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Motors and Drives January 24, 2024

Case study: Motors replaced at potable water plant

Sensors, VFDs and enclosures ensured reliable motor performance

By Jeff Thomas
Motors and Drives January 24, 2024

How do you specify the best motor? It depends

Selecting the most appropriate motor depends on many things for an engineer

By Jeff Thomas
Motors and Drives September 21, 2023

Back to basics: Control systems, drives and motors

This presentation will discuss control diagrams, coordination with trades and power outage concerns. Applications of dampers, valves, contactors and sensors will also be discussed.

By Consulting-Specifying Engineer
Motors and Drives January 17, 2023

Specifying low-voltage variable frequency drives

Understanding different types of low-voltage VFDs and how to specify them is an important ability for electrical engineers

By Joshua Hunter, PE, CDM Smith, Orlando, Florida
Motors and Drives June 16, 2022

Direct-drive servo tutorial, application update

Solving low speed rotary servo applications with direct-drive motors avoids hidden initial costs, while saving money over the life of the machine. Example shows $73,000 annual savings on a widget-making machine.

By Matt Pelletier
Motors and Drives June 3, 2022

Understand the history of electric motors

Electrical engineers should understand the basic history of motors before specifying them in various applications

By Jeffrey R. Thomas
Motors and Drives April 23, 2022

Cutting production costs through improved motor management

Energy-efficient motors and variable speed drives (VSDs) can help reduce production costs through greater energy efficiency.

By Marek Lukaszczyk
Motors and Drives April 22, 2022

Heat engine with no moving parts designed

MIT researchers have design a heat engine with no moving parts, which could help enable a fully decarbonized power grid in the future.

By Jennifer Chu
Motors and Drives April 15, 2022

Evaluate noise in electric motors

Determining the source can be more difficult than correcting it.

By Thomas H. Bishop, P.E.
Motors and Drives March 22, 2022

Your questions answered: Motor management and troubleshooting techniques for ac induction motors

Best practices and tips for motor management included advice on variable frequency drives (VFDs), motor efficiency, motor standards and more.

By Michael Lyda, Ronnie Alford
Motors and Drives March 2, 2022

Intro to setting up, tuning a PM motor with a VFD

A permanent magnet (PM) motor requires a variable frequency drive (VFD) to operate effectively. See motor comparison table, induction motor vs. PM torque curve, and VFD programming and tuning advice.

By Robert Bonczar
Motors and Drives February 1, 2022

VFDs from the inside out

Variable frequency drive (VFD) vocabulary words: These 50 terms can help properly apply VFDs.

By Paul Avery
Motors and Drives January 6, 2022

Growth expected for motor, industrial gear markets

Pent-up demand due to challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic are expected to result in strong growth for the motor and industrial gear markets in the next few years.

By Shirly Zhu
Motors and Drives December 22, 2021

Decoding your motor’s nameplate

The most relevant information of a motor should be recorded on the nameplate, which includes frame size, voltage, power and more.

By Karl Metcalfe
Motors and Drives November 19, 2021

Trends in the LV drives market

Market research shows three trends influencing the drives market: functional safety, predictive maintenance and efficiency regulations.

By Blake Griffin
Motors and Drives November 2, 2021

Solid growth rate projected for the LV drives market in 2021

EMEA regions suffered the greatest drives market decline in 2020, shipping costs and supply issues continue to pose problems, and global revenues will recover to pre-pandemic levels by 2022.

By Interact Analysis
Motors and Drives October 28, 2021

Low-voltage drive market projected to have slow, steady recovery

Labor shortages and supply chain disruptions are all coming together to cause a much slower recovery in the low-voltage drive market according to a report by Interact Analysis.

By Blake Griffin
Motors and Drives October 5, 2021

Back to Basics Education Session: Electric Motors

Electrical engineers should understand the basics of motors and how to specify them in various applications. Learn about these basics on Day Five of Fall 2021 Virtual Training Week

By Consulting-Specifying Engineer
Motors and Drives September 17, 2021

Differences between NEMA and IEC electric motors

NEMA and IEC motors are similar but have different usual practices; take care when managing a facility with a mixed population

By John Malinowski
Motors and Drives September 5, 2021

Benefits of auto-tuning VFDs

An auto-tune helps a variable frequency drive (VFD) control the motor with specific motor settings, and there are many ways to get the best results for a specific setting and situation. See five auto-tuning tips.

By Paul Avery
Motors and Drives September 4, 2021

Airport logistics market expected to get boost from Asian market

The airport logistics market, which took a hit due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is expected to rebound thanks to a boost from the Asian market, particularly China.

