This Week in Power & Motion: Bosch Rexroth Showcases Battery and Automation Technology
There is much going on in the world of fluid power and motion control, from technology introductions and industry advancements to new trends and industry leaders. Each week the Power & Motion team collects some of the latest industry news to help keep our readers up to date on what's happening in the industries in which they work.
For this week's edition, we're focusing on news and technology launches from industry trade shows. Several events are taking place this week and in the coming weeks including IMTS, The Battery Show, IAA Transportation, and more during which several manufacturers from the fluid power and related industries will be highlighting new products.
Visit Machine Design's coverage hub for updates on everything related to IMTS, one of the largest manufacturing related events in North America.
From these trade show product introductions not only does it provide a look at technology under development but also the trends driving design.
American Battery Solutions Begins Production on High-Voltage Battery
Battery technology developer American Battery Solutions (ABS) announces production for its high-voltage Proliance Intelligent Battery Series T350-50 line will start at the end of 2022. The company said in its press release announcing the start of production this its first standardized high-voltage battery product. ABS also exhibited the new battery during The Battery Show 2022, considered the largest battery and electric vehicle related trade show in North America.
This high-voltage battery technology will benefit the commercial vehicle and off-highway equipment markets, as well as the marine segment, all of which utilize higher voltages. High-voltage systems not only help provide the necessary power for these larger applications but also offer benefits such as faster charging and system efficiencies.
READ MORE: Horton Developing High-Voltage Cooling System for Electric Vehicles
The initial Proliance battery ABS is bringing to the market will be a 350V 52 kWh version which the company said in its press release will be capable of meeting the requirements of heavier duty applications.
"Both commercial and off-road EV (electric vehicle) markets are growing by CAGR's of 30-50% between now and 2030," said Subhash Dhar, ABS Founder, Chairman and CEO, in the company's press release. "We are perfectly positioned to help meet the demand for reliable high-performing lithium-ion batteries in all of these applications."
TTControl Introducing New Electronic Control Unit
At bauma 2022, considered the world's largest construction and mining industry event, TTControl — part of HYDAC Group and TTTech Group — will introduce the new TTC 2030 family of electronic control units (ECU). As part of the company's TTC 2000 series of ECUs, this latest version includes many similar features such as modular building blocks for easy customization to OEMs' machine designs.
The new ECU will benefit development of automated systems as it features a large internal memory and the ability to transmit smart sensor data via various communication interfaces.
"The construction equipment industry is greatly increasing automation and efficiency for its customers," said Arno Purkrabek, Team Leader Product Management at TTControl, in the company's press release announcing the launch of the new ECU. "Only with the highest performance and a large set of interfaces, including high-speed Ethernet communication, can this transformation be successful. The software reuse, scalability and modularity supported by the TTC 2000 Series help machine builders meet these challenges in the most efficient way."
READ MORE about TTControl's new ECU and other technologies set to be launched at bauma 2022.
Bosch Rexroth Exhibiting Battery and Automation Solutions
Bosch Rexroth showcased various products related to battery manufacturing at The Battery Show North America and co-located Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Technology Expo.
The company highlighted several technologies which can aid automation for battery manufacturers including:
- ctrlX AUTOMATION controls and drive systems,
- TS conveyors,
- linear motor-powered Flexible Transport System and
- plug-and-produce Smart MechatroniX.
"Battery manufacturers need smart, adaptable manufacturing solutions to help solve complex process challenges and stay flexible as battery technology develops and demand surges," said Mark Ziencina, Bosch Rexroth Market Segment Manager for Battery and EV, in the company's press release announcing its presence at the event. "Bosch Rexroth is ready to meet those challenges, combining deep battery manufacturing expertise with complete factory automation solutions. Our solutions are tailored to meet complex battery production demands such as high-precision systems designed for clean room and dry room conditions, as well as those for transporting heavy loads, and automation platforms that streamline system updates and modifications as needs evolve and battery innovation continues."
