The buzzword Industry 4.0 is currently on everyone's lips. With the Transmodul transport unit, Schubert System Elektronik GmbH is contributing to networked, end-to-end digitalised production in line with this technical evolution. DC link capacitors from the German manufacturer FTCAP ensure uninterrupted operation in the Transmodul.
„The basic idea of the Transmodule is simple: you want to offer the customer the greatest possible Flexibility and efficiency in transport tasks in production,“ says Herbert Madeja, who works in hardware development at Schubert System Elektronik GmbH. „To this end, Gerhard Schubert GmbH has designed an intelligent transport robot whose highly developed components are perfectly harmonised.“ As Carrier slide the Transmodul transports products gently and smoothly through packaging lines: up to 32 of the freely programmable Transmodules can move autonomously on one rail line.
Energy and data are transmitted contactlessly via the Induction principle. There is a turning unit at each end of the rail track, and the TM carriages return to the other end independently on the bottom track. Processing steps for the workpiece/product can take place simultaneously on one track, whereby the form of movement at each position can be different and independent of the other transmodules. Transmodules can be used, for example, to fill four boxes, erect two and close one in a packaging machine.
Gentle transport for a wide range of applications
The solution enables the intelligent transport of goods and workpieces in a complex production environment. In addition to packaging tasks, the autonomous system is also suitable for optimising various transport tasks and automating material handling in other industries.
When it comes to capacitors for special applications in small and medium quantities, FTCAP is the right partner: „Over 65 per cent of our products are new developments that are manufactured specifically for customers,“ explains FTCAP. André Tausche, one of the three managing directors of FTCAP.
One of the features that ensures smooth running of the innovative transport solution is a Special control electronics. The torque motor is controlled via a servo controller. Another special feature: the transmodules have a Kinetic energy recovery system, which enables the braking energy to be recovered. The energy is stored in a capacitor and used to start the next acceleration process. Only friction losses and the supply power of the electronics have to be fed in. Schubert System Elektronik GmbH obtains the capacitors required for this process from FTCAP GmbH from Husum.
Customised capacitors for high requirements
„However, the main task of the capacitors is to store the DC link voltage,“ explains Herbert Madeja. This is because a pulse power of up to 2 KW is required to accelerate the transmodules. With a primary supply with a maximum connected load of 200 W, buffering is necessary, which can only be achieved by connecting several electrolytic capacitors to form a so-called „electrolytic battery“ can be achieved. However, the capacitors also perform a third task in the transmodule, namely smoothing the DC link voltage generated by the booster to up to 800 V.
„Due to the high requirements, we are talking about a Application beyond the standard“, explains Dr Thomas Ebel, Managing Director at FTCAP. „Accordingly, Schubert also opted for a capacitor type customised by us.“ Snap-in capacitors from FTCAP's SIH series are used, which are suitable for a temperature range of up to 105 °C and are designed for capacitances of 1,000 µF and voltages of up to 400 VDC. „The customer-specific detail is the high energy content in relation to the design and size,“ explains Dr Thomas Ebel. „This application involves a hard discharge situation, as well as ripple currents and high temperatures of up to 105°C. Nevertheless, we can realise a capacitor in series production that is characterised by an extremely long service life of 250,000 hours at 50 °C.“
[infotext icon]The aim of developments at FTCAP are always Application-specific product solutions, that can be produced competitively in series. The company is one of the last manufacturers to produce all its products in Germany. Customers benefit from greater flexibility, optimised quality and simple coordination processes[/infotext].The customised capacitor type meets the expectations of Schubert System Elektronik GmbH across the board: „We are extremely satisfied with the collaboration,“ emphasises Herbert Madeja. „The technical expertise is impressive, and if there are any problems, they are solved quickly and efficiently. Our impression: FTCAP is still Quality ‚Made in Germany‘ lived and manufactured.“
