In the face of rapidly rising electricity costs in South Africa, Zest WEG is phasing in IE4 super premium efficiency motors in its WEG W22 range from April 2021. This will save on customers’ bottom lines and help reduce the load on the national grid.
According to Fanie Steyn, electric motors manager at Zest WEG, 2021 will see local energy prices rising above R1/kWh for the first time. This makes it the ideal time for the introduction of WEG IE4-rated motors, which will be available in the size range between 37 kW and 375 kW.
“Unlike many countries around the world, South Africa has not regulated the use of energy efficient motors at the level of IE2 or IE3,” says Steyn. “Nonetheless, we have taken the proactive step of making the IE4 level of efficiency available to customers at no premium on the IE3 units.”
Some years ago, Zest WEG introduced its WEG IE3 motors to the country at little or no additional cost relative to its IE2 motors, with the same goal in mind: to make both customers and the country more energy efficient.
Specified under the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 60034-30-1:2014 standard, IE1 refers to standard efficiency and IE2 to high efficiency; the IE3 and IE4 ratings are for premium efficiency and super-premium efficiency motors respectively.
“The efficiency of 96.3% on an IE4-rated 110 kW motor, when compared to 94.1% on an IE1-rated motor, can save users hundreds of thousands of rand in energy costs over a 10-year period,” he says. “Not only will these IE4 motors be more cost-effective to run, but they have been designed with a number of new features that bring considerable benefits.”
Steyn emphasises that WEG IE4 super-premium efficiency motors meet IEC efficiency levels when running on 50 to 100% of load; efficiency is kept constant, which saves energy and ensures minimal losses through various loading points. The innovative frame design also allows maximum heat dissipation.
“Motor frame design plays a crucial role in thermal performance, as it is responsible for the outward transfer of heat generated inside the motor,” says Steyn. “Running cooler means that our motors have increased lifespans, allowing Zest WEG to offer a five-year guarantee on our WEG W22 electric motor range.”
The motors’ increased mechanical rigidity – achieved by integrating the front and rear feet sides – affords easier installation, higher mechanical stiffness and improved distribution of the mechanical thrust imposed by the load.
“As a first of its kind, our flexible terminal box mounting means reduced inventory and quicker modification,” he adds. “The terminal box can be rotated in 90° increments to facilitate supply cable connection orientated to the front, rear, top or either side of the motor.”
In addition to the benefits brought by WEG super premium efficiency motors, a substantial increase in energy savings can be reliably achieved using WEG variable speed drives (VSDs), which comply with the European Extended Product standard EN50598. This ensures the system efficiency of the motor and VSD combination. As an additional feature, WEG VSDs have energy savings settings which can be user activated, achieving an automatic saving under any reduced load conditions.
“We are excited to build on the phenomenal reputation of the existing WEG W22 electric motor range by offering an even more efficient motor that is truly ‘next level’ state-of-the-art in electric motors, having the same rock solid quality and reliability,” Steyn concludes.
New generation low power frequency inverters Bearing Man Group T/A BMG
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
New to BMG’s electromechanical range are energy-efficient Synergy PI150 series frequency inverters, which have been designed for efficient use in many applications.
Read more...Planar motor system for quality assurance Beckhoff Automation
Editor's Choice Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Achieving the shortest possible inspection times, even when working with different components, is paramount when it comes to series production. This is precisely what special machine builder, stoba Sondermaschinen set out to achieve with its InspectorONE optical inspection system, which is based on deep learning and features the Beckhoff XPlanar planar motor system at the conveyor system core.
Read more...Siemens elevates automotive and aerospace simulation Siemens South Africa
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Siemens Digital Industries Software has announced the latest update to its Simcenter portfolio, delivering advancements in aerostructure analysis, electric motor design, gear optimisation and smart virtual sensing. These enhancements are designed to streamline workflows, accelerate certification and provide deeper insights into system performance.
Read more...Turbomachinery controls: the call of duty Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
There’s a lot to be said about the unsung heroes of this world; those men, women and machines that deliver such important functions, often overlooked and recognised. One such machine is turbomachinery, and while the name does sound quite obvious to the layman, its rich history and daily functions are not.
Read more...More movement in the market
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Aerotech aims to revolutionise the market for precision motion and machine controls with an intuitive control platform.
Read more...Motion technology for all types of automation Bearing Man Group T/A BMG
News & events Electrical switching & drive systems & components
BMG has been appointed by The Timken Company as a distributor in southern Africa for the Rollon linear motion guidance system.
Read more...Servo motor series for explosive environments with expanded certification Parker Hannifin - Sales Company South Africa
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Parker Hannifin’s ongoing commitment to safety and performance in hazardous environments is evident in the new certifications and product improvements for its EY and EX servo motor series.
Read more...The world’s most powerful worm
Editor's Choice Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Geothermal energy from the natural heat of the Earth is an inexhaustible resource, yet the growth of the global geothermal power sector lags behind other renewable energies. Now Swiss startup, Borobotics is hoping to speed this up with its innovative new electric-powered geothermal drilling robot, which can be used to fast-track and lower the cost of heat pump installations in confined spaces.
Read more...The impact of gearless mill drive technology on CO2 emissions
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
ABB has released an in-depth white paper detailing the vital role that gearless grinding technologies can play in driving productivity in mining while simultaneously reducing their carbon footprint.
Read more...Revolutionising TIG welding for aerospace manufacturing
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Yaskawa Southern Africa has partnered with Aerosud Aviation, a leading aerospace manufacturer, to implement a cutting-edge robotic TIG welding solution tailored to the exacting demands of aerospace production.
printer friendly version