Medium-voltage drive tech cuts energy consumption

The IPP solution, comprising a CENTERLINE 1500 medium-voltage motor control center (MCC) and three Allen-Bradley PowerFlex 6000T medium-voltage variable-speed drives, is deployed across three of the site’s energy-intensive fan applications. Used for raw material drying, end-product extraction, and material-condition-based rejection, more precise control of all three fans has resulted in West Fraser significantly cutting overall energy consumption, translating into an annual saving of £209,939.

“When you consider the energy consumed globally by industry in motor and fan applications, it’s clear variable-speed drives can have a profound positive impact in reducing energy consumption and cutting carbon levels,” said Asa Arvidsson, regional vice president central, east and north region, Rockwell Automation. “But as well as saving energy, this application highlights other benefits of a smart MCC solution.”

West Fraser has ambitious sustainability targets across all its operations in North America and Europe – from forestry management to final products. As a major processing facility for medium-density fiberboard (MDF) and particleboard, the Cowie plant was an ideal opportunity for carbon reduction. The assets on site are well-suited for smart motor control technologies.

“We are now exactly where we need to be in terms of optimising the speeds of our large process fans,” said Gordon McArthur, engineering manager at West Fraser’s Cowie plant. “Not only are we seeing improved process control, but we are also gaining better reliability, with the variable-speed drives adjusting the fans’ speeds quickly and more precisely in line with optimum application set points. West Fraser is also a large user of Rockwell Automation technology globally, so our engineers are familiar with the control architecture and what it can achieve.”

In partnership with the Rockwell Automation IPP project team, additional site installation and supervision services were provided by HF Controls, a member of the Rockwell Automation PartnerNetwork ecosystem, as a silver-level system integrator, and a recognised Rockwell certified system integrator for medium-voltage drive installations.

www.rockwellautomation.com