`First` standard HV motors will be delivered `in days`

ABB claims to be offering Europe`s first standard high-voltage induction motor. The motors, which can be delivered within days of being ordered, made their debut at last month`s Hannover Fair, where ABB also unveiled a new generation of multidrives for multi-motor installations, which occupy up to 50% less space than previous models.

The new HV motors - said to be considerably cheaper than engineered designs - combine HV technology with components used for LV motors, such as rotors and cast-iron frames.

"It`s the best of two good motors combined into one," says ABB`s product manager, Tero Helpio. "This brings simplicity of design and a simple ordering process that allows ABB`s sales network to take advantage of the central order management system of ABB LV motors."

Initially, the motors will be available in frame sizes 315-400, and will be extended to cover 110-530kW outputs, 3-6.6kV, in two to 12 poles. Nema and Atex-approved hazardous area versions will be available.

The new ACS800 multidrive system is built from drive modules supplied with power from a common DC bus bar, which allows regenerative and motor-to-motor braking to be shared across several drives. The modular construction simplifies installation, cuts cabling and maintenance costs, and reduces line currents.

"These multidrives should be used whenever several drives and motors form part of an integrated mechanical process," suggests Peter Lindgren, product sales manager for ABB Drives in Helsinki. The common supply allows individual motors to be closely co-ordinated, as well as providing overall control and safety functions.

The multidrive system is designed to control motors in the range 1.5kW-5.6MW, from 380-690V.