The IEA’s annual analysis on global energy efficiency developments, Energy Efficiency 2025, highlights that industrial electric motor systems account for about 60 per cent of global industrial electricity demand and about 25 per cent of all global electricity use.
Adding a variable speed drive (VSD) to a pump, fan or compressor motor enables its speed to be matched precisely to the required output. This typically reduces power consumption by 25 per cent, and in some applications the savings can be much larger. But currently only around 26 per cent of the world’s industrial motors are equipped with a VSD.
To boost the industrial uptake of speed-controlled technology, whilst ensuring lower barriers to adoption, ABB’s answer is the LV Titanium variable speed motor (VSM) platform. Offering an easy upgrade from DOL (direct-on-line) induction motors to VSD-driven motors, the LV Titanium provides a simple, straightforward method to achieve IE5 ultra-premium efficiency in a wide range of industrial applications.
Engineered as a streamlined concept, the LV Titanium features an advanced drive module purpose-designed for optimal performance with a permanent magnet (PM) motor. This allows the VSM to deliver high power density and efficiency over the entire speed range, and can be up to three frame sizes smaller than comparable induction motors.
The VSM already goes beyond current legislation by offering IE5 Ultra-Premium efficiency, a significant improvement over the minimum IE2 efficiency requirements in Australia. An IE5 motor has 40 per cent lower energy losses than commonly used IE3 products.
In the case of a 15kW centrifugal pumping application, there is estimated to be at least $121,000 difference in energy costs between a standalone fixed-speed IE3 DOL motor and an IE5 VSM. This is based on a 15-year lifetime, running 6000 hours a year at 80 per cent power, with typical energy cost of $0.21/kWh, but this is also indicative of an anticipated return on investment of just a few months.
And these savings are for just one motor. Typical industrial facilities will have tens or even hundreds of this size of motor, reflecting the potential to cut costs and reduce emissions.
Due to a built-in drive, VSMs can produce the most favourable operational profile for the equipment and process. In pump applications, speed can be ramped up and down steadily to reduce starting currents and avoid mechanical stresses on the equipment and sudden pressure changes in pipework. This will help extend equipment lifespan.
Furthermore, several key safety features like ‘safety torque off’, ‘over-temperature’, ‘overload’, ‘earth fault protection’ and many more, are already integrated into the VSM.
The first LV Titanium models were delivered in smaller sizes up to 7.5kW. The range has now expanded to cover frame sizes from 71 to 160, and power ratings from 1.1 up to 30kW, with rated speeds up to 4500RPM. This enables VSM technology to cover industrial sectors such as data centres, water treatment, food and beverage, heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC), and general machinery.
While the VSM is available as a stock item in standard configurations, it is a flexible platform that allows the customisation of features such as mounting arrangements and shaft end dimensions for the development of customer-specific solutions.
The LV Titanium VSM offers a 2-in-1 solution that combines an IE5 ultra-premium efficiency permanent magnet motor and drive into one integrated unit. With its market-leading energy efficiency, versatility, robustness, and compact design, the VSM sets a new benchmark in performance and simplicity.
The platform provides a forward-thinking solution that not only meets current industry demands, but also anticipates those of the future.
For more information on ABB’s new LV Titanium solution, visit the ABB website.