By Jamie Fox
Motors and Drives September 3, 2021

Infrastructure bill projected to grow low-voltage market in key areas

The low-voltage (LV) drives market, like all other markets, dealt with a turbulent 2020 brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, but it should rebound if the Infrastructure Bill passes.

By Blake Griffin
Motors and Drives August 12, 2021

Motors & Drives: Tips and tools for efficient motor management, Part 4

Michael Lyda, motor and drive engineer with Advanced Energy Corp., explains tips and tools for efficient motor management in this transcript from a December 2020 webcast.

By CFE Media
Motors and Drives July 29, 2021

Motors & Drives: Tips and tools for efficient motor management, Part 2

Michael Lyda, motor and drive engineer with Advanced Energy Corp., explains tips and tools for efficient motor management in this transcript from a December 2020 webcast.

By CFE Media
Motors and Drives June 29, 2021

US Department of Energy issues final rule for testing small electric motors

The US Department of Energy (DOE) has issued rulemaking on test procedures for small electric motors for more than a decade.

By Thomas H. Bishop, P.E.
Motors and Drives February 19, 2021

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles: February 12-18, 2021

Read the best articles from the past week. Choosing between an ECM and VFD, NFPA 101 and COVID-19, NEC changes, integrating a BAS and data center metrics.

By Chris Vavra
Motors and Drives February 1, 2021

Consulting-Specifying Engineer most-viewed articles, January 2021

Read the best articles in January 2021 including: Choosing between an ECM and VFD, NFPA 70-2020 changes, NEC chances and more.

By Chris Vavra
Motors and Drives January 7, 2021

How to choose between an ECM and a VFD

While each has its place in HVAC applications, electronically commutated motors and variable frequency drives have important differences in simplicity, flexibility, cost and other factors

By Larry Gardner
Motors and Drives November 2, 2020

How to match drives (VFDs, VSDs) to the motor

Size a variable-speed drive (VSD) for the application, and ask if a general-purpose drive will do or if more embedded intelligence is needed. Do you need a VSD, variable frequency drive (VFD) or adjustable speed drive (ASD)? (Trick question)

By Joshua Jagnanan
Motors and Drives July 1, 2020

Top 5 VFD parameter changes explained

Programming variable frequency drives (VFDs) to fit most industrial applications require only the most basic settings to operate the motor. Understand these 5 VFD parameter changes to optimize VFD programming to fit most motor-drive applications.

By Christopher Jaszczolt
Motors and Drives May 17, 2020

10 essential maintenance and troubleshooting tips for VFDs

A properly maintained variable frequency drive (VFD) can provide decades and cost-effective service. Making VFD inspections and maintenance part of facility oversight can improve outcomes.

By Lori Wade
Motors and Drives February 21, 2020

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles: February 14-20

Read the best articles from the past week. VFDs, NFPA 20 fire pumps, NEC 2017 changes, mergers and acquisitions, and designing circuit interrupters.

By Chris Vavra
Motors and Drives January 15, 2020

When are VFDs essential?

Engineers should understand variable frequency drive technologies, and the key considerations for designing a VFD to control a motor

By Shreeram Srinivasan, CDM Smith, Chennai, India; and Bernard Pettiford, PE, CDM Smith, Atlanta
Motors and Drives August 6, 2019

Three steps to size motors

Proper motor sizing precludes equipment failures, ensures efficiency and reduces maintenance issues.

By Bryan Sisler
Motors and Drives April 12, 2019

VFD: Swap it or upgrade?

There’s a lot to know behind the process of replacing a drive.

By Jonathan Kopczyk
Motors and Drives November 2, 2018

Chicago Hotel’s New Cooling Tower Gets a Lift

Chicago's Palmer House Hilton needed to replace its cooling tower and called on industrial and commercial HVAC firm Team Mechanical, Inc. (TMI) to aid with the purchasing and installation of the tower onto the roof of the 24-floor hotel. TMI worked with Maddock Industries to purchase the new $250,000, 112,000-lb.

By Consulting Specifying Engineer Staff
Motors and Drives March 1, 2018

Your questions answered: Critical power: Motors, variable frequency drives, and variable speed drives

The Feb. 22, 2018, “Critical power: Motors, variable frequency drives (VFDs), and variable speed drives” webcast presenters addressed questions not covered during the live event.

By John Yoon, PE, LEED AP ID+C; and Kenneth Lovorn, PE
Motors and Drives October 17, 2017

Back to basics: VFDs and harmonic mitigation

Variable frequency drives (VFDs) have problems with application and operations; learn how to mitigate common issues.

By Syed M. Peeran, PhD, PE, Life Senior Member IEEE, Boston
Motors and Drives October 10, 2017

Your questions answered: Electric motor basics

The Sept. 27, 2017, “Electric motor basics” webcast presenter addressed questions not covered during the live event.

