From 1 and 0 to 30 Years of Service Life
How modern computer technology makes REO products last longerWith the help of state-of-the-art computer technology, our development departments are able to simulate the holistic range of requirements for our components in advance. This technology not only saves development time, material and budget, but also increases the safety of the products. Testing peak loads, heat conduction, heat radiation and extreme parameters in reality to the extent that modern simulation makes possible is hardly feasible. However, service life calculations for screws and weld seams or investigations into the effects of cyclical loads can also be carried out using modern engineering programs. This significantly increases the quality of our products. From simulation to productionThe practical applications of our components show us that these simulations are important and necessary. REO products are used worldwide, sometimes on a daily basis, under the harshest conditions.To ensure that the finished product can actually withstand the simulated conditions in reality in the long term, we set the highest standards and requirements for the quality of the manufacture of our products. The life cycle costs, which are a reason for purchase for many of our customers, are comparatively low thanks to the high quality, the components used and the associated lower maintenance intervals. REO customers consequently benefit from an efficient product with low service costs over its entire service life. Measurements confirm and guarantee compliance with the requirementsWhether the product actually complies with the required values calculated in the simulation is checked in production using state-of-the-art measurement technology. This includes shock and vibration tests, salt spray tests, cold and heat tests and tests for water tightness or fire protection. REO products consequently only leave our premises with the highest quality and performance. In this way, we ensure consistent quality of all products, components and complete solutions and stand for what has always distinguished REO: high quality and robust, low-maintenance products. With a clear conscience, we can assume long service lives of sometimes over 30 years thanks to these tests and controls. Are you also interested in simulations and measuring systems? Contact us! Share the news: Also interesting
Climate Friendliness at REO
From development to recycling – REO systematically reduces the CO2 emissions of its products throughout their entire life cycle. As a globally positioned supplier of innovative resistive and inductive components, REO is thus taking on the challenge of helping to shape the social changes in the areas of life, industry, infrastructure and mobility. A large number of REO components can already be found in systems and solutions that are essential on the path to a decarbonized society. In addition to the energy sector, where the use of REO components in wind power and solar systems is widespread, REO is also your reliable partner in the electrification of commercial vehicles. Whether it’s maintaining the on-board power supply in fully electric construction machines or using complete systems in hydrogen drives in railway technology, REO researches, develops and builds the right components for your project. The electrification of systems previously powered by diesel is particularly exciting. Using the example of an excavator powered by an electric motor, CO2 emissions are up to 90% lower over the entire service life. From a technical point of view, there are hardly any limits to electrification. Often it is still the manufacturers who have to be convinced of the right and inevitable path to defossilization. However, it is currently becoming apparent that dispensing with fossil fuels results in a massive competitive advantage. Also against the background of the EU ban on combustion engines in cars or vans from 2035. REO takes responsibility for our environment and sees itself as an active participant in the decarbonization process. REO can draw on around 100 years of experience. How can we help you on the path to climate neutrality? Contact us. Share the news: Also interesting
Controlling Harmonic Problems
Contrary to their bad reputation, not all harmonic distortions are unwanted. For example, the characteristic sounds of Marshall amplifiers, used in most rock and metal concerts, are actually a harmonic distortion sound. However, when it comes to power quality in variable speed drives (VSDs), harmonic distortions lead to lower operating efficiencies and higher energy costs. Steve Hughes, Managing Director of harmonic filter specialist REO UK, provides insights into how REO AG engineers can control harmonic problems in variable speed drives. Generally, harmonics are current or voltage waveforms in a power grid that have a different frequency than the mains frequency. This creates excess energy that cannot be used by connected devices. These harmonics pollute power networks and increase energy consumption. This leads to a reduction in overall power efficiency and consequently increases electricity bills. The latter is particularly problematic in times of increasingly scarce and expensive energy. Harmonic Problems in Variable Speed DrivesVariable speed drives generate harmonic current waveforms by converting incoming 50 Hz AC waveforms into a DC source for the output stage. This creates pulse-width modulated pulses that control an AC motor. Switching from AC to DC and back generates current waveforms that are multiples of the 50 Hz mains frequency. The effect of these frequencies can be controlled with passive harmonic filters. These are essentially inductors that prevent any frequencies above the desired 50 Hz from entering the network. This means that all energy in the network can be consumed by the device, and overall operating efficiency is not affected by harmonics. As harmonic frequencies increase, the inductance presents a higher impedance to further protect the circuit. REO AG supplies harmonic filters that reduce the total harmonic distortion (THD) in a network using inductors. In most cases, the total harmonic distortion can be reduced to