How advances in industrial motors and controls can boost the bottom line
Sheila Kennedy says revolutionary approaches in design and technology yield unique benefits.
Motor and drive providers are moving forward with new solutions for persistent challenges. Thinking out of the box, they are embracing business, technological, and environmental opportunities to help their customers improve operations and maintenance and boost the bottom line.
Innovative motor designs
Sustainability, reliability, and maintainability are common aspirations for motor designers. The Aircore EC motor from Infinitum, designed for efficiency, reliability, and performance, delivers reduced energy consumption, extended life, and minimal waste. For instance, the integrated motor and drive is smaller and lighter than traditional iron core motors and its printed circuit board stators use 66% less copper than conventional wire-wound stators.
“Fewer raw materials and modular design simplify maintenance for industrial plant professionals and allow for remanufacturing and reuse, while an integrated VFD made with silicon carbide technology results in unparalleled control of the motor, and can save upwards of 65% of energy use, depending on the application,” says Ramon Guitart, vice president of engineering at Infinitum.
Download “Designing Electric Motors for Intrinsic Reliability”
AC motors, like Infinitum’s Aircore EC are more energy-efficient compared to other types of motors, such as DC motors. They convert electrical energy into mechanical energy more effectively, resulting in reduced energy consumption. Lower energy usage leads to decreased operating costs and improved overall efficiency.
Advanced motor controls allow for precise control of motor speed, acceleration, and deceleration. This feature is particularly useful in applications where varying loads and speeds are required. By adjusting the motor speed to match the specific task requirements, businesses can optimize energy consumption and reduce wear and tear on machinery, thereby extending their lifespan.
Motor control systems enable businesses to implement sophisticated automation and process control strategies. These systems can integrate with other industrial control systems, such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs), supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, and distributed control systems (DCS). The precise control and monitoring of motors in conjunction with these systems result in better overall process efficiency, reduced downtime, and improved product quality.
Industrial motor controls often incorporate condition monitoring capabilities. These systems can collect data on motor performance, temperature, vibrations, and other key parameters. By continuously monitoring motor health, businesses can identify potential issues before they cause significant downtime or catastrophic failures. Predictive maintenance based on real-time data allows for proactive maintenance scheduling, reducing unplanned downtime and avoiding costly repairs.
Many advanced motor control systems offer remote monitoring and control capabilities. This feature allows businesses to monitor motor performance and make necessary adjustments from a centralized location. Remote access to motor controls enables faster troubleshooting, reduced response times, and minimizes the need for on-site personnel, resulting in cost savings.
Compliance with Efficiency Standards: AC motors and motor controls that meet or exceed energy efficiency standards, such as those established by organizations like the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) or the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), can help businesses comply with regulations. Compliance with energy efficiency standards may lead to financial incentives, rebates, or tax benefits.
In summary, AC motors, like Infinitum’s Aircore EC, contribute to increased energy efficiency, improved process control, optimized maintenance strategies, and enhanced automation. These benefits collectively lead to cost savings, increased productivity, reduced downtime, and improved overall operational efficiency, ultimately boosting the bottom line for businesses.
