Beginning with whether or not a drive is even needed, the article moves on to help you clear hurdles involved with motor compatibility, existing starters, drive reliability, controls integration, and more.
For many retrofit projects, the use of a VFD seems like a “no brainer.” Drives are now cheaper and more reliable than ever, and the benefits of efficient control of motors can’t be beat.
In an effort to help businesses increase efficiency and lower costs, Airxchange says it is making the SyMAX Permanent Magnet AC (PMAC) Motor available on most of its existing energy recovery wheels and all models in the new Expanded Capacity line (15,000 thru 60,000 cfm).
Baldor Electric Company is offering a new addition to its gear reducer product line — the Baldor-Dodge® Vertical GearMotor. The company says the Vertical GearMotor offers a cost effective alternative to the common low-speed vertical pump drive technologies, which use large, high-pole count vertical motors or a combination of horizontal motor with a right angle gear reducer. The Vertical GearMotor is built on a standard low-pole count induction motor platform utilizing Dodge planetary gearing. This results in a smaller, lighter, highly-efficient drive package, according to Baldor.
Continental Fan has introduced the new DXG & DXP AC Motorized Axials. The coupling of the motor and impeller minimizes space requirements and provides for vibration free operation. Both motor and impeller are located directly in the air stream, providing excellent heat dissipation and efficient motor cooling, according to the company.
Ziehl-Abegg has added a new motor size to its line of motors, allowing the company to offer a new fan that is quieter, more efficient, with improved aerodynamics. This completion of its product range of energy-saving EC motors accompanies the introduction of new impellers.
Groschopp, Inc. introduced a Brushless DC Motor and Control package. Groschopp’s family of brushless DC motors and gearmotors have been tested for pairings with the brushless DC control product line giving engineers a brushless DC motor and control package designed for optimal operation.
Continental Fan’s new EC Motorized Impellers combine the efficiency of a backward curved impeller with the advanced technology of an electronically commutated (EC) external rotor motor. According to the company, the reduced power consumption of the high efficiency motor directly translates to savings.
In an effort to meet the need for optimum efficiency and energy savings across all building loads, Armstrong Fluid Technology says that its Design Envelope pumps are now also available with single-phase motors. Ideal for light commercial, residential, and industrial applications using single phase power, the company claims the new pumps allow designers, contractors, project managers, and building owners to choose the best pumping solution for their specific needs.
Baldor Electric Company says it has introduced a new adjustable speed direct drive cooling tower system that improves reliability, reduces maintenance, runs quieter, and saves energy. By combining the technologies of the laminated finned frame Baldor-Reliance® RPM AC motor with a high-performance permanent magnet rotor design, this power-dense motor and power-matched adjustable speed drive replaces the right-angle gearbox and jack shaft installation found in many conventional industrial process cooling towers.
One of the worst things you can do is note the capacity and replace the chiller. Have the building loads and usage changed? What about motors and cooling towers? Consider these and your part-load realities to create real long-term improvements.
The replacement of chillers for hospitals and other health care facilities are often done out of absolute necessity, and it is often avoided for as long as possible.