Today, more than ever, companies specifying motor drive systems are evaluating initial outlay, running costs, performance, lifecyle costs, approval for audits, hygiene, aesthetics, downtime and others. Fit, form and function are key for any application. Followed closely by how easy is it to replace if for an existing application or how easy to tie in to your designs if it is for a new piece of equipment. This of course can then be followed by improvements needed in the system, be it increased power requirements, better speed control or softer start for example. Some decisions need to be separated to component level itself, motor, gearbox, drive or inverter, whereas others are a more “overall” decision. For example, is it reliable, “ease of change”,running costs, or is it initial purchase costs, any or all these criteria may influence the final decicision. Let’s take this to a few examples for a typical conveyor drive system that might be improved employing possible alternatives. 1. This may be using a standard asynchronus induction motor (IE3 or IE4 efficiency), with a worm gearbox and a general purpose IP20 inverter or even just connected DOL as fixed speed – Will it do the job, YES – Will it fit, YES - Will it be cheap, YES – Will it be future proof, MAYBE NOT 2. Next, a similar application but for an extremely energy focused company that is determined to be as green as possible whilst minimising running costs: They could use an IE4, IE5 or IE6 motor, together with a highly efficient gearbox (such as the “Cyclo” range) and possibly a PLC controllable, inverter. It will do the job and will fit but may be more expensive, so do the benefits justify the cost? In this system, the motor is much more efficient, the gearbox has considerably higher efficiency too and the variable frequency drive brings additional control and efficiency benefits from a system perspective that will reduce running costs, satisfy running duty requirements and enhance performance. Dependent upon all of these factors it could be possible to achieve payback on the additional costs in less than 2 years, therefore justifying the higher investment. 3. A similar application might even benefit from a motor with a built in drive and with or without a gearbox depending upon the speed and torque needed. This gives many of the same efficiency and control benefits but much simpler, less expensie installation. 4. A similar conveyor system in a food, beverage or pharmaceutical plant would have the additional considerations that may take precidence, such as hygiene, approvals, audits and reliability as they are often put through stringent washdown routines. Here, stainless steel IP69k motors can be employed with efficiencies up to and including IE4. They can be used with either worm or helical bevel stainless steel gearboxes and controlled by a locally installed IP66 inverter. This will not only completely satisfy fit form and function but would help to comply with the hygiene requirements, whilst significantly reducing lifecyle costs that has cut payback time to weeks! To achieve the best solution becomes even more difficult if components are being sourced from different companies, each majoring on incorporating their own products. Lafert UK, being part of the larger Sumitomo group, can supply the complete solution whether it be the extremely highly efficient and space saving IE5/IE6 motor and drive packages or the ultra hygienic “Marlin” range. If it is the more traditional packages they can help advise the best solution for those too, where motor efficiency can be matched to requirements using the company’s on-line motor efficiency tool. For further information contact Lafert on the details below or scan the QR code. ADVERTORIAL Lafert Electric Motors | 01270 270022 | GR.LUK.Sales@shi-g.com Drive systems - Spoilt for choice
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