ABB launches IE4 high efficiency motor package

According to IHS Research, the new IE4 motors have rapidly carved out a space in the high efficiency motor market. While the majority of the world continues to transition to higher efficiency IE2, IE3 and NEMA Premium low-voltage (LV) motors, IE4 motors marketed to the industrial machinery market as “Super Premium Efficiency” motors have rapidly been accepted where the highest efficiency is important.

IHS consider that since 2009, this market has posted consecutive, double-digit growth rates and almost quadrupled in value in 2013 to reach $114.7 million with nearly 259,000 units shipped. Although a relatively small market compared to the entire global integral horsepower industrial LV motor market, this niche market for high efficiency motors is predicted to grow robustly to $297.3 million by 2018. IHS believes that growth in this LV motor market segment has been ignited by regional legislation for stand-alone LV motors, soon-to-be implemented systems efficiency legislation governing the efficiency of the motor driven system, and the general, increased focus in industrial segments on achieving the highest possible efficiencies.

ABB has launched a Synchronous Reluctance Motor (SynRM) and VSD package, which offers IE4 energy efficiency with accurate process control.

Synchronous reluctance motors combine the energy saving benefits of permanent magnet technology with the service-friendliness of an induction motor. The SynRM has no rotor windings, so there are virtually no power losses and the rotor temperature remains low, giving losses typically 40% below an induction motor. Lower temperatures also mean longer bearing life and longer re-greasing intervals, extending the maintenance interval.

SynRM is lighter, less expensive and easier to repair than a permanent magnet motor – yet gives the same performance levels. The motor is available in two packages: (1) a motor which is the same physical size as a standard IE3 induction motor but operates at the higher IE4 efficiency levels; or (2) the “High Output” model, which is two frame sizes smaller for the same power and IE3 energy efficiency.

The VSDs used to control the ABB SynRM motors deliver direct torque control, for highly accurate motor torque and speed; safe torque-off, giving reliable isolation for maintenance; and advanced programming tools – for fine-tuning to meet specific process requirements.

 

GE helps Queensland Curtis LNG to first gas

GE Oil & Gas has played a pivotal role in the global liquefied natural gas industry (LNG) with its systems used in the first ever large-scale production of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) from Coal Seam Gas (CSG) at the BG Group’s Queensland Curtis LNG (QCLNG) plant, on Curtis Island, off Queensland in Australia

GE technology of gas turbines, centrifugal compressors and generators are integral parts of the QCLNG facility that has now begun producing LNG for its first export shipment. “This is a historic milestone, not only for GE and our customer, BG Group, but for the oil and gas industry globally,” said Mary Hackett, GE Oil & Gas Regional Director for Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.  “This conversion of CSG to LNG on a large-scale truly unlocks this resource and GE has been working closely with our customer to deliver solutions across the entire hydrocarbon delivery chain to achieve this.”

The first LNG milestone is part of GE’s long-term commitment to the QCLNG project, having signed a 22-year Contractual Service Agreement with QGC, BG Group’s Australian subsidiary and the operator of QCLNG, early in 2013 – which provides for a broad range of advanced technology services.  Featuring reliability guarantees on the equipment, the GE scope of work includes planned and unplanned maintenance of the installed GE equipment, including 15 aeroderivative gas turbines, 28 centrifugal compressors, gearboxes, generators and all auxiliaries. The agreement also includes monitoring and diagnostic services.

As one of Australia’s largest infrastructure projects, QCLNG is part of the growing Australian LNG industry. Australia is expected to surpass Qatar as the biggest exporter of gas by 2020.  The QCLNG plant is the first of three LNG projects to be constructed on Curtis Island, all of which will utilise GE technology. The resulting LNG will be primarily targeted for export markets including China, Japan and Singapore.