Fast Payback In High Power Applications

Synchronous motors are increasingly the motor of choice in high power, heavy load applications. This is due to their ability to reduce electrical energy costs, and improve energy efficiency, by correcting power factor on the motor power supply

Because of the size and nature of the applications in which synchronous motors are used, the energy savings can be considerable, and often result in fast payback of the motor expenditure; with all subsequent savings helping to reduce the user’s operating costs.

In addition to providing high efficiency in applications that require power factor correction, synchronous motors also provide high torques and constant speed under load variation, resulting in low operating and maintenance costs. These benefits explain the use of the motors in the widest range of applications. Typically these include: crushers, mills and conveyor belts in mining and quarry operations; fans pumps and compressors in steel plants; pulp and paper extruders; chippers and de-barkers in wood processing; sewage system pumps; large compressors and fans in chemical and petrochemical applications; mills and crushers in cement works; and water injection pumps on floating oil platforms.

Due to their higher efficiency level, reduced size and higher output rating capacity, synchronous motors can replace DC motors in high performance applications. In addition, in a number of instances, a motor with lower torque values, compared to standard, can be actually applied. This brings a positive reduction in motor starting current, resulting in fewer problems with the electric system during starting, together with a reduction of mechanical stresses from the motor windings.

Synchronous motors have better efficiency and speed accuracy than induction motors; but when compared to the latter, their design is more complex. The simpler design of the induction motor makes them less expensive for a given power level, at power outputs up to 10kW. However, above this figure the higher efficiency of synchronous motors delivers lower operating costs.

IMPROVED STABILITY

An additional benefit of synchronous motors is their ability to improve stability in VFD applications. Synchronous motors with variable speed are recommended for applications with high torque, low speed and wide speed adjusting range. Depending on load and environment characteristics, motor construction for such applications can be with or without brushes. These motors are suitable to operate at any speed range from zero to maximum speed, maintaining stability independent from load variation, a factor of paramount importance on equipment such as laminators, plasticextruders, etc.

The reductions in day-to-day reduced running costs delivered by synchronous motors are complemented on brushless type machines by reduced maintenance costs.

Since the motors are not manufactured with brushes or with slip rings, maintenance involving inspection and cleaning of these components, is not required.