The growing trend of energy efficiency
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 Preview | SEW-EURODRIVE field technology manager Tobias Nittel | 1.68 MB | Download |
 Preview | SEW-EURODRIVE recently introduced the mechatronic MOVIGEAR motor as a more accurate and precise process solution | 1.17 MB | Download |
 Preview | There is a new standard that for the first time has internationally harmonised energy efficiency for three phase electrical moto | 809.09 KB | Download |
The growing trend of energy efficiency
Specialist drive engineering company SEW-EURODRIVE recently hosted several informative presentations regarding the latest technological developments in the food and beverage industry, with particular focus on the growing trend of energy efficiency within industry.
SEW-EURODRIVE field technology manager Tobias Nittel explains that energy efficiency is no longer a market trend, but a market development. “This means that we develop an end-value for a product.
One end-value that is being increasingly discussed is energy saving, reduction of energy consumption and reduction of power supply in general. It is not only a monetary saving, but also how to lessen the installed power and to optimise transformer power, installation and wiring.”
There is a new standard that for the first time has internationally harmonised energy efficiency for three phase electrical motors. Every supplier who sells electrical motors in a three phase system has to commit to these efficiency regulations, specified by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). There are four energy efficiency classes under the new standard; IE1, IE2, IE3 and IE4. With the introduction of the new efficiency class, Nittel points out that SEW-EURODRIVE has had to change its motor portfolio.
He adds that there are two ways to increase the energy efficiency of a motor. “One way to increase the energy efficiency of a motor is to increase the physical volume in relation to its rated power. However, this can pose a problem for customers, as a physically bigger motor means that a larger area is required and the motor can be more difficult to handle and install. A second option is to use a higher quality material, which increases the energy efficiency, while allowing the motor to remain small in size.”
SEW-EURODRIVE recently introduced the mechatronic MOVIGEAR and DRC motors as a more accurate and precise process solution. With the MOVIGEAR and DRC motors, SEW-EURODRIVE has tried to create the best package and the best system solution for an application. “MOVIGEAR servomotors are higher quality motors. They feature a new characteristic, which is the integration of the gearbox, servomotor and inverter, which has not been done in the past. It is an integrated drive solution, whereas the DRC motor, which features only integrated inverter and servo-motor is a flexible, universal drive solution.”
The integrated electronics of the MOVIGEAR and DRC systems means that there is less cabling and wiring, which results in a more efficient system. This has created a more compact and powerful drive solution for conveying, adds Nittel.
“MOVIGEAR is the ideal solution for horizontal conveying, as well as incline and decline conveying within several industries. The housing has been designed with no fan or fan guard, making it ideal for use in industries where there are strict hygiene standards and regular cleaning processes.
These drive systems from SEW-EURODRIVE are made from aluminium die-cast. This saves energy during the production of the units, as well as having the added benefit of reducing the carbon footprint. The units are also lighter and easier to handle.
The DRC motors are based on the same philosophy as MOVIGEAR. In order to make them more flexible, however, they do not feature a gearbox, which allows for larger power and torque ranges. The system efficiency of these motors depends on the choice of gearbox.
In order to have the highest system efficiency, it is important to select the best gearbox. Integrating the electronics into the motor also reduces the losses. To maximise the energy efficiency of a drive system, Nittel believes that it is necessary to integrate the electronics on the motor.
"Energy efficiency does not only relate to the drive, but also to the controls, infrastructure, and the efficiency of the infrastructure for installing, start-up time and time for finding problems. Our food packaging is a decentralised installation. We have the electronics on the motor with the SEW drive infrastructure. There are applications where cabinet based invertors must be used, but there are additional losses with a cabinet based installation,” he continues.
As part of the drive to simplify installation and minimize start-up time, SEW has develop the Single Line Network Installation concept for use with MOVIGEAR and DRC. This development allows for a single 4 core cable to be daisy-chained from one SEW controller to 10 MOVIGEAR or DRC slaves. This single cable carriers both the power and communication to the slaves.
SEW-EURODRIVE has developed a special High Protection (HP) 200 coating for use on the MOVIGEAR units. HP200 is a powdered coat that is baked onto the unit at a high temperature before assembly. It is more resistant than paint to the chemicals and cleaning agents used in cleaning meat, chicken, fish and dairy processing lines. This process is more environmentally friendly as traditional painting of the units also adds dramatically to the unit’s carbon footprint.
MOVIGEAR drives reduce the number of variants in a system, and allows for operating speed control and positioning control, thereby optimising the system as a whole. “Many customers have been discussing the IEC classes and more people are starting to look at energy saving. SEW-EURODRIVE is looking for a solution to reduce energy in all operational conditions. In addition to energy efficiency, we can also increase the functionality of the drives in positioning applications in the line, in order to reduce the number of variants,” Nittel concludes.
Ends.
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