By Reece Robinson and Jim Swetye, Grundfos Pumps Corp.
Motors and Drives October 10, 2017

Your questions answered: AC Drives: Efficient Motor Controller for Optimal Energy Consumption

The Sept. 28, 2017, “AC Drives: Efficient Motor Controller for Optimal Energy Consumption” webcast presenter addressed questions not covered during the live event.

By Boima Morray, Danfoss Drives
Motors and Drives August 25, 2017

Fire pump models

Armstrong added two horizontal split case (HSC) models with tilted parting design to its fireset pump line.

By Armstrong Fluid Technology
Motors and Drives July 5, 2017

Generation 5 pump motors

Armstrong Fluid Technology pump motors meet the IE5 efficiency standard.

By Armstrong Fluid Technology
Motors and Drives May 5, 2017

Integrated VFD/motor

Grundfos's MLE integrated VFD/motor includes permanent magnet motor technology.

By Grundfos
Motors and Drives April 26, 2017

Laboratory exhaust fan line

Greenheck’s Vektor line of laboratory exhaust systems now offers a direct drive arrangement.

By Greenheck
Motors and Drives April 25, 2017

Cooling tower motor selection software

Baldor's cooling tower motor selection software offers stock packages and cost savings analysis.

By Baldor Electric Company
Motors and Drives November 11, 2016

Online Education: Electrical design for motors

Learn all of the skills necessary to design branch circuits for motors. Sign up for the course, which starts Feb. 20, 2017.

By Ken Lovorn, PE
Motors and Drives March 23, 2016

LED for commercial facilities

Susan Lamp E26 LED kit contains a plug and play Susan Lamp and a LED driver and allows a power consumption of 53 W.

By Lunera
Motors and Drives March 1, 2016

Industrial lighting

UTB series features 28,000 lumens, LED drivers, and an OP16 opalescent reflector, as well as smooth opalescent appearance.

By Hubbell Lighting
Motors and Drives April 23, 2015

Single-axis ac drive

Sinamics V20 drives are available in five frame sizes and are ideal for material handling, conveyor, pump, fan, and compressor applications.

By Siemens
Motors and Drives November 11, 2014

LED recessed modules

The E Series LED recessed modules are designed for high-volume construction as well as new or retrofit projects in light commercial applications.

By Lithonia Lighting
Motors and Drives September 5, 2014

Global demand for lighting fixtures to exceed $175 billion

Global demand for lighting fixtures is projected to increase at a 6.9% annual rate through 2018 to $175.5 billion, bolstered primarily by industrialization efforts in developing nations.

By Freedonia Group Inc.
Motors and Drives January 23, 2014

Dimming option for lighting control panels

Hubbell Building Automation’s CX Dimming Option Card provides full range dimming allowing users to control their environments while increasing energy savings.

Motors and Drives October 3, 2013

General purpose softstarters

Carlo Gavazzi’s RSGD (two-phase controlled) compact General Purpose Softstarter is designed to reduce the starting current and increase the lifetime of the motor.

Motors and Drives October 4, 2012

Variable-speed drive

Yaskawa's P1000 variable-speed drive provides control for variable-torque loads through 500 hp and up to 1000 hp through planned expansion.

Motors and Drives September 17, 2012

Avoiding harmonics in HVAC and electrical systems

Power electronics can increase energy savings, and at the same time can distort the quality of electrical power. Here are some tips to mitigate harmonics.

By David Chesley, PE, LEED AP, RCDD, Interface Engineering, Portland, Ore.
Motors and Drives June 28, 2012

VFD for HVAC systems

The P-Series line of variable frequency drives is available from Cerus Industrial.

Motors and Drives April 11, 2012

Motor shaft voltage test kit

The AEGIS shaft voltage test kit measures and documents the voltages of motors controlled by variable frequency drives (VFDs).

Motors and Drives April 11, 2012

Brushless permanent magnet motors

NovaTorque’s Generation 2.0 PremiumPlus+ 3- and 5-hp brushless permanent magnet motors are designed with a conical, flux-focusing stator and rotor hub geometry, enabling low-cost ferrite magnets to deliver rare-earth-like motor performance.

Motors and Drives April 11, 2012

Variable-speed drives

Schneider Electric designed the new Altivar 212 variable-speed drive and the S-Flex enclosed version to provide OEMs and control panel builders with energy-efficient and economical solutions for pump and fan applications.

Motors and Drives January 31, 2012

Sizing motors right the first time

Determining load horsepower, wiring, and breaker size for safe and efficient installations.

By Randy Barnett, NTT Workforce Development Institute, Denver
Motors and Drives September 23, 2011

Baldor to offer ABB motors, generators

Baldor Electric Co. is now responsible for selling and supporting the complete line of ABB low- and medium-voltage industrial electric motors and generators.

