Curtiss-Wright’s Industrial Group has today announced that it will be attending the Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Technology Expo 2018 (Booth #720) where, amongst other innovations, the company will be showcasing its World Traction Inverter (WTI) series.
Offering state-of-the-art technology and innovative design for use in hybrid and pure-electric applications, this new family of traction inverters operates with multiple motor technologies – including AC induction, permanent-magnet synchronous (PMS) and interior permanent-magnet (IPM) types – and offers a high level of self-protection with both current and transistor temperature measuring locally to the IGBTs.
A torque motor-control mode is available for hybrid applications, speed mode for pure-electric applications or DC bus voltage mode. In DC bus mode, the inverter can moderate adverse and damaging voltages resulting from situations including regenerative braking.
The WTI family offers a versatile connection to master control systems by either J1939 or CANbus protocols. A customizable, discrete interface also supports digital, analog and solenoid-drive control options.
Sales Inquiries: Please forward all sales and reader service inquiries to Curtiss-Wright Industrial, Tel: +44.1202.034000; email: cwig.uk@curtisswright.com.
For more information on Curtiss-Wright Industrial products, visit www.cw-industrialgroup.com or call +44.1202.034000.
Curtiss-Wright’s Industrial division has today announced the launch of the WM-H10, a shaft-operated rotary position sensor featuring a solid-state, Hall-effect sensor that offers two independent and electrically-isolated outputs. Contained in a compact housing with integrated connector, the new sensor’s robust, mechanical design offers exceptional levels of performance and is ideal for use in hostile, on- and off-highway vehicle environments.
Commenting on the launch, Kevin Rayment, Senior Vice President & General Manager of the Industrial division says: “The launch of the WM-H10 sensor showcases Curtiss-Wright’s commitment to continuous development and engineering excellence and, as we continue to look at providing engineered solutions to our industrial customers and markets, the launch also serves to grow our portfolio of rotary position sensor options.”
The full range electrical output of the WM-H10 rotary position sensor can be set to correspond to maximum rotations from 15° to 360. This provides a dual linear output voltage proportional to the absolute position of the 6mm, D-profiled shaft in either direction from a reference angle. To avoid errors associated with air-gap fluctuations, an integral magnet arrangement ensures a consistent sensor-magnet separation.
The two independent measuring circuits, each with its own +5Vdc power supply connection, enable the use of algorithms that compare the signals for error checking. By using the first output signal as the source of rotational motion detection, and the second signal for diagnostic purposes, comparing the positional data from both outputs, signal veracity can be determined, meaning high-performing, safety-critical applications can easily be addressed. Further integrity is also provided as the outputs enter pre-defined states in the event of connection errors to the sensor.
Additional features of the WM-H10 rotary position sensor include:
• Fail-safe outputs
• IP68/IP69K-rated for water and dust, shock, vibration and temperature
• Operating temperature from -40°C to +85°C (SAE J1455)
• Lifespan 10 million cycles @ 1Hz
• MTTFd >1000 years
• Packard Electric ‘Metri-Pack’ 150 series connector
In a relationship that spans nearly 15 years, AL-KO Kober Limited – the leading manufacturer of vehicle chassis systems for the automotive, commercial and leisure industries – has been working in partnership with AKFS to develop chassis for a range of vehicles, from recovery vehicles and car transporters, to commercial vehicle solutions for grounds maintenance, tool hire and traffic management vehicles.
Commenting for AKFS, managing director Ian Knight says: “The collaboration started in 2003 when we approached AL-KO Kober to buy a chassis conversion for our Ultra Car Transporter, and things have evolved since.
“That vehicle is still very much part of our portfolio, but the chassis has evolved and is now tailored to our requirements. Our vehicles are also approved exclusively in the UK by AL-KO Kober and PSA for the conversion of low-floor traffic management, car transporter and lawn mower carrying vehicles.”
Design to optimise carry capacity and offer the ultimate payload, the Ultra Car Transporter is a 3.5-ton gross weight vehicle that, thanks to its ultra-lightweight but integrally strong Type-approved chassis conversion, offers 1,660kg of payload.
