Basic HTML Version
1.2012
trends in automation
Cover story
Bird’s eye view of the Gemasolar
solar power plant in Spain:
The plant is revolu-
tionising electricity generation using solar energy
(see back page). This groundbreaking technology
symbolises the dawning of a new era in energy
efficiency – and is at the heart of several initia-
tives in industry and automation technology.
In this issue we look at the objectives, applications
and results of these efficiency measures.
Editorial
3
Panorama
6
Festo worldwide
38
About this magazine
41
Soft Stop
42
No race for resources
Energy-efficient production concepts are
preparing companies for tomorrow’s
competition. Prof. Dr.-Ing. Egon Müller
talks about savings potential of up to
50% over the next decade.
8
Batteries move up a gear
Electric cars are becoming more popular,
but expensive batteries take the fun
out of driving. The automation industry
is therefore working on concepts for
low-cost battery production.
12
Sun-fuelled wings
Fuel prices have exploded and rising
costs are having an impact on air
travel. Environmentally-friendly forms
of propulsion are opening up new
perspectives for altitude flight with
renewable energy.
14
“The best energy efficiency measure
is, quite simply, to save energy.”
The solar plane
“Solar Impulse”
is set to circumnavigate the globe
in two years’ time – with no fuel
and no harmful emissions.
8
14
Inspiration
Compass
Photo: GeoEye