READ MORE: Bosch Rexroth Launches Range of Electrification Products for Off-Highway Equipment
Bosch Rexroth demoed many of the systems at its booth such as the Flexible Transport System (FTS) which the company describes as a linear motor pallet transport system that provides higher transfer speeds and more precise pallet positioning. The FTS is able to achieve a higher degree of accuracy compared to other systems as well as transport product at faster speeds. It is able to do so through the use of sensors between the system's single motors as well as its motion control technology.
Bosch Rexroth will also exhibit at the upcoming AMR and Logistics Week 2022 taking place in October. The company will showcase its new MP1000R, a 1,000 kg autonomous mobile robot (AMR) which it codeveloped with Geek+.
The MP1000R utilizes Bosch Rexroth technology such as its RoKIT Locator software, enabling safe operation in dynamic environments without human interaction.
Sensata Technologies Debuts Battery Management System
During The Battery Show, Sensata Technologies announced the debut of its new Battery Management System (BMS). The Lithium Balance n3-BMS is designed for high-voltage applications with power ranges up to 1,000V/2,000 amps. It is especially suited for battery developers as well as manufacturers of electric trucks, buses and other heavy commercial vehicles said Sensata in its press release announcing the debut of the BMS.
Certified to ISO 26262, the n3-BMS meets functional safety requirements which helps manufacturers ensure safe performance of its electric vehicles and systems. Available off-the-shelf as an already certified product helps to reduce development time and costs for customers.
The n3-BMS features a layered software structure which allows customization without impacting certifications, further benefiting customers by allowing greater design flexibility.
Schaeffler Develops High-Voltage Electronic Components
Schaeffler is developing high-voltage components for use in commercial vehicle applications which it plans to display at IAA Transportation 2022, a global event focused on technology for the heavy-duty transportation market.
Among these new products is a family of oil-cooled electric motors as well as 800V power electronics technologies.
The electric motors provide a continuous drive power output up to 300 kW. Wave winding technology in the stators aids with the high-power densities possible with the new motors. Schaeffler said in its press release announcing the launch of its new electrification technologies that the motors can be used in on- and off-road vehicles and in both fully electric as well as hybrid systems.
Production for the electric motors is expected to begin in 2023. A second family of water-cooled 800V motors is also planned.
Finalists Announced for bauma Innovation Awards
As part of the triennial bauma event, innovation awards are given out to those solutions which help bring operational, efficiency and other benefits to the construction industry. Awards are given out in five categories; out of the original 133 entries, 41 finalists are selected which are then pared down to a further 15 finalists.
Winners will be announced the evening before the start of bauma. The 2022 finalists are:
Category 1: Climate protection
- The Benninghoven REVOC System - Catalyst for asphalt mixing plants, BENNINGHOVEN - Branch of Wirtgen Mineral Technologies GmbH Minus CO2 -building materials - renewable, better, economical, carbonauten GmbH
- Hydrogen-powered excavator, Liebherr France SAS
Category 2: Digitalization
- Haptic collision avoidance, Bosch Rexroth AG
- One common digital language for construction sites, MiC 4.0 Machines in Construction
- MESH Technology, Mesh AG
Category 3: Mechanical engineering
- Ammann 3D Compactor eAPX 68/95, Ammann Verdichtung GmbH
- Built Robotics Exosystem, Built Robotics Inc.
- Continuous advance, Herrenknecht AG
Category 4: Building
- Process tracking system b.navigate, BAUER Spezialtiefbau GmbH
- TSB - Transport System Bögl – rethinking local transport, Max Bögl
- CPC – Carbon Pre-stressed Concrete, Holcim (Deutschland) GmbH
Category 5: Research
- ROBETON, Individualized Production, RWTH Aachen University
- Site Execution System, TU Dresden - Institute for Mechatronic Engineering
- Deep Sea Sampling, Freiberg University of Mining and Technology Mechanical Engineering Institute
