Voith launches new variable speed drive
Published by Callum O'Reilly,
Senior Editor
Hydrocarbon Engineering,
Voith has launched its VECO-Drive - the first member of a new product family in the field of speed control for compressors and pumps.
It is an electric superimposing gear that combines a mechanical planetary gear with frequency-controlled servo motors. The electrical superimposing gear is the most efficient way to make speed variable. Servo motors are used to drive a planetary gear. Since they only need a small part of rated power, an overall component efficiency of more than 97% is reached. This saves valuable energy and reduces operating expenditures every day.
The VECO-Drive is installed between a constant speed motor and a variable speed compressor or pump. Since additional power is supplied to the drive train, a smaller main motor can be used. This saves CAPEX. Moreover, the servo motor can be used as a starter to protect the electric grid from high inrush currents.
A prototype system was built and tested in Crailsheim, Germany, in 2016. Voith engineers designed the system for compressor and pump applications with a maximum output speed of 15 000 RPM, maximum output power of 15 MW and a speed adjustment range from 50 to 100%. Compared to a typical full-scale medium voltage VFD train with a step-up gearbox, the measured system efficiency of a VECO-Drive is about 2% higher over the whole speed range. Thus, the system reduces annual energy consumption by more than 2000 MWh compared to a comparable VFD system.
The VECO-Drive is designed as a modular system and thus offers individual specifications for different application types, classes of explosion protection and speed levels. Advanced functions like the integrated PLC-based output controller, user interfaces, condition monitoring and simplified maintenance are part of the scope of supply, whereas remote access and remote diagnosis are available on demand.
Read the article online at: https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/product-news/24052017/voith-launches-new-variable-speed-drive/
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