IDS are ABB Inverter specialists. We specify, install, commission, repair, service and hire variable speed drives.
The synchronous reluctance motor (SynRM) has been around for nearly a century, and yet it is only in recent years that it has become commercially viable as a high efficiency alternative to the induction motor. ABB’s Dave Hawley explains some of the benefits. 6 reasons to choose SynRM The core idea of a synchronous reluctance motor (SynRM) is that the rotor has no windings or magnets, just electric steel plates stacked together to form…
Installing a variable speed drive (VSD) on applications such as pumps and fans is proven to cut energy use. Yet many motor-driven systems are far less efficient than they should be. ABB’s Martin Richardson explains the reasons why – and outlines the steps that can be taken to get efficiency back on track. Installing a VSD on variable torque applications such as pumps and fans is proven to realise incredible savings – between 20 and…
IoT-enabled drives, motors and controls together with application-specific packages feature in ABB’s new 120-page guide. Smart sensors, apps and services that enable users of motors, variable speed drives (VSDs) and controls to tap into the opportunities offered by the Internet of Things (IoT) headline in ABB’s 2017 catalogue. These include the world’s first affordable sensor for tracking the performance of low voltage (LV) motors. The ABB smart sensor for LV motors is simply attached, without…
From the 1st of January 2015 the EU MEPS made IE3 compulsory for single speed three-phase induction motors in the range 7.5 to 375 kW. IE2 rated motors can still be sold but they need to be used with a Variable Speed Drive (VSD). The same measures will apply to Motors ranging 0.75 to 7.5 kW from 2017. What is the difference between IE2 and IE3 ratings? Mandatory Efficiency Requirements For Low Voltage Electric Motors…
Application-specific motor-drive packages and more introduced in comprehensive guide. A selection of bespoke motor and drive packages aimed at specific industries and applications is launched in ABB’s new 116 page drives and controls, motors and mechanical power transmission guide. As one of the only companies making both variable-speed drives (VSDs) and low voltage AC motors, ABB is able to offer customers a perfectly designed, tested and approved matched pair. The packages are designed for applications…
Specification challenges washed away with new ABB water motor range The problem of matching motors to specific water industry standards and specifications has been eliminated with ABB’s new range of WIMES compliant electric motors. The Water Industry Mechanical and Electrical Specification for low voltage AC motors (WIMES 3.03 issue 6), created by The Pump Centre working closely with 17 water companies across the UK, defines the mechanical and electrical requirements for equipment used in the…
The challenge of matching low voltage AC motors and AC drives for use in hazardous environments within the chemical, oil and gas industries has been overcome by ABB’s ATEX-approved motor-drive package. Because very few manufacturers make both motors and variable-speed drives, it is a major concern to the industry when searching for combinations that are ATEX approved. For instance, end-users that choose to match their own drive and motor combinations may be forced to select…
As of 1stJanuary 2015, the new European minimum energy performance standard (EU MEPS) comes into force, when all motors between 7.5 and 375 kW must either meet IE3 efficiency levels or meet IE2 if fitted with a variable-speed drive. IE2 motors do not have to be decommissioned and replaced, as there is no requirement under the pending changes to EU MEPS that prevents the continued use of installed IE2 motors. Whilst end user stock of…
Over the life of an electric motor, the power cost in just one year can be ten times the capital cost. Over the life of a motor, the power cost is by far the most significant for a motor that runs most of the year. Therefore the most important factor when choosing a new motor is its efficiency. Motors are rated IE1 to IE4 in increasing efficiency: If the motor is driving a pump or a fan…
