Festo has successfully completed development of pneumatic subsystems for an automated battery pack assembly system designed by Gravatom Engineering Systems Ltd (GESL). The system was conceived by GESL for the battery systems division of AEA Technology, which designs and assembles battery packs for military, commercial and industrial applications. As a preferred supplier to GESL, Festo was contracted to design and integrate the positioning and control elements of the project.
The assembly system automatically configures the battery stacks and creates welded electrical connections between the batteries and the pack terminals.
Previously, these processes were accomplished by hand using a combination of welding and soldering techniques.
The positioning and control subsystem is based on Festo's Compact Performance Valve Terminals (CPVT) and servo pneumatic positioning controller, integrated via the Profibus 2-wire fieldbus.
Positional accuracy is within +/-0.2mm, and the system can be reconfigured in under 40 minutes for alternative stack lengths and a range of battery sizes from AA to D.
"Festo's involvement was central to achieving a solution that met the customer's requirements," said Barry Elsey, project manager at GESL.
"We needed to be sure of product performance, delivery and technical back-up.
From previous experience of working with Festo we knew these criteria would be met."
GESL is an international engineering systems developer that undertakes feasibility studies, systems design and manufacture, installation, commissioning and technical support throughout the world.
Customers include nuclear, industrial and pharmaceutical concerns.
The company recently received a SMART award from the UK Department of Trade and Industry.