Direct-drive motor helps explore galaxies far, far away

The drive solution from Schaeffler ensures the precise positioning and regulates the speed of the telescopic camera on the giant telescope, located on La Palma in the Canary Islands. According to the company, the compact, segmented design of the motor made it cheaper to transport and mount, while optimising system performance.

The Gran Telescopio de Canarias (GTC) has 36 reflectors, measures 10.4 metres across and weighs around 300 tonnes. Nevertheless, it has to be able to move with millimetre precision. Schaeffler Iberia contributed its specialist engineering expertise in industrial drives to this latest project on La Palma and was involved in developing an instrument rotator for one of the GTC’s focal stations.

According to the company, the instrument rotator drive is an important high-precision mechanism in the telescope and controls the focal tracking and rapid positioning system that rotates the two-tonne telescopic camera with outstanding eveness throughout the entire observation, in order to ensure its perfect alignment with the heavens from start to finish.

Schaeffler Industrial Drives says the direct drive is highly dynamic yet very even and energy-efficient when in motion. The special motor, which is more than two metres in diameter, was developed and built based on a proven drive concept from machine tools for grinding operations that was adapted for the telescope.

Albert Monera-Llorca, president of the industrial division for Schaeffler Spain and Southern Europe, commented: “This telescopic project impressively demonstrates Schaeffler’s extensive technological expertise and innovative capabilities. With our unconventional drive solution, we have successfully created a special application that will allow mankind to accurately explore space and thus support ground-breaking international research."

More information is available on: www.schaeffler.co.uk