Broetje-Automation GmbH
About us
Wind energy is on the verge of an unprecedented production ramp-up, without which the energy transition cannot be achieved. In particular, there is a bottleneck in the production of wind turbines.
Broetje-Automation is the world's leading expert in production processes for large and complex structures. We plan and realize machines and plants for our customers at 23 locations and service centers worldwide.
We combine technology, research, project management and service to design the factory of the future. We offer high-tech automation with robots and machines as well as turnkey factory planning and digital integration. Our global service teams ensure that our customers' production runs smoothly and efficiently around the clock.
By increasing industrialization and automation, we help improve turbine productivity and quality, while enhancing safety and making jobs in the wind industry more attractive.
Address
Am Autobahnkreuz 14
26180 Rastede
Germany
E-mail: sales@broetje-automation.de
Phone: +49 4402 966-0
Internet: www.broetje-automation.com
Contact person:
Norbert Steinkemper
VP Communication and Marketing
E-mail: norbert.steinkemper@broetje-automation.de
Phone: +49 4402 966-141
Products & Services
Broetje-Automation has positioned itself for change and supports manufacturers worldwide in the industrialization of production. The company has consistently pushed the boundaries of automation technology, delivering state-of-the-art solutions that increase productivity, efficiency and safety.
Each wind turbine requires thousands of fasteners with very high process forces. Together with its customers, Broetje-Automation has developed automated fastening solutions that reduce process times while providing complete digital documentation of the work performed.
The comparatively light and mobile systems follow the principle of mobile assembly. This paradigm shift makes it possible to bring the machine to the component with the help of innovative technologies and thus saves the time-consuming positioning of the very large and heavy components in the wind energy sector.
Rotary Torque System - Effective bolting with high force
The Rotary Torque System is an automated simultaneous bolt tightening system for a fast and efficient assembly of wind power plants. The bolting process requires highest quality and accuracy to make sure, all parameters are well covered. A multi-step bolting process and the variable force application range offer more flexibility for a variety of wind power structures and applications.
The sensor referenced system guarantees a precise and accurate process to ensure the safety and quality of the end product. With the simultaneous bolt tightening on two parallel positions of the circular module, we are able to complete the process two times faster than in a regular standard application.
Stator Torque System - Process Integration for Higher Levels of Automation
Fastening is one of the most crucial processes to be automated in the factory of the future. Based on more than 45 years of experience in high-precision assembly of large parts, Broetje-Automation has developed one of the largest fastening machines in the wind power industry. The Stator Torque System is a tailored automated bolting system for the automatic fastening of large bolts in the stator section of a wind turbine.
The process integrates the automatic fastening of large bolts in the stator section of the turbine. The tightening of the bolted connections in various stages, in this case up to 2200 Nm, is carried out fully automated. Broetje-Automation’s proprietary SCALE sensor system ensures a smooth and highly accurate fastening that dramatically increases the speed and accuracy.
Snowflake - Mobile Torque System
The automated bolt tensioning system “Snowflake” represents a cutting-edge solution in the field of automated bolt tensioning. Together with the WZL of RWTH Aachen and Plarad Torque Systems, this project was integrated by Broetje-Automation to join outstanding technology in one product for automated wind turbine production. This system integrates advanced robotic technology combined with an automated tensioner mounted on an autonomous guided vehicle (AGV) to deliver precise and reliable fastening. Designed for large-scale industrial applications, including wind energy and heavy machinery, where its versatility and automation capabilities significantly improve both efficiency and safety. With features such as omnidirectional movement, real-time control, and autonomous obstacle detection, Snowflake ensures high performance with minimal human intervention, pushing the boundaries of industrial automation.
Special Features
• Online and offline teaching of parts
• Camera based self centering on fastener
• Full Body Kinematics – AGV kinematic and robot-kinematic integrated together
• Full integration – AGV, robot, camera, tensioner controllable by mobile clients
• Optimized Bolt Tensioning Process for an ergonomic working enviroment