below 5% with this technology. This creates potential for significant energy cost savings: by using the filters, operating efficiency is increased because almost all power in the network can be consumed by connected devices. At the same time, the lifespan of the electrical system is extended, downtime is minimized, and associated maintenance costs are reduced. In terms of applications, harmonic filters are best suited for use in systems with a constant load or a load above 50% of the rated load. These include, for example, heating or ventilation systems where there are no load fluctuations. As global efforts to reduce CO2 emissions lead to extensive electrification of industrial systems, harmonic distortions in power networks will become increasingly common in the future. Therefore, it is more important than ever that industry takes control measures by using harmonic filters. This reduces electricity costs, extends lifespan, and prevents damage to the power grid. For more information on REO’s range of harmonic filters, visit https://reo.de/produkte/auswahl-filter/harmonic-filter/ Share the news: Also interesting
Liquid-cooled Braking Resistors in Electric Vehicles
Manufacturers can take advantage of REO’s liquid cooling technology for braking resistors without having to worry about the power-to-weight ratio. A basic principle of good product design is the power-to-weight ratio. This concept is particularly important for the design of components for electric vehicles, such as braking resistors. This is because electric vehicles already have a high basic weight in their construction due to the lithium-ion batteries and electric motors. Weight optimization of vehicle components is therefore an important aspect of development. Steve Hughes, Managing Director at REO UK, explains the advantages of liquid-cooled braking resistors and provides an insight into why REO manufactures them to be weight- and space-optimized. The power-to-weight ratio is a calculation applied to engines and mobile power sources. It enables a comparison between different units or designs. To calculate the power-to-weight ratio, the power of a drive or motor is divided by the total weight of the vehicle. The result is a vehicle size-independent variable that is often used as a measure of the overall performance of a vehicle. The greater the weight of the individual components, the higher and therefore “worse” the power-to-weight ratio. Saving weight in the construction of components is therefore an important aspect of reducing the power-to-weight ratio. Braking resistors from REO A central component of the design of all electric vehicles is the braking resistor, which dissipates heat and slows down mechanical systems in a process known as dynamic braking. There are two forms of dynamic braking: rheostatic and regenerative braking. In rheostatic braking, the energy is dissipated as heat in a resistor. In contrast, in regenerative braking, the electrical energy is fed back into the system. Braking resistors with regenerative braking are more expensive due to their design. Both systems have in common the development of heat, which must be dissipated from the system. In order to improve the power dissipation, resistors are therefore often equipped with active fans. Thanks to advances in liquid cooling technology, however, electric vehicles are increasingly using solutions that dissipate heat by means of water or a coolant. With this technology, REO can design and build highly efficient cooling systems that are around 80 percent smaller than conventional braking resistors. Manufacturers of electric vehicles appreciate the more compact dimensions, lower weight and improved cooling capacity when used in their vehicles. The greatest advantage of liquid cooling lies in the physical properties of the coolant used: liquids have a higher density than air, which leads to a higher heat carrying capacity. The temperatures and loads of electrical components are greatly reduced and the service life is significantly extended. The elimination of a large surface area, which is required for ambient or forced air cooling, also means that liquid cooling systems take up less space and can therefore be designed much more compactly. In addition, the water-cooled resistor is virtually inaudible due to its encapsulated design. This is in contrast to conventional resistors, which can generate audible noise at harmonic frequencies of the DC ripple current. This can be disruptive in areas where they are in close proximity to people. However, where electricity flows and liquids are used, there is a particularly high demand for safety. REO therefore separates the cooling system or the coolant from the electrical circuit. This ensures electrical isolation and the component can continue to run without coolant for a short period of time. This is important in order to enable a safe shutdown of the system in the event of a coolant problem. REO relies on liquid cooling in many modern series due to these advantages. A good example of this is REO’s BW D 158 series of aluminum-coated water-cooled resistors. The components are designed for a continuous power dissipation of up to 60 kW and sealed in an anodized aluminum housing to protection class IP65. All connections and fixings are made of either stainless steel or anodized aluminum to protect against corrosion. REO offers the resistors between 2 and 850 ohms and, depending on the size, with a nominal power of 1 kW to 60 kW. The nominal voltage of the component is 1 kV in all cases. Share the news: Also interesting
E-Mobility in Practice: Electrically Powered Excavators
