In the field of Concentrated Solar Power (CSP), Parabolic Trough Collector (PTC) technology is one of the most widely used methods. New Bifurcated Wormetary gearmotors are designed to meet these demanding solar tracking requirements. Wormetary gearing provide dual high-torque outputs from a single, efficient gearmotor.
The motor itself features a special long-life brush motor design with 60-V input and is rated for 28.5 N-cm (40.4 oz-in.) continuous torque. It also features IP65 environmental protection along with a special condensation prevention membrane to further prolong life. The Dunkermotor Bifurcated Wormetary gearing combines a right angle worm gear to turn the corner with a pair of efficient planetary gearboxes for a total reduction ratio of 529:1, without an undue sacrifice in efficiency. Overall reductions up to 50,000:1 can be achieved with the Wormetary configuration. The gearboxes share the load through 25-mm output shafts and each side is rated for a continuous output torque of 160 N-m (1,416 in.-lb) and peak outputs of 320 N-m (2,832 in.-lb).
One benefit of the Wormetary configuration, compared to worm gearing alone, is that at an overall ratio of 80:1, the new configuration is 2.5 times more energy efficient. For the CSP application, the Wormetary gearing is non-backdrivable, which is a benefit in the presence of wind loading. With planetary gearing in its output stages, the load is spread over many contact points around each gear, thus offering much greater protection from shock loading than helical gears used in other high efficiency right angle gearmotors.
The low-voltage (12 to 60 volt) brush and brushless motors are available in frame sizes from 42 to 80 mm, with power up to 530 Watts (0.71 hp) and are part of a modular system that includes motors, gearing, controls, fieldbus interfaces, encoders, and brakes. To meet international use requirements, Dunkermotor's brush dc, brushless dc, and Intelligent Brushless dc (iBLDC), motors have received not only UL and cUL certifications for the United States and Canada, but also CE and CCC certifications for the European and Chinese markets.
For more information, contact Dunkermotor, 2511 Technology Dr., Suite 105, Elgin, IL 60124. Phone: (224) 293-1300.
