Anyone within the agricultural sector will know that operating an irrigation system can be expensive, with one of the primary factors being the cost of energy. The good news is that there are ways to reduce costs and achieve savings.
Significant efficiency can be realised by leveraging available technology to provide an appropriate electric motor and variable speed drive (VSD) combination that reduce costs while providing reliable performance. WEG’s IE3 Top Premium Efficiency motors and VSDs are designed for that purpose.
As a supplier with a solid track record in irrigation applications, the Zest WEG Group can provide examples to show how energy costs can be reduced. In a pivot pump application, which operates for 4000 hours in a single year – two planting cycles – it was possible to do a comparison between a standard efficiency IE1 motor (91% Eff) and a premium efficiency WEG IE3 motor.
WEG IE3 Top Premium Efficiency motors not only offer maximum ingress protection with a higher winding insulation system to increase motor life expectancy, but also offer efficiencies of up to 96,6% and benefits are apparent when compared against IE1 standard efficiency motors. Using a 22 kW 2 Pole at 75% of full load IE1 motor with an efficiency of 91%, measured against a WEG IE3 motor with 93% efficiency, estimated savings of R2100 per year at the current tariff will be achieved.
Much higher savings can also be realised by using a WEG VSD in combination with a WEG motor. An IE1 electric motor, again operating for 4000 hours per year at 91% efficiency, will consume about R93 800 worth of energy, using old valve-based methods to throttle and reduce the output of water volume and/or pressure. The same could be achieved using a VSD to reduce the motor speed while simultaneously further reducing the energy used when compared to running the motor direct online from a power source.
If a 10% reduction in operational speed using the VSD is assumed, further savings of 22% to 27% could be achieved.
Innomotics powers largest heat pump system in the Netherlands
Motion Control & Drives
Innomotics, a global leader in the provision of electric motors and large drive systems, has played a pivotal role in the realisation of the largest heat pump system in the Netherlands. It is located at the municipal wastewater treatment plant in Utrecht.
Read more...Problem solving under pressure Axiom Hydraulics
Motion Control & Drives
The greatest strength of Axiom Hydraulics lies in the company’s ability to solve complex problems and adapt systems to meet unique challenges. This capability stems from two key factors: the diverse experience of its team members, which spans decades across multiple disciplines, and their unwavering dedication to their clients.
Read more...New AI advisor for robot selection igus
Motion Control & Drives
igus’ new AI chatbot has been added to the online platform RBTX.com. The interactive consultant is designed to enable companies with little previous experience and technological expertise to quickly and reliably put together low-cost automation solutions to becoming more competitive.
Read more...The world’s most powerful worm
Motion Control & Drives
Geothermal energy from the natural heat of the Earth is an inexhaustible resource, yet the growth of the global geothermal power sector lags behind other renewable energies. Now Swiss startup, Borobotics is hoping to speed this up with its innovative new electric-powered geothermal drilling robot, which can be used to fast-track and lower the cost of heat pump installations in confined spaces.
Read more...Building resilience in extreme environments ACTOM Electrical Machines
Motion Control & Drives
The petrochemical and oil and gas sectors operate in unforgiving environments. In this high-stakes industry, operational efficiency is vital, and unplanned downtime can have severe consequences. To thrive in this demanding landscape, a proactive and sophisticated approach to maintenance is no longer an option, but a necessity.
Read more...Collaborative robots pioneer automation revolution
Motion Control & Drives
Collaborative robots (cobots) are a versatile, cost-effective robot form factor that is demonstrating value across many industry verticals. According to a new report from ABI Research, revenue from cobots will increase from $970 million in 2023 to $7,2 billion by 2030.
Read more...SKF shines at Mining Indaba SKF South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
This year marked SKF’s second consecutive participation at Mining Indaba, where the global bearing and seal manufacturing giant spotlighted its premium quality, future-smart, environmentally sustainable mining and industrial products, technologies and services.
Read more...Reducing the risk of sewage spills
Motion Control & Drives
The UK government has announced plans to impose tougher penalties on water companies in England and Wales that fail to prevent sewage discharges into rivers and seas. David Strain, technical director at the automation systems specialist, Technidrive explains how solutions like variable speed drives and smart monitoring systems can help water companies reduce the risk of sewage spills and ensure compliance.
Read more...High-performance electric wire rope hoists
Motion Control & Drives
Becker Mining South Africa’s Kito RX electric wire rope hoists, launched in Africa two years ago, play a critical role in many industries.
Read more...Complete solutions for the die casting industry
Motion Control & Drives
Die casting is a manufacturing process that involves injecting molten metal into a mould to produce complex, high-precision components. FUCHS Lubricants South Africa addresses the evolving demands of the die casting sector through continuous product innovation and development.
printer friendly version