April 2009
April 2009 (Complete Issue PDF)
Features
Packaging Stimulus
Few industries are experiencing change quite as fast as the packaging arena. Lighter-weight containers are being
introduced to reduce costs and energy use, packaging is being redesigned to attract consumer attention and manufacturers are using fewer materials in an effort to address environmental concerns.
Beyond the Quick Fix - Supply Chain Software
In order for a company to be as efficient as possible, production, inventory and distribution components must be a top priority. A focused supply chain that gets the right materials to the right places in the allotted time frame encourages repeat business. These are concepts somewhat overlooked by many business executives in todayâ™s economy.
To Buy American or Not - That is the Question
Much has been argued about the âœbuy Americanâ clause included in the
American Recovery and Reinvestment
Act of 2009.
Technical Articles
Facing the Challenges of the Current Hybrid Electric Drivetrain
Presented is a high-phase, order-induction motor drive for use in a series hybrid architecture. This solution overcomes numerous compromises in current hybrid powertrain designs. Notably, it allows for a vehicle that is competitive in terms of performance and cost.
Lower-Loss Technology for a Stepping Motor
The demand for stepping motors with high efficiency and low losses has been increasing, although the demand had been previously focused on high torque. Also, the selection of the most suitable grade of lamination for improvement in fastening of the laminated cores has reduced losses significantly at their peak, when compared to conventional stepping motors. Lowering the losses of the motor has enabled continuous operation that was previously impossible. An expansion of the stepping motorâ™s usage into applications where another motor has been used for continuous operation and other usesâ”due to the
heat generation problemâ”can now be pursued. In addition, these motors are very effective for energy saving. This paper explains the technology used for lowering the iron losses of the stepping motor.
Historic Danish Theatre Gets a Facelift
The Royal Danish Theatre has occupied
the heart of Copenhagen for centuries
and recently upgraded to a new control system featuring Sprint Electric DC drives to extend the lives of the existing motors, keeping replacement costs down. The Swedish stage design and technology company Visual Act retained most of the original motors and mechanics while providing a much-needed facelift to the stage.
Departments
Product News (Product News)
The complete Product News section from the April 2009 issue of Power Transmission Engineering magazine.
Run Like the Wind - Windpower Conference Heads to Chicago (Events)
Wind is the talk of the town. It has become especially relevant to the power transmission community where bearings, gears, couplings, motors and gearboxes are providing the equipment for this thriving alternative energy industry. It comes as no surprise that the Windpower 2009 Conference and Exhibition, arriving in Chicago from May 4â“7, will be the largest gathering of wind energy professionals and
technologies to date.
Calendar (Events)
The Events Calendar from the April 2009 issue of Power Transmission Engineering magazine.
Industry News (Industry News)
The complete Industry News section from the April 2009 issue of Power Transmission Engineering magazine.
Turning Brownfields Green (Industry News)
The new energy economy is making some headway in the manufacturing community. Organizations are coming up with creative strategies to convert old industrial plants into green manufacturing hubs or simply cost-effective renovation projects. Itâ™s
another sign that the country is taking sustainability and
environmental awareness seriously.