Roller Table Sub-segment Switching Between Converters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Roller tables in rolling mills face a trade-off between flexibility and cost, as increasing the number of drive segments for greater flexibility also increases converter costs, necessitating a compromise between investment and throughput.
Innovation Solution
A roller table design with at least two drive segments operated via converters, where one sub-segment is switchable between converters using a switching unit, allowing flexible segmentation and reduced converter usage, enabling efficient energy management and redundancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of roller table segments is increased to improve flexibility, then the flexibility of the rolling train is improved, but the number of converters increases leading to higher acquisition costs
Solution Approach 1:
A sub-segment of the roller table is designed to be switchable between two different converters (first converter and second converter) using a switching unit. This allows a single sub-segment to serve multiple functions by being dynamically assigned to different drive sources, thereby reducing the total number of converters needed while maintaining flexibility in segment configuration and control.
Solution Approach 2:
The roller table system implements dynamic reconfiguration by enabling the sub-segment to be switched between different converters during operation. This dynamic switching capability allows the system to adapt its configuration based on operational requirements, achieving flexibility without permanently increasing the number of converters.
2Ease of operation
If more converters are installed to control additional roller table segments, then the control capability is improved, but the investment costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The switching unit enables a single sub-segment to be controlled by either the first converter or the second converter, allowing existing converters to serve multiple segments at different times. This multi-functional usage reduces the need for additional converter installations, thereby lowering investment costs while maintaining comprehensive control capability across all roller table segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The control function for the sub-segment is merged between two converters through the switching unit, which dynamically connects the sub-segment to the appropriate converter based on operational needs. This merging of control functions allows the system to achieve enhanced control capability without proportionally increasing the number of converters.
3Use of energy by moving object
If roller table motors are kept in standby mode to reduce energy consumption, then electricity costs are reduced, but the risk of drive failure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains a standby converter that can be quickly switched to if the active converter fails. This prior cushioning arrangement ensures that while one converter may be in standby mode (reducing energy consumption), the system is protected against drive failure through the availability of a backup drive source that can be activated via the switching unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the operational state of converters between active and standby modes based on real-time requirements. This parameter change allows the system to optimize energy consumption by keeping converters in standby when not needed, while maintaining reliability through the ability to quickly switch to an alternative converter if a failure occurs.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a roller table (1, 1') for transporting a rolled product (5, 5') in a rolling train, wherein the roller table (1, 1') comprises at least two drive segments operated via converters (2a, 2b). According to the invention, at least one sub-segment (c) of the roller table (1, 1') can be switched by means of a switchover unit (3) on a first converter (2a) and/or on a second converter (2b). According to the invention, the rolling train is made more flexible compared to known solutions while having the same number of converters.