Linear Motor Series Features Modulated Gas Control for Greener, Gas Heating Efficiency

With heating and domestic hot water representing 85% of a family household energy expenses, energy saving solutions are increasingly in demand. In response, Crouzet North America, a company of Custom Sensors & Technologies, has introduced the Linear Motor Series to the North American market. Designed to provide a greener, more energy-efficient means of gas heating control, the new motor series features proportional control of gas flow rather than straight on/off control. With extremely accurate modulation of the gas being dispensed, fuel can be burned at a slow or fast rate as needed, resulting in improved burning efficiency, energy saving economies, and reduced pollution. Typical applications include gas heaters, gas fireplaces, and other equipment that uses gas valve control. The new device is packaged as an integrated assembly complete with motor, valve, and safety function (stepper models), simplifying system design for OEMs and reducing component inventory. For further system simplification, the highly accurate regulation of the linear stepper motor allows replacement of two electromagnets per channel, and only requires one channel to control the global range of flow (0.6m3/h to 6 m3/h). The stepper motor configuration also features a rapid response, dual safety system that combines the regulation and fail safe function into one. This allows the motor to switch off the valve and stop the gas flow in less than 10 ms. The safety function also allows the valve to spring back to close if power is lost. Other outstanding characteristics of the new series include low noise, customization to specific application requirements, and certification to EN161 safety standards. Included in the new series are three digital linear models with various speeds, step angles, and output forces. All three models provide a linear travel of 10 mm as standard and up to 35 mm upon request for versions with an anti-rotation device built-in. The first in the series incorporates synchronous motor technology. Offering low and high speed connections, it provides 10 mm displacement at 115 Volts, a linear step speed of 0.833 or 1.67 mm per second, and an output force between 27 and 45 N. The other two models in the series are based on stepper motor technology and provide 10 mm displacement with 2 or 4 phase configurations. The first stepper-based motor incorporates a -7.5º step angle, a linear step displacement of 0.0167 mm per step, and an output force of 38 or 58 N. The second stepper-based model in the series features a -15º step angle, a linear step displacement of 0.033 mm per step, and an output force of 38 or 43 N.