Best of both worlds: With the first IE4 synchronous reluctance motor and drive package now installed at South Staffs Water, Brian Tinham examines the experience and the issues

摘要

The world's first IE4 super-premium efficiency synchronous reluctance electric motor-drive package (SynRM) from ABB, which recently replaced a conventional induction motor-based, variable-speed drive (VSD) package at South Staffs Water, is making waves in industry. According to Keith Marshall, supply director at South Staffs Water, it led to a 6% energy saving - and that was on a system already thought to be efficient. Indeed, he now believes it has the potential to offer 10-15% efficiency improvements, certainly where it replaces older motor packages.