Commenting for AL-KO Kober, a company spokesperson says: “Typical company/fleet cars such as the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4 or Ford Mondeo all fit on the AKFS Ultra Car Transporter, so it’s a popular choice as a dealer-transfer, bodyshop or light-recovery vehicle, where operators can be assured that they are transporting vehicles legally on a chassis conversion, rather than a chassis cab from the manufacturer.”
AL-KO Kober’s low-profile chassis solution also means AKFS has been able to reduce the overall deck height, enabling vehicles with lower front and rear spoilers to be easily loaded. Additionally, an extended wheelbase provides better weight distribution over the front and rear axles; and rear torsion bar suspension improves driving characteristics when loaded.
Depending on a customer’s specification, Fiat, Citroen, Peugeot or Volkswagen cab units are delivered to AL-KO Kober’s facility in Warwickshire where the lightweight, ultra-low chassis conversion is installed. These Type-approved vehicles are then delivered to AKFS where the specified bodywork is fitted, tailored to customer’s requirements and built without compromise.
“The partnership with AL-KO Kober has meant that we can concentrate our design resources on producing solutions that are built without compromise and fit our customers’ requirements. We simply couldn’t manufacture a chassis solution that is as well-engineered, cost-effective or lightweight a solution ourselves.”
For further information on its vehicle chassis solution visit www.alko-tech.com/en, email info@alko-tech.com or call 01926 818500.
In this article, Rockatek director James Crowley looks at the importance of mechanical testing, its benefits and how his company has become an important part of its customer’s development strategy.
Mechanical testing can often be deemed as unnecessary, costly and time consuming and, in today’s world of vast computer modelling and simulation power, it can be hard to argue against this. To cut costs, companies may decide to reduce time and budget spent on testing. However, unanticipated failures of in-service products will have far greater cost and time implications.
Test verification is a vital part of any engineering design and, in some sectors – and depending on the product and its application – it is often a mandatory requirement. But in all sectors and prior to release to production and service, it is a critical part of the design and manufacture process.
Some of the key benefits of physical test verification include the characterisation of material properties, validation/confirmation of product function, validation of computer (FEA) simulations, provision of empirical data to refine and improve simulations, proof of iterative product improvement and clear, visible evidence of product integrity to clients.
So, is testing worth the investment? A significant amount of product testing requires specialist or bespoke equipment and skilled engineers to design the test, its equipment and to accurately analyse the results; and this upfront investment for companies can be off putting. However, using a dedicated test house can provide a cost-effective option for companies looking for a professionally-executed, reliable and accurate test program.
At the heart of Rockatek’s core offering is an ability to ‘Engineer Value’ for its clients, to optimise their products and develop new technologies. The company is working with several clients to refine their existing products and extract every bit of value; whether that be making the product more reliable, or increase the product’s operational capability. Both ultimately improve the client’s bottom line on the return from its products and services.
Rockatek’s ‘Integrated Engineering’ approach to design, analysis and testing offers clients a complete service. Based on the client’s design specification and brief, Rockatek can deal with every aspect of an engineering project.
Rockatek’s expertise is often utilised by its clients to fix products that are unreliable, break or fail, or sometimes are just not capable of functioning how they should. Where a completely new design is not feasible, Rockatek can often work within the confines of the original product but, when required, can develop completely new designs from a blank piece of paper to full working prototypes. Both scenarios often benefit from mechanical testing to demonstrate how the improved or new product performs when subjected to the conditions it must operate in.
While its own analysis and computer modelling usually confirms what the outcome of a test will be, testing in a controlled laboratory environment to prove functionality is not only cost effective, but often a real eye opener to the client. And you simply cannot beat the impact of seeing the product working in a real load condition rather than just as a 3D model or an assembly on screen.
One of Rockatek’s key test rigs is the Large Scale Combined Load Test Rig, which is capable of testing combined loading conditions of tension/compression, torsion and bending. At 18m long and 1.1m wide between uprights, the test rig was originally designed to test full scale downhole tools – specifically drilling tools – for the oil and gas sector, with the rig capable of subjecting the tools to the conditions seen downhole. As those in this sector know all too well, the loads are severe and can render large and robust mechanical tools useless and badly broken in very short times.
