Frank J. Bartos, P.E., Control Engineering
Articles
Growing applications for multi-core processors
Multi-core processors have wide industrial application potential—from vision inspection systems to motion control—as developers increasingly implement the technology, initially in high-end systems. Link to 3 other Control Engineering articles in this four-part series.
Advancing Technology: ‘American Idle’ – Nuclear Power
New U.S. nuclear power plants will not be operative for years, but the licensing process to allow building the first of new generation plants is nearing approval - September 2010 Control Engineering.
Is smaller better for nuclear power plants?
Nuclear power plants 1/10 the size of current utility-scale plants may become reality some years from now. Faster construction, modular design, and easier financing are behind their development
Resurgence for SR Motors, Drives?
Advances in controls and simulation software help switched reluctance (SR) motors-one of the oldest electric motor types-remain competitive. SR systems deliver efficient performance in a simple, rugged package without permanent magnets.
Electromagnetic Interference: What Drive Users Need to Know
Fast switching of power transistors and pulse-width modulated (PWM) output of variable-frequency drives (VFDs) produce large, rapid voltage swings—generating electrical noise, or electromagnetic interference. EMI refers to any disturbance to normal operation of electric equipment (and drives). Its two main forms are conducted EMI (150 kHz-30 MHz range), due to abnormal energy passing alon...
Winds of Change for Power and Control
Drives and controls aspect of wind power technology provides new engineering challenges and lessons as more multi-megawatt, utility-scale wind turbines come online. Most critical, costliest parts of the system are the turbine blades, which must be controlled and protected. Blade-pitch control regulates the amount of power and torque extracted from the wind by optimally orienting blades to the air flow, while yaw control keeps the nacelle pointing into the wind-or out of the wind in case of need.
Review today’s machinery safety standards
Interrelated, and sometimes overlapping, safety standards have been developed as a result of the European Commission's enactment of the wide-ranging Machinery Directive. Safety standards include...
Integrated Safety and Motion
Safety functions combined with motion control systems allow simpler operations and cost savings. Previously separate systems were needed. Full shutdowns can be avoided in some situations.
Direct-Drive Linear Motion Matures
This distinct motion technology eliminates all rotary-to-linear conversion devices between motor and load--such as ball screws, gear boxes, rack-and-pinions, and belts - to obtain high-dynamic performance in a growing number of applications.
Energy-efficiency dominates Germany’s Hannover Fair
Efficient energy usage and alternative energy sources, relatively recent issues for the U.S., have been long-term concerns in Europe and elsewhere. No surprise, energy-efficiency and energy developments permeated this year's Hannover Industrial Fair. In fact, Energy Technology—one of 10 shows comprising the Fair in 2008—brought together 900 companies to exhibit innovations for effic...