Cooling Tower Direct Drive

ABB combines proven laminated-frame motor technology, a high-performance permanent-magnet rotor and a matched adjustable speed drive to deliver high-torque direct drive motors purpose-built for cooling towers.

Gearless reliability for cooling tower performance

ABB Baldor-Reliance® direct drive cooling tower motors deliver high torque at low speeds while eliminating gearboxes, belts and jackshafts that fail in wet, corrosive environments. Designed for HVAC systems and large cooling towers—including power plant installations—these motors reduce maintenance, improve uptime and operate quietly with exceptional efficiency. The result is long-term reliability where harsh conditions demand it most.

Technical data

CTDD motors combine high-pole PM salient pole rotor designs with variable speed drives to provide efficient, low-speed, high-torque operation for direct fan drive in cooling tower applications.

Up to 3000Nm

2230 lb-ft or 3023Nm.

Up to 60%

Saves energy and reduces mechanical stress on the system.

Frame FL5800

Frame size FL210 to FL5800.

Rotor IPM

Interior salient pole permanent magnet rotor for torque density and higher efficiency.

Ingress protection IP66

Inpro/Seal® bearing isolator combined with slinger and labyrinth non-contact shaft seal protects motor from water ingress.

Insulation VPI

The VPI (vacuum pressure impregnation) insulation system ensures long motor life in extreme environmental conditions.

Explore the key features and benefits

ABB combines proven laminated-frame motor technology, a high-performance permanent-magnet rotor and a matched adjustable speed drive to deliver high-torque direct drive motors purpose-built for cooling towers.

Reduced maintenance

Eliminating gearboxes, belts and jackshafts reduces maintenance points, minimizes downtime and significantly lowers long-term service costs in cooling tower applications.

Space-saving

By eliminating gearboxes, belts and jackshafts, the overall system becomes significantly smaller, simpler and more compact.

Quiet operation

A gearless design reduces noise and vibration, making direct drive motors ideal for cooling towers near occupied buildings, data centers and urban environments where low noise is critical.

Severe Environment

Improved reliability in high-humidity, wet environments, where moisture, corrosion and continuous operation challenge traditional drive systems.

Optimum pole design

High-performance permanent magnet (PM) salient pole design delivers high-torque with low speed direct drive cooling with reduced cost and maintenance.

Energy efficient

High-efficiency, low-speed direct drive operation reduces losses and lowers total energy consumption.

Simplicity

Direct connection of the motor to the fan reduces system complexity, easing installation and simplifying long-term maintenance and service.

Related Documents

Cooling Tower Applications: Food Processing Facilities

Application Note

Cooling towers are used in food processing plants all over the world. Maintenance and failure of the gearbox and associated components, is often problematic with traditional systems. The ABB Baldor-Reliance direct drive cooling tower elminates these problems by coupling the motor directed to the fan and controlling it with a unique drive.

ABB’s HVAC solution helps JW Marriott Hotel to cut down energy losses by 35%

Success Story

By installing ABB’s Cooling Tower Direct Drive solution in its hotel, JW Marriott Pune, an iconic landmark in the city of Pune, has set new benchmarks in energy efficiency, saving about 35 percent energy annually.

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As a hybrid design, the RPM XE platform utilizes permanent magnet technology but can operate across-the-line, very similar to standard induction motor.

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