A summary of the test rig capability is given below.
There are few test rigs available with this level of capability anywhere in the world. And for Rockatek to have this capability in-house is a huge asset to the company, with them seeing enquiries to use the test rig from major companies all around the world and in various sectors, including aerospace, O&G, industrial and motorsport. In fact, a recent enquiry came from Cougar Drilling Solutions in Edmonton, Canada.
Cougar Drilling Solutions design, manufacture and deliver downhole drilling tools, services and solutions to oil companies around the world. They are dedicated to delivering creative solutions and improving existing products to meet the ever-evolving demands of the drilling industry.
Commenting for Cougar Drilling Solutions, engineering director Dan Marson explains that Rockatek is fast becoming a crucial part of Cougar’s development strategy. “A current project is critical to our business plan and strategy for 2018/19 and we are trying to develop and optimise a core product to meet an increased capability requirement for some of our key customers in the Middle East.
In doing so, we are developing new technologies to meet the client’s demands and a key part of this is to demonstrate first-hand that the equipment is designed correctly and mechanically up to the job. In layman’s terms, it’s not going to fall apart or fail whilst under load downhole.
“In our industry, downhole failures are the worst possible outcome and the associated lost time and cost is huge. If we can demonstrate to our client first hand that the product is capable of operating under the conditions it will experience downhole, with physical testing that they can witness in person, their confidence level in the product rises massively and we increase our chance of securing the lucrative contract.” says Dan.
He goes on to say that the complete and integrated consultancy service that Rockatek can offer really ticks all the boxes. “They investigate the problem with detailed mathematical and computer analysis, design suitable solutions and develop the technology with excellent engineering principles at the core of everything they do.
But the real bonus here is their ability to carry out tests of this nature with their own in-house equipment to verify analysis and to demonstrate first-hand the way the products will function and survive under the extreme loads products in our industry are subjected to every day.”
Replicating the loading conditions seen in the downhole environment in a controlled laboratory environment is extremely challenging. Many have tried, and the reality is many have also failed because the equipment required is complex, expensive and requires expert engineers to operate and utilise it correctly.
“Rockatek has this capability and, as director of Global Engineering for Cougar DS, it is my responsibility to execute this project. And having spent many weeks looking at other options for the test, I could not find any other company capable of executing this test in the way Rockatek is able, from a technical, price and lead time perspective.”
To satisfy Cougar’s test requirements, Rockatek submitted formal proposals, which have been accepted with the project now underway. The company is currently commissioning the test rig, manufacturing test specific components required for the test, writing risk assessments and method statements for the test plan and preparing to begin the test in July 2018.
Preparation for a test of this nature is key to a successful outcome. The test will be executed to a set plan, results will be logged with data acquisition equipment and final test reports will be generated and supplied to Cougar DS within one week of test completion.
Rockatek design, analyse and test products to optimise capability and add value to its client’s technology portfolio. They are committed to becoming a leading engineering consultancy in both the UK and beyond, especially in the O&G sector and specifically with design, development and optimisation of downhole tools.
Curtiss-Wright Industrial has today announced that it will be exhibiting at this year’s CeMAT show in Hannover, Germany and using its stand (Stand C16/Hall 26) to promote products from its four family brands – Arens Controls, PG Drives Technology, Penny & Giles and Williams Controls – all of which have extensive experience in designing and manufacturing solutions for the monitoring and control of material handling vehicles.
From the latest on- and off-highway vehicles, to the rapidly developing hybrid and fully-electric vehicle market, Curtiss-Wright engineers are focused on developing bespoke, innovative solutions and next generation technology. This intelligent engineering, from initial concept to finished product, demonstrates the Industrial division’s commitment to providing the advanced control and power management systems demanded by today's material handling vehicle manufacturers.
From its Arens Controls brand, Curtiss-Wright will be showcasing the all-new WTI-S160 Traction Inverter, which offers state-of-the-art technology and innovative design for use in hybrid and pure-electric applications. WTI-Traction Inverters have been designed with two primary safety goals in mind. The first is a high-voltage component with features that render it safe for personnel during vehicle service and maintenance. Secondly, with the industry moving toward delivering components and systems that adhere to ISO 26262, Curtiss-Wright is proactively delivering traction inverters to the market with this requirement in mind.
