“Dwindling resources and rising energy costs are prompting companies to review the degree of energy efficiency of their systems as well as the ensuing operating costs involved. A central point of debate is how energy saving solutions can be implemented right from the start,” says Ute Bormann, general manager Sales and Marketing at SEW Eurodrive.
The company has recently introduced a modular range of drive components with individually high levels of energy efficiency. Correct choice of combinations allows application specific design that meets all functional requirements at minimum energy consumption.
The motors are available in ranges from 0,75 to 200 kW
Potential cost savings
The investment in electrical drives is minor when compared to the overall budget for a new plant. However, the choice of drive technology can have a decisive influence on the subsequent operating costs.
Cost comparisons over the life-cycle of a system have revealed that energy optimal design reduces operating costs significantly. A good time for optimisation of existing systems is during maintenance shutdowns where parts need to be replaced. Whether these are individual components or a combination there is always the potential for energy saving. The latest and most efficient drive technology can be used as part of the re-engineering process to make the plant less energy demanding.
SEW Eurodrive has introduced the new DRE and DRP motor ranges. Based on die-cast copper technology the DRP surpasses the efficiency levels of the new international IEC 60034 –T30 standard and is classified IE3 (Premium Efficiency). According to SEW the cost is economical enabling amortisation within one to three years.
Ventilation control
The technology has been used successfully to reduce the costs associated with supplying fresh air to an industry hall. The system, comprised of 24 roof mounted ventilation units each containing four individual fans, was redesigned to reduce spiralling operating costs.
Today the fans are driven by pole-changing motors without gear units directly via belts. Calculations indicate the cost of the retrofit will pay off after 2,7 years. “It is astonishing how few plant engineers and system operators are aware that energy costs make up 95% of the life cycle costs for a motor. With the current energy crisis, more and more companies are looking into energy saving alternatives,” comments Bormann.
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