Actuator – How industrial components work

Actuator – How industrial components work

An actuator is a component of a machine responsible for moving and controlling a mechanism or system, for example, opening a valve. In simple terms, it is an “engine”.

https://www.youtube.com/embed?listType=playlist&list=PL6vMXX3n8w6xIpiKxq0ujqbMbXkknFXAL&layout=gallery

An actuator requires a control signal and a power source. The control signal is relatively low energy and can be electrical voltage or current, pneumatic or hydraulic fluid pressure, or even human energy. Its main source of energy can be electrical current, hydraulic pressure or pneumatic pressure. When it receives a control signal, an actuator responds by converting the energy from the source into mechanical movement. In the electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic sense, it is a form of automation or automatic control.

An actuator is a mechanism through which a control system acts to perform an operation or task. The control system can be simple (a fixed mechanical or electronic system), software-based (e.g., a printer driver, robot control system), a human operator, or any other input.

For more information on how actuators work

Consultation for actuators and other spare parts

If you are looking for industrial actuators and spare parts, visit the Unitec:
Actuators in our online catalog

Buy books

Electric motors and drives: Fundamentals, types and applications

Best-selling reference on electric motors and drives for non-experts, bridging the gap between mathematics and theory.

»

Mechanical design of electric motors

Rapidly increasing energy consumption and emphasis on environmental protection have created challenges for the motor industry, as has the design and manufacture of highly efficient, reliable, economical, energy-saving, quiet, precisely controlled and durable electric motors.

Suitable for motor designers, engineers, manufacturers, as well as maintenance personnel, undergraduate and postgraduate students, and academic researchers, Mechanical Design of Electric Motors provides in-depth knowledge of state-of-the-art design methods and electric motor developments. From motor classification, motor component design, model configuration, and material and bearing selections to energy losses, motor cooling, design integration, vibration, and acoustic noise, this comprehensive text covers the fundamentals, practical design, and issues related to design, modeling and simulation, engineering analysis, manufacturing processes, testing procedures, and performance characteristics of today's electric motors.

Focusing on the mechanical design of modern electric motors, the book:

Details the design and manufacturing of major components and subsystems such as rotors, shafts, stators and structures
Examines various cooling techniques, including forced air, liquid, and phase change
Discusses the analysis and calculation of engine energy losses
Addresses engine vibration and acoustic noise issues
Presents engineering analysis methods and case study results
Emphasizes construction, optimization and applications

Featuring research findings from the author's personal experience and the significant contributions of others, Mechanical Design of Electric Motors highlights innovative and advanced electric motors developed over the past few decades.

»

Mechanical design of electric motors

The importance of electric motors is well known in various fields of engineering. The book provides comprehensive coverage of various types of electric motors, including direct current motors, three-phase and single-phase induction motors, synchronous motors, universal motors, AC servo motors, linear induction motors, and stepper motors. The book covers all the details of DC motors, including torque equation, reverse electromotive force, characteristics, starting types, speed control methods and applications.

The book also covers various DC motor testing methods such as Swinburne test, brake test, retardation test, field test and Hopkinson test. The book further explains three-phase induction motors in detail. Includes rotating magnetic field production, construction, functioning, effect of slip, torque equation, torque ratios, torque-slip characteristics, losses, power flow, equivalent circuit, effect of harmonics on performance, circle diagram and applications. This chapter also includes discussion of the induction generator. The book teaches various starting methods and speed control methods of three-phase induction motors. The book incorporates the explanation of various single-phase induction motors. The chapter on synchronous motor provides detailed discussion on construction, working principle, load behavior, phasor diagram analysis, V and inverted V curves, oscillation, synchronous capacitor and applications. The book also teaches various special machines such as single-phase commutator motors, universal motors, AC servo motors, linear induction motors and stepper motors. The book uses clear, lucid language to explain each topic. The book provides the logical method of explaining various complicated topics and step by step methods for easy understanding. Each chapter is well supported with necessary illustrations, self-explanatory diagrams and variety of solved problems. The book explains the philosophy of the subject, which makes understanding the concepts very clear and makes the subject more interesting.

»

Guide to Motor Starting and Control: An Introduction to Electric Motor Starting and Control Techniques

Whether you are a busy electrical engineer who needs to refresh your motor starting knowledge, a time-pressed student new to the subject, or an interested person with an hour to spare, this book is the right place to start. Steven McFadyen shares his expert engine starting knowledge in a clear, easily accessible way, without verbose or self-congratulatory discussions. Complete with circuit diagrams and thorough explanations of the most common engine starting methods and challenges, this book is an invaluable reference. It has something to offer anyone interested in learning new things, while simultaneously helping practicing electrical engineers design and implement reliable and functional motor starters.

»

Related Articles