The PG Drives Technology brand will represented by a selection of sub-system HMI Controls and its C3-CE, a CE-marked motor controller that features EN ISO 13849 Category 3 hardware architecture, including dual microprocessors, dual inputs and a dedicated B+Safe output.
Joystick controllers and multi-function handle solutions from Penny & Giles will also feature on a selection of sub-system HMI Controls that include custom control boxes and armrest assemblies. Also on the stand will be the all-new, single-axis JC040 proportional rocker, JC050 thumbwheel roller and JC1210 single-axis paddle joystick; and the NRH27C, a no-contact rotary position sensor offering CANbus J1939 output that is suitable for use on specialty on- and off-highway vehicles utilizing CANbus communications.
For Williams Controls, the company will be promoting its WM-H10 rotary sensor, with the stand also featuring a selection of products from its electronic throttle controls range including a new, modular range of off-highway pedals.
Commercial Vehicle Show, NEC Birmingham, 24-26 April 2018, Stand 5C40
AL-KO Kober Limited - the leading manufacturer of premium components for the automotive, commercial and leisure industries - will be using the CV Show to showcase its range of LCV Chassis solutions and complementary products, with its stand featuring commercial vehicle conversions from companies including Mark Harris and Advanced KFS Special Vehicles.
Commenting for AL-KO Kober, David Kirkley says: "2018 is looking like a bumper year for AL-KO and we go to the CV Show having just signed a high-value contract with Mark Harris for the exclusive supply of chassis conversions for its low-floor, Luton box body vehicles. This will see us partner with the UK's leading manufacturer of this style of box body; and allow us to engineer bespoke LCV Chassis solutions that are designed and tested specifically for their range of vehicles.
The contract will see AL-KO Kober deliver over 200 chassis conversions on back-2-back cabs in 2018, with the expectation for the AL-KO and Mark Harris partnership to build and supply an increased number of units in 2019.
The AL-KO Kober stand will also feature a traffic management vehicle from Advanced KFS Special Vehicles, a company that has a long relationship with AL-KO having partnered on numerous commercial vehicle solutions since the launch of its Ultra Car Transporter in 2003.
Commenting for Advanced KFS, managing director Ian Knight says: "The partnership with AL-KO Kober has enabled us to concentrate our design resources on producing solutions that fit our customers' requirement. We simply couldn't manufacture a lightweight chassis solution that is as well-engineered, tested and as cost-effective a solution ourselves."
AL-KO Kober's experience in lightweight vehicle chassis design and development ensures that by using lighter materials and engineering techniques to strengthen individual chassis components, the company delivers improvements to the overall efficiency of the vehicle, with its Light Commercial Vehicle chassis solutions being designed to replace those shipped as standard by commercial vehicle OEMs.
"Our LCV Chassis conversions are already proven in reducing whole-life operating costs by increasing output and productivity, thus enabling fleet managers to increase profits over the lifetime of their fleet." says David.
From box body low floor luton vans and low-profile car transporters, to larger plant-carrying vehicles, AL-KO Kober's chassis conversions deliver distinct advantages over standard vehicle options by offering increased load space and payload levels, while retaining a high torsional strength. AL-KO's new LCV chassis conversions are available for Fiat, Peugeot, Citroën and Volkswagen units; and can be up to 145kg lighter than some of the OEM-built vehicles.
With innovative low-frame designs, tandem-axle assemblies and wide-gauge chassis, the extensive LCV Chassis range allows customers to adapt fleets to suit almost any application and significantly improve vehicle performance, road handling and driver safety. Hot-dip galvanised frame parts guarantee optimal corrosion protection, while bolted frame parts offer a service-friendly solution and ensure shorter downtimes for repairs and maintenance.
For further information on its range of LCV Chassis conversion, visit AL-KO Kober on stand 5C40, visit www.alko-tech.com/en, email marketing@alko-tech.com or call 01926 818500.
Fulton will be using Stand X291 at Foodex to showcase the VSRT, the company’s all-new range of gas-fired, vertical spiral-rib tubeless steam boilers.
