What energy transfer and power supply products does SEW-EURODRIVE offer?

Whenever longer distances need to be bridged without obstructive and high-maintenance cable carriers, conductor rail systems and rigid floor installations such as conveyor belts, our solution MOVITRANS® line solution for contactless energy transfer systems is the ideal choice. Quiet, wear-free and low-maintenance.

If, on the other hand, mobile assistance systems or people movers, for example, are to move freely in space independently of fixed distances, the energy must be transferred selectively to a battery or capacitor storage system. This is where our solution comes in: MOVITRANS® spot provides the perfect, contactless energy transfer system. Clean, wear-free and low-maintenance - ideal for critical areas where contamination caused by energy transfer needs to be avoided.

The perfect complement to the MOVITRANS® contactless energy transfer system solutions: the MOVI-DPS® energy supply system power supply with its components enables intelligent power and energy management in mobile and stationary users. This protects your system against supply fluctuations or power failures and ensures maximum availability. At the same time, you only draw just as much power rating from the grid as you need.

What is contactless energy transfer system?

Contactless energy transfer systems have become indispensable in modern production processes where long travel paths need to be bridged at high speed. This is because it eliminates the need for complex and cumbersome drag chain systems.

With contactless energy transfer systems, energy is either supplied continuously via a line cable along the transport route or via stationary charging points where, for example, autonomous vehicles can pick up their energy at specific points and then move freely in space. The energy is transmitted inductively and wirelessly via an air gap.

How does the contactless energy transfer system work?

The most important physical basis for the contactless energy transfer system is electromagnetism. This results from a combination of magnetic and electric fields. In themselves, these fields are static and therefore limited to the place where they are generated. However, when magnetic and electric fields interact, they can leave their place of origin as alternating electromagnetic fields.

Such electromagnetic alternating fields are utilised by the contactless energy transfer system. The energy transfer takes place from a primary coil to a secondary coil. In principle, the primary coil is connected to an external electrical stress. And an alternating magnetic field is generated by the incoming current flow. If the secondary coil is then brought close to the primary coil without direct contact - i.e. contactless - this alternating field transmits AC voltage to the secondary coil.

Where can contactless energy transfer systems be used?

• Pallet transfer shuttle:
  In logistics, they ensure the reliable distribution list of pallets or boxes within a conveyor level to several neighbouring conveyor lines
• Skillet conveyors:
  These systems are primarily used in the automotive industry. There, they run through various work and assembly stations continuously or intermittently in a network of several skillets
• Driverless transport and assistance systems:
  These all-rounders connect storage and work stations over long distances, either along a line conductor route or completely autonomously in space
• EMS systems:
  These rail-guided conveyor systems, which are usually mounted on the hall ceiling, can be operated particularly efficiently and flexibly thanks to contactless energy transfer systems
• Storage/retrieval systems:
  With the help of contactless energy transfer, storage/retrieval systems in automated material management systems can store and retrieve goods wirelessly, quickly and wear-free.
• People mover:
  If, for example, people are to be transported from attraction to attraction in amusement parks using an electrically operated Bimmelbahn, contactless energy transfer systems with MOVITRANS^® spot ensures problem-free charging at every stop in the station.
• Sorter:
  These distribution machines run with MOVITRANS^® wear-free and reliable in continuous duty with maximum availability. They are frequently used in the letter and parcel service and in baggage distribution at airports.

What can be done to prevent supply fluctuations and power failures?

It is important to know that supply fluctuations in our electricity grid are completely normal. Everyone knows this from home: it's Sunday lunchtime and people are cooking at home. The hob takes a little longer to heat up or you set the oven to a higher stage. Depending on where you are in the world, such supply fluctuations can be more or less amplified and even lead to power failures.

Industry also has to deal with such supply fluctuations and failures in the current supply, as these can have a significant negative impact on plant availability.

This is where special industrial energy storage solutions - such as our "Drive Power Solutions" MOVI-DPS^®help to ensure a stable energy supply for systems. Electrical energy is stored in memory capacitors and then made available again as required.

How safe is a contactless energy transfer system?

Very safe with SEW-EURODRIVE! Thanks to SAFSa safety function specially developed by SEW-EURODRIVE for safe disconnection of the energy transfer. The abbreviation stands for Safe AC Field Stop (AC = alternating current).

Our MOVITRANS® technology has this unique safety function to prevent people from coming under the influence of invisible electromagnetic fields. SAFS ensures the safe disconnection of the magnetic field when there is no mobile vehicle on the charging line or charging point or when it is not in use. The SAFS function complies with the ISO 13849 standard at performance level d (abbreviation PL d) or the IEC 61800-5-2 standard for drive systems.

This can be used to advantage, for example, when the line/charging point is not in use or for vehicle maintenance purposes.