Electric motors consume almost half of the world’s electricity. By replacing old motors with ABB’s latest energy-efficient versions, significant progress can be made in the fight against climate change.
ABB continues to raise the bar for what is possible with new technology. The latest advancements in motor technology in Vaasa were recently presented to an international group of journalists.
”With our expanded product range, we are ensuring that every motor, no matter the size, contributes towards helping boost productivity for our customers while cutting emissions,” says Stefan Floeck, Division President IEC LV Motors.
Technology saving money and the environment
Among the innovations presented in Vaasa was an expanded portfolio of so-called IE5 SynRM motors. The Vaasa unit plays an important role in both the development and manufacturing of these motors. IE5 SynRM motors can reduce energy losses by approximately 40% compared to IE3 motors.
The IE5 SynRM motor portfolio now also includes motors in smaller frame sizes. This is particularly important, as these highly-efficient motors are often used to replace older units in space-constrained environments.
”With a motor of the same size as before, you can now produce higher power, or alternatively, switch to a smaller motor producing the same amount of power as before,” says Daniel Eberli, Division Portfolio Manager, IEC LV Motors.
At the same press event, LV Titanium motors were also presented. These are frequency-controlled motors that are also highly energy-efficient and easy to install.
Operation of motors has the greatest impact in the long term
ABB continuously refines its manufacturing processes with both financial and environmental considerations in mind. The latest motors, for example, contain no rare earth metals and up to 98% of a motor can be recycled.
The typical lifetime of ABB motors is often 25-30 years. The long service life means that the environmental impact of manufacturing and initial purchase cost are small compared to the long-term operating costs and environmental impact of motor operation.
The initial purchase cost of a motor can account for as little as 1-2% of the total life cycle costs. Additionally, the new motors run cooler, which extends their lifespan and reduces the need for maintenance.
The technology to change the world already exists
Electric motors currently consume more than 45% of the world’s electricity. ABB estimates that more than 300 million industrial electric motor-driven systems are in operation today.
The key message of the Vaasa press event was that by replacing a large part of these motors with ABB’s new energy-efficient motors, enormous environmental benefits could be achieved. In addition, many engines powered by fossil fuels could and should also be replaced with energy-efficient electric motors to further reduce emissions.
Increased awareness is needed
The ABB motors manufactured in Vaasa are used in a wide range of industries and applications, for example from pumps and fans to powering manufacturing, as well as running operations in demanding environments.
Still, if replacing inefficient motors is so economically and environmentally clever, why isn’t it being done more widely?
”That’s a very good question. Part of the answer is due to lack of awareness,” says Stefan Floeck.
Another reason is that sometimes one actor is responsible for the initial purchase costs of the motor while another has responsibility for the operating costs. An example of this is a motor in a building, where the landlord is responsible for the initial investment and the tenant pays the operating costs. In such cases, it is the party responsible for operations to recognise the problem and the opportunities, and then encourage the other party to take action.
This article is part of a series about companies undertaking world-class product development in Ostrobothnia. Partners:
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