SEW-EURODRIVE -
SEW exceeds motor efficiency in compact form-factor
Australia’s premier drives solutions provider, SEW-Eurodrive, continues to lead the way in end-to-end drive system efficiency, with the launch of its new series of energy-efficient induction motors--the SEW-Eurodrive DR series.
Featuring optimised design and founded on advanced cast-copper rotor technology, the inherently compact DR series provides Australian industry with new levels of motor efficiency.
The new SEW-Eurodrive DR motor series includes two variants rated to varying efficiency levels--‘minimum-efficiency’ (DRE) and ‘premium efficiency’ (DRP)--enabling users to address differing motor efficiency requirements worldwide.
The DRE and DRP motors exceed the minimum energy-efficiency requirements specified in the Australian Standard, AS1359.5:2004 (Three-phase cage induction motors - High efficiency and minimum energy - performance standards requirements), and therefore are ‘Minimum Energy Performance Standards’ (MEPS)-compliant.
Meeting MEPS has been a legal requirement for Australian manufacturers and importers of three-phase electric motors (ranging from 0.73 to 185kW) since its inception in October 2001. The 2004 revision to the standard has seen the demanding EFF1 ‘high-efficiency motor’ requirements, become the new ‘minimum motor efficiency’ requirement.
The DR series boasts one of the most compact designs on the market, and is one of the only new breed of energy-efficient motors to be offered with a ‘premium-efficiency’ option. “Our premium efficiency DRP motors are ideal for continuous or long-running drive applications, and can significantly minimise energy consumption,” said SEW-Eurodrive engineering manager, Frank Cerra. “The cast-copper rotor technology featured in the DR series permits these challenging new efficiency levels to be met in a range of compact frame sizes. The high-conductivity copper rotor efficiently and dramatically reduces motor copper losses, along with the so-called motor ‘additional losses’.”
While MEPS-compliant (EFF1) motors have been available to Australian industry for some time, they have often been based on technologies that can present installation and application problems. “EFF1 can be achieved by a range of methods, such as incorporating low-loss iron in the laminations, increasing the copper content in the stator windings, and generally increasing the active material in the motor,” explained Cerra. “While this achieves the EFF1 efficiency objective, the downside is that it quite often results in a higher inertia motor that is longer and larger in diameter than the standard motor. This can cause a range of practical drive-to-gear unit interface problems, reduce the dynamic performance characteristics of the motor, along with ‘physical fit’ problems when installed on factory-floor machinery.”
The DR motor series will ultimately be provided in a variety of form-factors, including a choice of up to three different brake sizes per motor size, and various onboard inverter and starter options. Rated up to IP66, the DR series can be supplied with forced cooling options and a variety of mounting alternatives. Additional flexibility will be obtained via various incremental and absolute encoders, and a built-in encoder, positioned between the fan and motor casing. This means users will be able to carry out motor-speed and position control applications, without any significant increase in the size of the motor.
At first launch, the SEW-Eurodrive DR motors will be available in two types (DRE and DRP) with four-pole formats, in power sizes ranging from 0.37 to 11kW and 90 to 200kW, with the remainder to follow in early-2008.