The VSRT is the first range to emerge from the company’s new ‘PURE Technology’ approach, an initiative that has resulted in a world-first design that is durable, long-lasting and boasts the highest efficiencies and ultra-low NOx emissions as standard.
Commenting for Fulton, sales and marketing manager Leigh Bryan says: “Our products are already proving themselves in food processing applications in the UK and around the world; and we’re really looking forward to promoting the VSRT and its benefits to other companies at Foodex.”
He goes on to say that Fulton’s PURE Technology approach aims to enhance heat transfer, provide class-leading efficiencies, improve steam quality and reduce NOx emissions.
“Rather than further-improve products like our renowned J Series to achieve these goals, PURE Technology – the culmination of Fulton’s clean slate approach to design – challenges the industry status quo on conventional boiler design by engineering solutions that are fit-for-purpose and fully-optimised for all applications.” says Leigh.
With over 15 patents pending in three continents, the VSRT’s attains industry-leading heat transfer rates thanks to a unique spiral-rib heat exchanger, which achieves low stack temperatures by passing the flue gases through a spiral-wound heat exchanger that is fully immersed in water.
The VSRT’s combustion technology achieves ultra-low NOx emissions of <20ppm and features a fully-matched modulating burner and furnace that have been purposely-designed as a single component. This helps to achieve up to 10:1 turndown capabilities and industry-leading performance of up to 82.5% gross thermal efficiency with 99.75% steam quality. At launch, the VSRT is available with outputs from 160 to 960 kg/h and its pressure vessel and burner are backed by a five-year guarantee as standard.
For applications where contaminated air can reduce boiler uptime the VSRT’s cyclonic air filter effectively separates debris and damaging particles from the combustion air and, because it won’t clog over time, eliminates the need for replacement filters.
Curtiss-Wright’s Industrial division has today announced that it will be exhibiting at this year’s International Seating Symposium at The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver, Canada.
As one of four established specialist business units of Curtiss-Wright’s Industrial division, PG Drives Technology has been designing, manufacturing and marketing sophisticated mobility control systems for more than 40 years.
Curtiss-Wright Industrial will be using ISS 2018 to showcase the latest medical mobility vehicle solutions from its PG Drives Technology family brand including the all-new, next-generation Omni2 specialty control interface for rehab chairs and the Wi-Fi Programmer – a wireless programming solution for dealers and therapists.
Thanks to its world-leading range of wheelchair controllers, rehab control systems and mobility scooter controllers – including the entry-level VR2 controller, R-net multi-module electronic system, newVSI integrated joystick and power module and S-Drive mobility scooter controller – Curtiss-Wright is now one of the world's foremost suppliers of control solutions for medical-mobility, electrically-powered scooters and wheelchairs.
The all-new gas-fired, vertical spiral-rib tubeless steam boiler from Fulton, the VSRT, is the first range to emerge from the company’s new ‘PURE Technology’ approach, an initiative that has resulted in a world-first design that is durable, long-lasting and boasts the highest efficiencies and ultra-low NOx emissions as standard.
By adopting a systems-engineering approach to design and implementing PURE Technology – the result of a clean-slate design approach that combines new people with new skills bringing a new approach to the design and optimisation of heat transfer solutions – Fulton’s VSRT radically challenges the heat transfer and mechanical design principles of traditional steam boilers. It is also claimed by the company to be the most radical change to vertical steam boiler design since Fulton pioneered the vertical tubeless boiler in 1949 and, for the right application, a worthy successor to the company’s renowned J Series.
Commenting for Fulton, sales and marketing manager Leigh Bryan says: “To meet ever-more stringent industry and environmental standards, our PURE Technology approach looks to enhance heat transfer, provide class-leading efficiencies, improve steam quality and reduce NOx emissions. So rather than improve existing products to achieve these goals, PURE Technology radically challenges conventional boiler design by engineering solutions that are fit-for-purpose and applications.”
With over 15 patents pending in three continents, the VSRT’s spiral-rib heat exchanger is a world first. It attains industry-leading heat transfer rates thanks to its unique spiral design, which achieves low stack temperatures by passing the flue gases through a spiral-wound heat exchanger that is fully immersed in water.
