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ABB Is First in World to Deliver IE5 Ultra-Premium Motor Efficiency in Explosive Environments

September 5, 2023

ABB Is First in World to Deliver IE5 Ultra-Premium Motor Efficiency in Explosive Environments
IE5 SynRM Increased Safety motor shown on test in ABB’s development facility
  • 40 percent lower energy losses in the most challenging of spaces: hazardous areas
  • Cooler-running motor ensures a cost-efficient and competitive solution for increased reliability, lower maintenance needs and a longer life

ABB has extended its award-winning IE5 SynRM (synchronous reluctance motor) series with a brand-new addition: the IE5 SynRM Increased Safety motor. In a world-first, customers operating in hazardous area industries can now ensure safety and boost their energy efficiency by deploying motors that offer up to 40 percent lower energy losses compared to commonly used IE3 motors.

The new version of the IE5 SynRM motor has been developed for use in potentially explosive atmospheres across a wide range of demanding variable speed industrial applications. It offers accurate control and high efficiency throughout the whole speed range, even at partial loads. This makes it the ideal upgrade choice for standard induction motors in pumps, fans and compressors for industries where explosive gas, vapor or dust might be present, such as oil and gas, chemicals, wood processing and flour milling.

ABB Is First in World to Deliver IE5 Ultra-Premium Motor Efficiency in Explosive Environments
ABB IE5 SynRM Increased Safety motors are available with output power of 5.5 to 315 kilowatts (kW) in frame sizes IEC 132-315. The motor on the left has the end cap removed to show the internal construction

In addition to energy savings, the new SynRM Increased Safety motors can help customers specify a more cost-effective installation. For example, in Zone 1, the cooler running design could allow the use of an increased safety motor where a flameproof motor with a special enclosure would be the traditional choice. While in Zone 2, the improved loadability of SynRM motors, that enables more power to be delivered from the same size as an induction motor, is important. This could enable a smaller, and therefore lower-cost, motor to fulfill the same duty.

Stefan Floeck, Division President IEC Low Voltage Motors, ABB, says: “We have achieved a significant world-first by bringing the benefits of IE5 ultra-premium efficiency to the hazardous area sector. Adopting best-in-class technology has made our IE5 SynRM motors a game-changer for operators in a wide range of industries. They see the capability to improve energy-efficiency as key to achieving their net zero ambitions while optimizing their business costs.”

A key benefit of IE5 SynRM Increased Safety motors is that they run cooler than standard designs. Bearing temperatures are reduced by up to 15°C and winding temperatures by up to 30°C. This provides increased reliability, prolongs the motor’s lifetime and reduces maintenance needs.

The SynRM design combines the performance advantages of permanent magnet technology, with the simplicity and service-friendliness of an induction platform. To ensure an environmentally friendly design, the motors don’t contain magnets or rare earth metals. IE5 SynRM Increased Safety motors are available with output power of 5.5 to 315 kilowatt (kW) in frame sizes IEC 132-315.

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ABB IE5 SynRM and Drives

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ABB IE5 SynRM and Drives – The Perfect Match

If you are looking for world-leading efficiency, ABB has a long expertise creating the perfect motor and drive combinations for businesses worldwide. By pairing their breakthrough IE5 SynRM motor with the optimal ABB drive for your needs, you can push your output further than ever – saving energy, spending less and producing more. Because variable speed drive pairings can be industry optimized, ABB motor and drive packages are ideal for everything from water and waterwaste to HVAC and food and beverage production. But any industry can benefit from the advantages that the motor-drive package offers. Giving you one point of access, one supplier, and support whenever you need it.

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