2011-06-20 - ABB has launched two new high-performance low-voltage motor and drive packages that combine revolutionary ABB motor technology with variable speed control to reduce power consumption in energy-hungry industrial applications by up to 40 percent.
By
ABB Communications
The ABB motor represents a huge breakthrough in electrical machine technology. Based on ABB innovations in synchronous reluctance technology, the motor is equipped with a new type of rotor that is robust, has no windings and operates with practically no losses.
The motor is available with an ABB variable speed drive and dedicated software in two optimized motor and drive packages for general purpose industrial applications like pumps, fans and compressors. All three applications are among the most common and energy-hungry in the industrial world.
Package one is designed for maximum efficiency and package two for maximum output.
Based on ABB innovations in synchronous reluctance technology, the motor is equipped with a new type of rotor that is robust, has no windings and operates with practically no losses
Package one - IE4 Super Premium Efficiency package – is designed to operate at the highest international energy efficiency level for low voltage industrial motors, IE4. Compared to a conventional IE2 induction motor, the package reduces energy consumption by as much as 40 percent and provides a rapid payback time of less than two years in energy savings alone.
The second package – High Output – is configured for maximum output and is up to two frame sizes smaller than an induction motor. This is a huge benefit for machine builders as it enables them to design smaller, lighter and more efficient equipment that incorporates perfectly matched variable speed control.
Besides the huge improvement in efficiency, the fact that the rotor requires no magnets or cages makes the motor more robust and enables it to operate at a lower temperature than induction motors. This extends the operating life of the bearings, lengthens the greasing intervals, reduces maintenance and improves machine reliability.
Customer assessments
The motor was introduced at this year’s Hanover Fair in April to huge industry acclaim and media interest. The first customer assessments of pilot installations are beginning to come in. Kotkamills, a forest products company based in Finland, had this to say:
“The new motor and drive package has been running for a month and has performed as promised,” said electrical officer Mikko Jääskeläinen. “There are many advantages with this new technology. The simple design of the rotor is a big benefit compared with the standard induction motor. Its ability to perform without losses will provide better load and a cooler motor and, therefore, a longer life cycle.”
Filanda Serlini, an Italian textile producer, installed the high output package on its spinning machines achieving estimated energy savings of 5-10 percent on top of savings of 25 percent achieved by an ABB motor and drive solution installed just 12 months previously.
The ABB range of motor and drive packages. The High Output package ranges from 1 to 315 kW and comes with a powerful, yet highly compact motor that is up to two frame sizes smaller than conventional motors. The Super Premium Efficiency package ranges from 11 to 200kW and features a motor with unprecedented efficiency, compliant to the upcoming IE4 efficiency class and with reduced energy losses of up to 40 percent.