Schneider Electric - Effective design and management of motor applications is the first step to an energy-efficient and sustainable industry
Most processes in industrial plants depend on electric motors. Electric motors are thus critical assets for many industrial activities, but at the same time also major consumers of energy. In a factory, for example, electric motors can be responsible for up to 95% of total electricity consumption. The potential to save energy in a simple way is therefore enormous in industrial processes. Effective design and management of motor applications is the first step in harnessing this potential and reducing pollution from CO2 emissions.
Make use of energy-efficient electric motors
An electric motor converts electrical power into mechanical power. The degree to which this happens is called motor efficiency or also motor efficiency. The higher the efficiency standard, the less energy the motor consumes. These efficiency standards are known internationally as the IEC standards, with ratings ranging from IE1, IE2, IE3, IE4 to IE5. IE here stands for International Efficiency and indicates how energy-efficient an electric motor is. The higher the number, the higher the energy efficiency and thus the higher the savings.
Apply variable speed control
When a motor is energized, it ramps up to a fixed speed. In many industrial applications, the motor runs at full power when in reality less power may be required. Applying an AC drive makes it possible to control the speed of an electric motor and adjust the power delivered to match the energy requirements of the application. By reducing the speed, energy consumption can be optimized and less energy is wasted.
Choose the right motor control method
The key to obtaining maximum efficiency is not only varying the speed, but also choosing the right motor control method that ensures the best torque-speed performance of the motor. Altivar Process AC drives from Schneider Electric include built-in features to operate the motor at the best efficiency point to reduce electricity consumption by at least 30%. These type of AC drives incorporate various motor control methods, such as energy-saving control and Adaptive Cascade Vector Control (ACVC), which ensures high dynamic response to load and optimizes energy performance.
Analyze and monitor energy consumption
Measuring energy consumption is essential to identify inefficient energy use. A simple speed controller follows the system's instructions to regulate when and how fast the motor should run. An intelligent controller goes well beyond basic controls, collecting and analyzing information that enables it to respond in real time to changing process conditions. Altivar Process AC drives offer several energy-saving features and integrated dashboards and timeline reports for energy monitoring that help users manage and optimize energy consumption over time.
Create detailed analyses to calculate energy savings potential
To support partners and customers in designing an energy-efficient motor control system, Schneider Electric has developed a dedicated tool: EcoStruxure Motor Management Design web application. This easy-to-use tool integrates the design aspects of your application to support you in designing a complete and energy-efficient motor management architecture. With the help of the Energy Saving Calculator, detailed analyses can be performed on such things as the energy and costs that can be saved per year when using a variable speed drive, the ROI and payback time of the investment in a variable speed drive, and the reduction of CO emissions.
Stay up to date with the latest news:
-
Rittal - VR pedestalRead moreDelve into the world of the VX plinth plinth system - a successor that takes your cabinet arrangement to the next level. More stability, but also flawless installation. Experience the evolution of your workspace today! Rittal strives to constantly refine and improve its products. As part of this process, the VX plinth plinth system has been redesigned this product has been available since 1 March 2024.
-
Siemens - SINAMICS G220 variable speed drive now also in IP55Read moreIn addition to the previously released IP20 variant of the SINAMICS G220 variable speed drive, the IP55 version of this innovative drive is now also available. This version comes standard with coated circuit boards that make the inverter resistant even outside the control cabinet to aggressive influences in a harsh industrial environment. As an option, a housing-mounted isolating switch can also be supplied to ensure safe disconnection of voltage without any other external components.
-
News - Fluke - 87-V digital multimeterRead moreTechnological advances now allow accurate electrical measurements to be taken during installation and maintenance using a digital multimeter (DMM), allowing technicians to diagnose problems that lead to premature failure.
-
Pilz: PSENmlock mini and PSENslock 2Read moreWhen securing fences, a wide variety of factors such as the fence type, the respective installation situation and the specific use must be taken into account depending on the application. For this purpose, Pilz is expanding its range in the field of safety interlocks with two new sensors immediately: PSENmlock mini for space-critical applications and PSENslock 2
Check out our other success stories:
-
Dymotec - Open Lines in a ‘Perfect Storm’Read moreCOVID-19 and global component scarcity threw the industry into a ‘perfect storm’. Industrial automator Dymotec and Breemes kept the phone lines constantly open to tackle the scarcity problem together with creativity and proactivity. Dymotec in Olen (B) focuses on industrial automation spanning a broad spectrum of industries, from food and pharma to logistics and metal. The company has been around for 30 years and joined the Jeco Energies Group in 2022. Dymotec now has some 50 employees and also has a flexible shell with technicians, programmers and project engineers. Ever since its establishment, the company from Kempen has had a relationship with (the predecessors of) Breemes.
-
Enduro - Complete package for heavy-duty workRead moreEnduro Softslings builds machines for the manufacture of its own heavy lifting soft slings. For a new machine, it called in itsme for the full package: advice on the drives, supply of components and programming of the controls. “We completed the entire project in just over six months. That’s fast for such a specialised machine.”
-
Stimac - Good technical support for ever-changing specificationsRead moreIf the description for an automation project is clear from the start, it is easy for the industrial automation specialist to give it substance. In practice, however, specifications often change during the course of a project. This happened to Stimac/SNK when designing the control technology for a horticultural machine. For the problems that arose during the process, itsme quickly provided Stimac/SNK with a solution. “When a customer calls us, we respond immediately. So it’s nice to have a supplier like itsme who can also help immediately.”
-
Innovatec - Hatching Better ProcurementRead moreInnovatec Hatchery Automation launched a process of professionalisation for its procurement process last year. The company partnered with itsme because of its technical expertise, logistics concepts and intensive contacts with manufacturers. “First we were dating, but now we’re thinking about moving in together.”
Why not take a look at these trainings we offer:
-
TIAP-NETWORKRead moreavailable in Dutch
-
PCS7-SYST v9Read moreavailable in Dutch
-
PCS7-PRO v9Read moreavailable in Dutch
-
PROFIBUS-INSTRead moreavailable in Dutch