At your plant, as at others, electric motors and drives are probably the most widely used devices. Motor-driven equipment accounts for 64% of the electricity consumed in the U.S. manufacturing sector. They truly are our industrial workhorses. And, they are husky. For example, the test labs at the Motor Resource Center concluded that motors can ride through many momentary power interruptions without risking damage, thereby contradicting a commonly held belief.
Three-phase voltage imbalance at the service entrance is another story. Voltage imbalance degrades motor efficiency and is arguably the main cause of overheated windings and premature failure. One study indicates that 1/3 of such connections are unbalanced. Although there’s not much you can do about conditions outside the battery limits, if the imbalance originates in-house, you can fix it..
Motor controls, on the other hand, can be more sensitive. It takes skilled people to troubleshoot and repair them. As we know, drive technology evolves, so training on that front is essential to keeping your technicians current. Relying only on the idea of on-the-job training might mean a technician needs more than 10 years to gain full competency. In any case, build a good paper trail. It’s good documentation that will set you up for continuous improvement.
Don’t let failures determine what kind of day you’re going to have. The only drive maintenance that makes sense is PdM or condition-based maintenance, both of which let you spot incipient failures early enough to have your plan in place. Consider up-front brainstorming to develop a list of ranked failure modes and an idea of how you’re going to know they’re on the horizon. Then, monitor, monitor, monitor and follow through with effective communications.
Build momentum and document your successes at energy reduction initiatives using KPIs that have hard numbers and report them to management. They need to know. And, it’s your motor and drive knowledge database that is going to be a key element in this effort. It brings meaning to the data and information needed for an effective program.
Once you select a compatible supply, drive, motor and power conditioning hardware, the only way to enjoy the benefits is by maintaining its efficiency and reliability. Remember, motor repair costs are nothing compared to downtime cost. Purchasing quality motors, drives and repairs has a long-term payoff. Formulate a plan and commitment to replace inefficient motors with better units that will save money.
GE's Quantum LMV AC induction TEFC motors are available in NEMA Frame 500 (250-1000 HP) and IEC Frame 315 (175-750 kW)
GE's Quantum LMV AC induction TEFC motors are designed to be used in petrochemical, power, mining and process industries for applications including pumps, blowers, compressors, crushers and conveyors. GE meets NEMA, IEEE 841, IEC, CSA, API 547 & 541 4th ed, Div 1&2, ATEX and IEC Ex-n Zone 2 standards.
Baldor's Super-E motors with AEGIS Shaft Grounding Rings prevent bearing damage
Baldor Electric's Super-E motors with AEGIS Shaft Grounding Rings are designed for end-users looking for ways to prevent bearing damage caused by adjustable speed drive-induced currents. While most shaft ground applications utilize a shaft ground on the outside of the motor, the Baldor Super-E has the grounding ring installed internally on the motor.
Nidec Motor's U.S. Motors brand NEMA Premium line helps users reduce energy consumption and comply with EISA regulations
Nidec Motor's U.S. Motors brand NEMA Premium line of commercial and industrial motors is designed to help users reduce energy consumption and comply with EISA regulations. This line features open drip-proof and totally enclosed motors that meet or exceed NEMA Premium requirements.
AutomationDirect's IronHorse permanent magnet DC 56C-frame motor line features TENV and TEFC models
AutomationDirect’s IronHorse permanent magnet DC 56C-frame motor line features totally enclosed non-vented (TENV) and totally enclosed fan-cooled (TEFC) models. The motors are constructed of a rolled steel frame with a cast aluminum end bell and are available in sizes ranging from .33 to 2HP.
Kollmorgen's AKM 8 Servomotors are designed to deliver higher torque density
Kollmorgen's AKM 8 Servomotors are designed to deliver higher torque density to cover a broad torque/speed range in a housing that is 30% shorter. The AKM8 is available in two standard flange/shaft combinations. AKM8 windings are designed to operate at 230, 400 and 480 VAC.
Siemens' explosion-proof XP100 motors are designed for hazardous operating environments
The Siemens line of XP100 motors are UL and CSA listed for gas and dust ignition-proof environments and are suitable for Division 1, Class I, Groups C & D, Class II, Groups F & G, hazardous area classifications. They are also available for drill rig duty in Division 1, Class I, Group D hazardous locations.
SEW Eurodrive's DR motor modular system offers users the ability to specify the options needed for any given application
SEW Eurodrive announces the release of the DR motor modular system, offering users a single series with millions of drive combinations. The modular system allows users to specify the options needed for any given application. Users in food, beverage, water and wastewater will find that the coating and sealing options keep these motors protected in wet environments in a range of temperatures.
Amacoil's Uhing linear drives are available with a combination shaft scraper/grease fitting option
Amacoil's Uhing linear drives are available with a combination shaft scraper/grease fitting option. The addition is engineered to remove excessive grease, dust and dirt from the shaft while the drive is running and assure adequate shaft lubrication.
Hitachi's L700 Series Industrial AC Variable Frequency Drives incorporate a sensorless vector control algorithm
Hitachi America, Industrial Components and Equipment Division, has announced the introduction of the L700 Series of Industrial AC Variable Frequency Drives. The series incorporates the sensorless vector (SLV) control algorithm that was first developed for the SJ700 series.
Garlock's SGi Shaft Grounding Bearing Isolator protect bearings from electrical damage, lubricant loss and contamination
The Garlock SGi Shaft Grounding Bearing Isolator is designed to protect bearings from electrical damage as well as from lubricant loss and contamination. The Garlock SGi is engineered to divert harmful currents safely to ground, bypassing the bearings and extending motor life.
Thomas and Betts' Color-Keyed Kube Motor Lead Disconnects save time in changing out electric motors
Thomas and Betts’ Color-Keyed Kube Motor Lead Disconnects are snap-together connectors that are designed to save time in changing out electric motors by eliminating the need to cut through insulating tape, as well as disassembling the typical connection between pad to pad.
Force Control's Two Speed Drive is designed for applications that require a high turndown ratio while maintaining high torque
Force Control Industries announces its Two Speed Drive for applications up to 30 HP that require a high turndown ratio while maintaining high torque. The Force Control Two Speed Drive offers secondary speeds as low as 60:1 while maintaining full torque continuously.
Boston Gear's stainless steel motors are engineered for washdown applications
Boston Gear has launched a line of stainless steel motors that is engineered for washdown applications. Exterior construction consists of 300 series stainless steel housing, end bells, output shaft and conduit box. Motors are UL/ULc certified and conform to 2007 EISA efficiency standards.
Danfoss' VLT Automation VT Drives are designed for industrial variable torque applications
Danfoss' VLT Automation VT Drives are engineered to save energy, reduce up-front and operating costs, and maximize uptime in industrial variable torque fan, pump, blower and compressor applications. They are available for 240 and 480 VAC single- and three-phase, or 575 and 690 VAC three-phase operation with ½ up to 1400 HP, along with a range of industrial enclosure options.
Schneider Electric's Altivar 32 variable-speed drive can operate as the heart of a simple control system
Schneider Electric's Altivar 32 variable-speed drive is engineered to reduce panel space, improve uptime and increase machine performance. With its book-style design and ability to directly attach a self-protected disconnect, the Altivar 32 is designed to allow users to mount it side-by-side and integrate it into tight spaces.