The electrification of mobility continues to advance in all sectors of the economy, and REO components are already proving their resilience and reliability daily. These capabilities are particularly important for heavy vehicles: high dynamic forces, adverse environments, and intensive continuous operation demand the highest level of quality. Specifically for these special requirements, REO offers a broad product portfolio with scalable performance. An example of this is the NTT 9339/375/0.06 sine filters, which ensure a clean on-board power supply for electrically powered excavators. Whether in salty air, fine dust, or thick mud, the sine filters guarantee trouble-free and low-maintenance operation. The electric drive works more than twice as efficiently as a comparable diesel engine and, in contrast, is only active when truly needed. Consequently, no energy is wasted during idle phases. This saves resources and enables significantly quieter, more pleasant, and ultimately more cost-effective work. Over their lifecycle, from production to recycling, e-excavators show a 90% better CO2 balance. “We recognized early on the shift in societal awareness and the resulting potential in the field of electromobility. Our research and development efforts of recent years are therefore already paying off. With our intelligent and smart testing systems for almost every area of electromobility, we offer a globally unique product portfolio.” Jasminka Usein As part of its electrification strategy, REO has bundled its strengths in the production of inductive, resistive, and electronic components and consistently thought ahead. While many providers purchase technologies, REO can draw on over 95 years of experience – a guarantee for in-house innovation, especially when demanding testing systems are required. Share the news: Also interesting
REO AG Presents Funding as Part of the Deutschlandstipendium Scholarship Program
Together with Mr. Lucas Müller, an electrical engineering student at the Bergische Universität in Wuppertal, we are pleased about the funding as part of the Deutschlandstipendium scholarship program in the 2022/2023 funding year. The scholarship, made possible by REO, supports Mr. Müller, who has successfully distinguished himself as a talented and high-achieving student in the Master’s program in Electrical Engineering, on his further path. However, the scholarship was not only awarded based on top grades, but also on social commitment, special personal achievements, and the social and family situation. This holistic understanding of the concept of performance in the Deutschlandstipendium opens up educational opportunities for young talents and has been an investment in the future for REO AG for many years. In addition to REO’s in-house training programs, which include offers such as dual studies or the supervision of final theses in addition to classic training, REO sees its commitment to the Deutschlandstipendium as a first-class opportunity to get in contact with the specialists of tomorrow. Since REO AG sees this commitment as a socially important task, it is continuing the tradition of awarding scholarships. After the Corona years, the scholarship is once again taking place against a special background this year: the difficult financial conditions under which students throughout Germany are currently suffering and will continue to suffer in the near future. It is therefore a good sign that the number of sponsors has risen significantly in the last 10 years. “The number of sponsors has doubled. The number of scholarships has tripled to 180. We are very pleased that we can support our high-performing and committed students in this way and that companies and foundations are expressing their connection with the region and their university in this way”, summarizes Prof. Dr. Andreas Frommer, Vice President for Studies and Teaching at the Bergische Universität. REO AG congratulates Mr. Lucas Müller and wishes him all the best for his future life. Hopefully we’ll see you again! You can find more information about the project on the website of the Bergische Universität in Wuppertal. Share the news: Also interesting
A Look Back with REO – and Looking Forward to 2023
The year 2022 is coming to an end. It’s once again the time when we look back at the past year and are open to the many new things 2023 has to offer. For REO, 2022 marks the end of the trade fair year. With our appearances at InnoTrans and SPS, after the long COVID break, we finally had the opportunity to engage in direct conversations with our customers and the many interested trade visitors. Even though planning was more challenging than in pre-COVID years due to the uncertain number of visitors, we went all out with the design, equipment, and our presence at the fair. Our commitment certainly paid off: New contacts were made, existing contacts were revitalized, and ideas and concepts emerged that are only possible through direct exchange of thoughts. Therefore, REO will also be represented at SPS in 2023, and we look forward to meeting you there. Beyond the national trade fairs in Germany, one of the major themes in 2022 was the consolidation of international marketing activities. Through newly established working groups and globally aligned communication, we successfully integrated the standards we have developed in Germany over recent years into our international subsidiaries. The focus of this activity, in addition to a uniform web presence, was the consistent communication of our expertise in electrical drive concepts. Because one thing also became clear in 2022: The electrification of products or even entire industries is ubiquitous. With nearly 100 years of experience in manufacturing inductive, resistive, and electronic components, we were once again able to provide significant impetus. Our projects sometimes have a significant impact on a country’s infrastructure or the respective economic sector. The largest projects are found in the area of railway components. These must meet the highest requirements for safety, longevity, and protection in the most adverse environments. Components specifically designed for these applications were newly summarized and bundled by REO in 2022 under the title “Heavy Duty”. Take a look at our new complete catalog here: To the catalog Against the backdrop of safety and reliability, the demand for REO’s medical technology products remained high in 2022. Even though the COVID-19 pandemic increasingly faded from media attention due to new international crises, our medical technology products continue to provide vital services daily in intensive care units worldwide. But before we start the new year 2023, let’s use the Christmas season to take a break with our loved ones and recharge our batteries. Share the News: Also of interest
