All Electric Moving Roof Automation for Wimbledon
Moog's automation products and control expertise is behind the precise movement of the retractable roofs at Wimbledon, UK.
The Technological Challenge
In collaboration with SCX Special Projects & Fairfield Controls
A roof that would operate securely, quietly, speedily, safely and accurately, be completed by the 2009 Championships, and be under the scrutiny of the entire world.
The Wimbledon sign on Centre Court
Challenge 1
Provide electric motion control for a retractable roof on a building dating from 1922.
Moog's all-electric solution, built in collaboration with SCX Special Projects and Fairfield Controls
Challenge 2
Safely move 1,000 tonnes of steel above 15,000 spectators with the touch of a button.
The moving roof above Centre Court at Wimbledon, pictured open
Challenge 3
Occupy minimal space, enabling sunlight & ventilation to reach the pitch below
Watch the Case Study Video
Key Features of the Wimbledon All-Electric Retractable Roof
All-electric concertina retractable roof.
Metal trusses support a translucent industrial fabric.
Trusses supported by end arms and set into precise motion by electric actuators which form a structural yet moveable part of the roof.
Truss ends are supported by a wheeled carriage or 'bogie' which moves along a track positioned on the fixed roof.
Capabilities Delivered
Accuracy of Movement
Moog supplied high performance brushless servo motors, electric actuators, servo drives, servo controllers, and worked with Fairfield Controls to deliver the supervisory and data acquisition (SCADA) System to deliver 150 axis of control.
Service and Support
Global engineering, service and support is provided for the lifetime of the roof, and ensures that during championships, a full range of spares is available within 2 hours.
Technology Flexibility
The use of electric motion control ensures future operational requirements can be met, such as the addition of sun shade mode to remove shadow lines on the pitch.
Team Player
During the build and since the commissioning of the roof, Moog continues to collaborate efficiently with the contractors involved in the project.
Agile
Moog engineers continue to support and improve the operational efficiency of the roof, ensuring engineers are in situ for regular testing and during the championships.
Moog Global Support
Our commitment to keep your motion control components and systems running at peak performance by providing responsive repair and O&M support. Around the globe in 24 countries, local teams of trained Moog technicians are on standby with the services you need from express repairs to exchange programs, and on-site technical support