White paper: Optimizing drive systems for energy savings
Several areas should be considered when looking for potential opportunities to reduce energy consumption via the drive system.
William B. Gilbert, Siemens Energy and Automation
Below is the abstract for a white paper on "Optimizing Drive Systems for Energy Savings." If you would like to download and read the full report please click here.
Abstract
Several areas should be considered when looking for potential opportunities to reduce energy consumption via the drive system.
The use of a common DC bus architecture as an alternative to individually powered AC drives will conserve energy by sharing the normally wasted regenerative energy from unwinds and other regenerating driven sections. In addition to sharing and saving energy, true common DC bus systems also conserve energy by eliminating many of the typical energy wasting system components.
Utilizing active front end (AFE) power sections to reduce system power factor and harmonics. Active front end power sections provide near-unity power factor and produce minimal harmonics. AFE’s can also compensate for the effects of poor power quality issues.
Reducing mechanical losses with direct drives, certain power transmission components can waste significant energy.
Optimizing drive sizes and tuning through mechatronic practices and tools. Oversized drives will use more power and adversely affect the system power factor. Poorly tuned drive systems can be a common source of energy waste.
Retrofitting older DC drive systems with more efficient AC drive systems. AC Drive systems offer greater energy efficiency over older DC technology. Some AC drives can automatically reduce their magnetizing current under low load conditions
Utilizing energy efficient motors for across the line applications and AC drives in front of the motors in place of mechanical dampers and valves.
- Related News:
Servomotor production to be accelerated - 13.03.2012 10:30- Webcast: Uncovering ways to improve the energy efficiency of your systems - 11.02.2012 15:00
- Selecting an open digital protocol in process automation - 02.01.2012 00:00
- Plugging the skills gap: Grant puts technology in hands of students - 12.12.2011 07:30
Case Study Database
Get more exposure for your case study by uploading it to the Plant Engineering case study database, where end-users can identify relevant solutions and explore what the experts are doing to effectively implement a variety of technology and productivity related projects.
These case studies provide examples of how knowledgeable solution providers have used technology, processes and people to create effective and successful implementations in real-world situations. Case studies can be completed by filling out a simple online form where you can outline the project title, abstract, and full story in 1500 words or less; upload photos, videos and a logo.
Click here to visit the Case Study Database and upload your case study.
2012 Salary Survey
In a year when manufacturing continued to lead the economic rebound, it makes sense that plant manager bonuses rebounded. Plant Engineering’s annual Salary Survey shows both wages and bonuses rose in 2012 after a retreat the year before.
Average salary across all job titles for plant floor management rose 3.5% to $95,446, and bonus compensation jumped to $15,162, a 4.2% increase from the 2010 level and double the 2011 total, which showed a sharp drop in bonus.