New Catalog for Heavy-Duty Components
With the new heavy-duty catalog, you have, for the first time, a clear and modern overview of all REO components that meet the highest requirements. These include chokes, transformers, resistors, current transformers, and complete solutions. With the complete solutions, the main focus is on the highly compatible support frame system, the REOFLEX Multiuse-Frame. Thanks to the standardized support frame, railway components from REO can be mounted easily, quickly, and very variably. For safe damping and suspension, vibration dampers can even be integrated into the device as required. All products have in common that they are available as standardized products, as modified standard products, or as individual developments specifically for your requirements. No matter what you choose, the heavy-duty products from REO can withstand high loads. In industry, REO components must work reliably under the harshest environmental conditions for many years. Essential is the resistance to, for example, extreme temperatures, pollutants such as salts, gases, coal dust, oil, or brake abrasion. In the new catalog, you can find out in detail how REO enables the high protection classes and the longevity of the components and complete solutions. REO manufactures products that will safely accompany you in the long term. We are firmly convinced that our experience in development and production, the use of high-quality materials, and the careful use of resources are fundamental aspects for durable products, reliability, and your satisfaction. Are you interested in our new catalog? Share the news: Also interesting
REO Insulation Systems – MPS Protective Coating
REO products are used worldwide under the harshest conditions – at 40 °C in deserts or at -30 °C in mountain regions. The ingress of moisture and the smallest foreign bodies must be prevented, and physical effects such as vibrations or oscillations must not have a negative impact. REO components from the heavy-duty sector have been specially designed for these environmental influences. The MPS (Moisture Protection System) protective coating is an essential component of the REO insulation system and one of the biggest unique selling points of REO components. The MPS protective coating we developed is available exclusively from REO. It reliably and permanently protects your components from a variety of environmental influences. In order to provide the necessary protection outdoors against abrasion from the pantograph, brake dust, metal abrasion, snow and ice, our components receive this special protective coating in addition to VPI impregnation. This offers you the possibility of exposing the components housed (IP20) to the unfiltered cooling air. A major advantage in terms of the flexibility of railway designs. REO relies on this MPS protective coating from pollution level PD3A. In order to guarantee the safety of people and components, REO generally uses high protection classes. We currently offer a protection class value of up to IP67 in a wide range of products. REO components must demonstrate their high resistance under the toughest test conditions. These include salt spray tests, cold and heat tests and tests for water resistance or fire protection. REO applies the coatings and paints only under strict consideration of the necessary safety measures. Complex filter systems and safety standards ensure that the effects on both people and nature are reduced to a minimum. REO offers the silicone coating as REO Xtreme or REO Mix & Match. Share the news: Also interesting
Trade Fair Success after COVID Break
After a two-year COVID break, SPS took place again for the first time as an on-site trade fair in Nuremberg. REO draws a consistently positive conclusion with around 44,000 visitors: “We had many interesting discussions at our booth throughout all days,” summarizes Jennifer Baatz, Kyritz Branch Manager of REO AG. “The joy of finally seeing each other again was clearly palpable.” Especially the opportunity to see products in reality, hold them in hand, and directly engage in conversation with both REO’s technical consultants and managers, had a completely new appeal after the recent virtual trade fairs. That the trade fair recorded fewer visitors compared to the pre-COVID era was to be expected for REO, given the ongoing travel restrictions in Asia. Nevertheless, the foundation for exciting projects was successfully laid in several areas. Now it’s time to stay in touch and look forward to the upcoming SPS in 2023. It will take place again in Nuremberg from November 14 to 16. Would you like to stay up to date with news and developments from REO? Then subscribe to our newsletter! It reliably and long-term protects your components from a variety of environmental influences. To provide the necessary outdoor protection against pantograph abrasion, brake dust, metal abrasion, snow, and ice, our components receive this special protective coating in addition to VPI impregnation. This offers you the possibility to expose the enclosed (IP20) components to unfiltered cooling air. A great advantage regarding the flexibility of railway constructions. From pollution degree PD3A, REO relies on this MPS protective coating. To ensure the safety of people and components, REO generally uses high protection classes. Currently, we offer a protection class value of up to IP67 in a wide product range. REO components must prove their high resistance value under the harshest test conditions. These include salt spray tests, cold and heat tests, or tests regarding water resistance or fire protection. REO applies coatings and varnishes only under strict consideration of the necessary safety measures. Elaborate filter systems and safety standards ensure that the effects on both humans and nature are reduced to a minimum. REO offers the silicone coating as REO Xtreme or REO Mix & Match. Advantages of REO Insulation Systems Best Protection Against Moisture Very Good Protection Against Stone Impact High Abrasion Resistance (Desert Sand Resistant) Suitable for Pollution Degree > PD3 High Tracking Resistance (CTI > 600V) Share the News: Also Interesting