“This all-new spiral-rib design benefits from an extended heat transfer path and dual-direction heat flow, with the spiral annulus designed and optimised to create high heat transfer rates.” says Leigh. “This optimises heat transfer to create a longer-lasting boiler that we believe will beat the competition in every category of durability!”
The ground-breaking spiral rib heat exchanger design not only allows Fulton to improve boiler efficiency but, with virtually zero thermal stress, a thick walled construction and featuring vertical tubeless design architecture, the VSRT is one of the most durable steam boilers available.
It features a fully water-backed pressure vessel, which is wrapped in high-density insulation to achieve minimal thermal losses and low outer surface temperatures. The tubeless design has also enabled Fulton to create a compact boiler with minimal footprint. No refractory also means significantly lower weight (compared to traditional vertical steam boilers) for ease of installation.
Ultra-low NOx emissions of less than 20ppm are achieved thanks to the VSRT’s combustion technology, which features a modulating burner and furnace that have been purposely-designed as a single component and fully-matched with the VSRT in mind. This has helped Fulton to achieve up to 10:1 turndown capabilities and industry-leading performance of >82.5% gross thermal efficiency and 99.75% steam quality at 8 bar. When correctly sized for applications, the exceptionally high turndown will result in savings above and beyond those gained from the stated efficiencies.
With features including a tubeless design, no internal refractory and revolutionary cyclonic air filtration, the VSRT is extremely easy to maintain and operate. For applications where contaminated air can reduce boiler uptime – such as laundry and dry cleaning – the VSRT’s cyclonic air filter effectively separates debris and damaging particles from the combustion air and, because it won’t clog over time, eliminates the need for replacement filters. Maintenance is further improved compared to other vertical boilers thanks to the VSRT’s industrial control platform and easy access to the pressure vessel.
The VSRT is currently available with outputs from 160 to 960 kg/h, complies with the City of London Air Quality Strategy and anticipated MCPD regulations, is constructed to BS EN 12953 and CE marked to PED. Its pressure vessel and burner are backed by a five year guarantee as standard.
For further information on the VSRT Series, call Fulton on 0117 972 3322, email sales@fulton.co.uk or visit www.fulton.co.uk.
Curtiss-Wright’s Industrial division today announced the launch of the NRH305DR, a new ‘no-contact’ rotary position sensor that extends the company’s portfolio of position sensors and offers an optimal combination of performance, safety and cost for OEMs designing vehicles and control systems.
Sharing many of the same features and benefits as the NRH300DP model launched in 2016, the new NRH305DR rotary position sensor – from the Penny & Giles brand family – enhances system performance by incorporating two completely independent power supplies and output channels for full electrical redundancy, operating from a 5Vdc regulated supply.
With an 8mm low-profile sensor body and small footprint, this fully-encapsulated, IP68/IP69K-rated sensor offers exceptional levels of performance against water, dust, shock, vibration and temperature. The separate magnet assembly that activates the sensor can have a permissible air gap between 1.5mm and 8mm (depending on magnet style) and can accommodate up to ±2mm radial offset to ease setup and installation.
Versatile, factory-programmable electronics can be easily set to one of two analog voltage output ranges or one of three PWM frequencies. Additionally, the polarities of each of the analog outputs can be independently set, with on-board diagnostic functions ensuring the outputs are put into safe, pre-defined states should an internal sensor error be detected.
Features and benefits of the NRH305DR include:
• No-contact design and sensing technology provides wear-free operation
• Can be factory set to correspond to rotations of 20° to 360° in 1° increments
• Industry-standard 38mm mounting centers – for easy replacement or upgrades
• Analog output from 0.5-4.5V or 0.2-4.8V
• Transmissive measurements can be made through non-magnetic materials
The new NRH305DR – which replaces the company’s legacy NRH285DR rotary position sensor – uses proven, wear-free Hall-effect sensing technology. The design features a number of magnet arrangement options, and includes an over-molded magnet carrier that simplifies the interfacing of the magnet and sensor during installation. Optional bolt, plug or loose carrier variations are also available.
