SynRM Drive Package Lowers Energy Use and Noise

In this video we see how an ABB SynRM and variable speed drive package has lowered the energy use and reduced noise levels of a plastic extrusion line.

For those unable to view the video with sound, the transcribe of the video is below:

SynRM Drive Package Lowers Energy Use and Noise Levels on a Plastic Extrusion Line: The Radius Systems plant, located in Derbyshire, United Kingdom, manufacturers plastic piping. Six of its fourteen extrusion lines use AC motor technology. While the remaining eight, use DC motors. Radius started a project to replace the DC motors, with new AC motors to reduce the site’s energy use.

Rob Betts, Engineering Manager at Radius Systems says: “Radius Systems predominantly make polyethylene pipe and fittings which are used throughout the utilities industry. The characteristics we require on an extrusion line are high torque, initial torque start up and then a constant torque to run the line.

The partnership between Radius Systems, ABB and IDS came about as we were looking for energy reduction opportunities. We got in touch with IDS, who carried out some surveys to enable us to understand what opportunities were here on site. One of the biggest opportunities was the SynRM Drive package, which we decided to go for.”

Phil Nightingale, Sales Engineer for Inverter Drive Systems Ltd (IDS) comments: “IDS are a Value Provider for ABB Drive products. With regards to the project here at Radius Systems, when we put forward the solutions that the customer accepted, there were two things we needed to consider: the first is reliability and the second is the ability to save significant energy in the day to day running costs of the extrusion line.”

Monitoring of one extrusion line revealed that using SynRM would save between 8-15% of energy, with a payback in under two years. The DC motor replacement in Radius is a testimony to the ability of the SynRM motor and drive package to handle the demanding performance required by an extrusion line.

Rob Betts goes on to say: “An additional benefit we have witnessed, since introducing the SynRM Drive package was the reduction in noise against the DC technology. Working alongside ABB and IDS has been a good experience for us at Radius. We have managed to deliver the projects on time, in full and on budget and on various occasions the perceived benefits have been witnessed.

Need More meat on the bones?

If you would like to find out more about the SynRM Drive package we installed at Radius Systems you will find the full case study here.

SynRM Drive Package Lowers Energy Use and Noise Levels on a Plastic Extrusion Line

Considering an DC to AC conversion? You can find out more about SynRM and variable speed drive packages by clicking here. To discuss your specific requirements with our engineering team call 0115 944 1036 or email [email protected]