Ac Induction Motor - Enhanced Energy Efficiency And Productivity Improvement Plan, Variable-speed Drives Optimization And Appraisal For Superior Performance

ABB have launched an all-new Energy Efficiency and Productivity Improvement Plan, aimed at providing step-by-step support for enhancing the performance of motor-driven applications using variable-speed drives (VSDs) and high-efficiency electric motors. The plan takes into account the often-overlooked productivity benefits that variable-speed drives can bring.

a When drives were initially introduced some 40 years ago, the focus was on regulating motor speeds to improve production output,a explained Dave Hawley, general manager for ABBa s UK motors and generators business. a It was only in later years that the focus on energy efficiency began to dominate. It is time to redress the balance and once again highlight the important features that variable-speed drives offer to improve productivity.a

Included within the 10-stage plan is an Energy and Productivity Appraisal that is undertaken by ABB and their network of authorized value providers.

The appraisal starts by outlining the scope of supply, focusing on processes and applications where significant energy savings can be made. These will most often be variable-torque applications that obey the cube law, running continuously and where flow is controlled by a mechanical means, such as valves or dampers. The productivity part of the appraisal will look at both variable- and constant-torque loads, their control methods and where improvements such as reduced maintenance, increased availability or product quality can be made.