation will
introduce the technical advantages and design considerations of the “Integrated Hydraulic Package” (IHP) concept. An IHP is an integrated unit that incorporates a motor drive inverter, an electric motor, a hydraulic piston pump, and integrated valve functionality. The IHP is a compact integrated unit that turns AC or DC power into precisely controlled hydraulic power.
Mike Gandrud, Senior Engineer, Sauer-Danfoss Inc.
12:15 p.m - Luncheon in the Dining Hall
1:15 p.m
A Comparison of Motors Built with Traditional Laminations, Pultrusion Laminations and Soft Magnetic Composites
A common 60 mm frame-sized motor has been implemented with three different manufacturing approaches and tested for performance. The three production methods examined in this presentation are traditional stamped lamination stacks, laminations produced by a continuous pultrusion process, and the use of pressed soft magnetic composites (SMC). The motor design was optimized for each of the different manufacturing approaches to produce the “best” motor in the package size allowed. This presentation outlines the differences in design that are dictated by the choice of permeable material and the associated manufacturing process for that material. It presents motor performance as measured by a number of standard measures, as well as cost-performance ratios for each motor.
John Petro, President & Founder, NovaTorque, Inc.
1:15 p.m
Innovations in Single-Phase AC Controls
Progress and innovation made in AC controls. An emphasis on closed loop control techniques and the control of ventillation applications and the use of sensors and feedback to maintain appropriate system environment from supermarket aisles to hospital ward rooms. This presentation will provide an expansion into the realm of DC Brushless platforms as well, and their comparison with the single-phase AC counterparts.
Dr. Howard Abramowitz, President, AirCare Automation, Inc.
1:15 p.m
MCU Performance for Various Control Algorithms of BLDC Motors
Permanent-magnet brushless DC motors (BLDC) are replacing induction motors in many situations, particularly in the low-power (<1hp) applications. When implementing the BLDC speed control with a microcontroller (MCU), designers always face the task of selecting an algorithm and the best MCU to run it. This paper describes several algorithms from basic to advanced vector control, including sensorless vector control. The set of algorithms includes: 1) 6-step Trapezoidal with Hall sensors, 2) 6-step Trapezoidal with back-EMF commutation, 3) Sinusoidal control by open loop (V/f), 4) Sinusoidal control with closed speed loop with speed sensor, 5) Vector control with encoder, 6) Vector control without encoder (two current measurements), and 7) Vector control with one-shunt current detection. These algorithms have been implemented on Renesas MCUs and their performance was measured in laboratory tests. The test results will discuss in detail in terms of CPU bandwidth, peripheral resources and performance optimization. A method was developed to analyze the overall CPU bandwidth with various speed and current loop execution rates. The paper will discuss this method with detailed examples.
Dr. Jani Yashvant, Director of Application Engineering, Renesas Technology America, Inc.
2:00 p.m
Mitigation of Thermal Losses in Large Brushless Motors
Currently, there are many circumstances where cooling of a brushless motor becomes the limiting factor in a motor application. This is due to the fact that a brushless motor is very small for the HP rating, and therefore has minimal surface area to work with. One of the simple ways of dealing with the issue is reducing the heat produced by minimizing losses. Then, various methods can be used to extract much of the remaining heat. The presentation will discuss both minimizing heat produced and ways to build the motor to extract the heat that limits the application.
Ed Lee, General Manager, Powertec Industrial Motors
2:00 p.m
Introduction to EtherCAT
This presentation introduces EtherCAT, an Ethernet-based fieldbus system. EtherCAT (Ethernet for Control Automation Technology) is the open, real-time Ethernet fieldbus. EtherCAT sets new standards for openness since it is an IEC published protocol using standard Ethernet technologies. EtherCAT sets new standards for real-time performance since it can process 1,000 I/O in 30 µs or 100 servo axes in 100 µs using twisted pair or fiber optic cable. EtherCAT gives you the option of using the traditional star topology or a simple, low cost line structure – no expensive infrastructure components are required. EtherCAT uses highly cost-effective, standard Ethernet cards (NIC) while other real-time-Ethernet approaches require special and expensive cards in the controller.
Joe Stubbs, PE, EtherCAT Technology Group
2:00 p.m
Integrated Power Factor Correction and Sensorless Field-Oriented Control for ACIMs
This presentation will introduce an energy-efficient, cost-effective implementation of integrated Power Factor Correction (PFC) and sensorless Field-Oriented-Control (FOC) algorithms for ACIMs. The presentation will show how the motor-control peripherals onboard Digital Signal Controllers (DSCs) can be used to implement both algorithms. An overview of the algorithms and their execution using a DSC will be provided, using a washing machine with an ACIM as an example application.
Patrick Heath, Motor Control Marketing Manager, Microchip Technology, Inc.
2:45 p.m
Condition-Based Maintenance for Intelligent Electromechanical Actuators
This presentation will address the ongoing research at The University of Texas at Austin Robotics Research Group in the field of intelligent electromechanical actuators. The primary emphasis of the talk will be on the applications of intelligence to enable condition-based maintenance of electromechanical actuators.
Dr. Delbert Tesar, Director, University of Texas Robotics Research Group
2:45 p.m
Fuel Cell Integration Into a Compact Turf Utility Vehicle
Battery-electric turf vehicle designers struggle with the trade-offs between weight (payload and vehicle), range, and cost. Fuel cell technology, with its high specific energy and rapid refueling capability, offers a potentially attractive solution, especially for small fleet operation. Learn about some of the issues design engineers face in order to integrate the fuel cell and its associated balance-of-plant components into a compact, lightweight electric turf vehicle.
Mark Anderson, Engineering Manager, Toro
3:30 p.m - Conference Conclusion
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For questions, contact Jeremy Martin at 800-803-9488 x118.
