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High-efficiency motors cut losses by up to 40%

28 April, 2008

At the recent Drives & Controls Show, the Brazilian motor-maker WEG unveiled the first models in a new series of high-efficiency induction motors that, it says, will also offer low noise and vibration levels, high reliability, easy maintenance and long service lives. The W22 motors, spanning ratings from 0.1–400kW, are being launched in three phases with the largest models (frame sizes 225–355) being released first, to be followed by frame sizes 132–200 in early 2009, and 63–112 a few months later.

WEG W22 motor

WEG says it has reduced losses by 10-40% across the range. At present, they meet the EU Eff1 efficiency level and will be developed further to reach the US Premium Efficiency level by 2010.

To achieve the high efficiencies, WEG has redesigned key parts of the motor including the ventilation fan and its cover. It has also used aerodynamic software to achieve better airflows over the motor casing, thus eliminating hotspots. Noise from the ventilation system has been reduced by 3–8dB(A), bringing motor noise levels into the 72–80dB range – as good or better than its rivals, says WEG.

The cast-iron motors are protected to IP55 as standard, but this can be upgraded to IP65 using an adaptation kit.

WEG Motor’s technical director, Siegfried Kreutzfeld, who paid the Drives & Controls show a flying visit from Brazil, said that the W22 platform will be the basis for future WEG developments. For example, he revealed, that "an ECO design of compact motors with optimised construction materials are in development, offering a reduced frame size per output and a smaller carbon footprint".

º  WEG’s permanent magnet (PM) synchronous motor technology, first seen at last year’s Hannover Fair, made its UK debut at the Drives Show. The PM motors are almost half the size, and 36% lighter, than equivalent induction motors, and offer efficiencies of 95–97%, high constant torque over a wide speed range, and low noise and vibration. The PM motors, which cost more than twice as much as similarly rated induction machines, are being targeted at applications where their characteristics can justify the extra costs.




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