Motors and Drives June 29, 2011

Computer-aided product selection program

Greenheck has released Version 4.6 of its Computer Aided Product Selection Program (CAPS).

Motors and Drives May 13, 2011

Electronic overload relays

Finalist in Equipment Level Sensors and Controls in Consulting-Specifying Engineer's 2011 Product of the Year competition

By Edited by Bettina Chang, Consulting-Specifying Engineer
Motors and Drives May 13, 2011

VFD-controlled motor with shaft grounding ring

Finalist in HVAC/R in Consulting-Specifying Engineer's 2011 Product of the Year competition

By Edited by Gust Gianos, Consulting-Specifying Engineer
Motors and Drives May 13, 2011

Vibration tester

Finalist in Test Instruments, Meters, and Data-loggers in Consulting-Specifying Engineer's 2011 Product of the Year competition

By Edited by Gust Gianos, Consulting-Specifying Engineer
Motors and Drives May 5, 2011

Suction pumps

The CRN-H stainless steel horizontal end suction pumps from Grundfos can bolt directly into a traditional ANSI pump.

Motors and Drives April 6, 2011

City-wide energy efficiency program saves more than $700,000 over three years

The city of Rome, N.Y., and Johnson Controls expect financial benefits to total $8.5 million over 15 years.

By Source: Johnson Controls
Motors and Drives April 5, 2011

Suction pump

The Grundfos CRN-H and CRNE-H stainless steel horizontal end suction pumps allow for seal changes in less than 1 hr.

Motors and Drives January 22, 2011

HVAC product selection software

Greenheck's AMCA-certified Computer Aided Product Selection Program receives update, offering Revit Drawing files for many of its products.

Motors and Drives January 21, 2011

HVAC VFDs, bypass panels

Danfoss' VLT HVAC variable frequency drive (VFD) and bypass panels have passed rigorous seismic testing, and are now listed as components with Special Seismic Certification Preapproval through the California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development.

Motors and Drives November 17, 2010

Leading the charge

Meet Robert Linder, PE, a mechanical engineer with a focus on commissioning, retrocommissioning, energy audits, and overall problem solving.

Motors and Drives November 5, 2010

Low-voltage VFDs

Amtech Drives has announced a full line of low-voltage variable frequency drives, soft starts, and adapt rod pump Control systems (pump jack) for industrial applications. The Axpert VT240 series has models that range from 0.5 to 600 hp (240 V/480 V); the Axpert Easy Series is available in models ranging from 40 to 1875 hp (380 V/480 V); the Axpert Opti Torque electronic soft start series offers models of 50 to 950 hp (480 V); and the Adapt Systems series is available in models from 10 to 400 hp (480 V).

Motors and Drives November 4, 2010

Hall sensors for motors

The entire range of 12- to 24-V Bosch dc electric motors with Hall sensors is available to developers of commercial, industrial, and medical applications that require precise control of motor speed or positioning mechanisms. When used with dc electric motors, Hall sensors can be used to detect the direction and speed of rotation, and position of the armature. By counting the generated output-voltage pulses, it becomes possible to determine the number of rotations, and therefore the speed, of the motor.

Motors and Drives October 17, 2010

Slow recovery slated

The nonresidential building construction recovery is restrained by the slow recovery in the overall economy, lingering credit access problems, and the ebbing of the federal stimulus construction funds.

By Jim Haughey, PhD, Reed Construction Data, Norcross, Ga.
Motors and Drives July 21, 2010

HVLS fan

Same advantages of proven Rite-Hite HVLS fan technology in a compact design to better move air in smaller spaces, areas with low ceiling heights

Motors and Drives March 1, 2010

Panel

The AF-650 GP panel for constant torque drives from GE reduces energy consumption and provides vector modes (advanced, sensor less, and closed loop) for users that need torque and speed applications. The panel is available up to 1,350 hp and reduces CO2 emissions by 17 metric tons over the course of the year.

Motors and Drives March 1, 2010

Motors – 2010-03-01 – 2010-03-01

The Super-E Duty Master motors from Baldor Electric Co. are designed for severe operating conditions and are available in TEFC and WPII foot-mounted configurations. The standard voltages are 2,300/4,000 V, 60 Hz and the stock motors are available in 3,600, 1,800, and 1,200 rpm. Available in a 200 to 1,500 hp range, the three-phase motors are also available in NEMA 449T though 05812 frame sizes.

Motors and Drives March 1, 2010

Motors – 2010-03-01

The Super-E Duty Master motors from Baldor Electric Co. are designed for severe operating conditions and are available in TEFC and WPII foot-mounted configurations. The standard voltages are 2,300/4,000 V, 60 Hz and the stock motors are available in 3,600, 1,800, and 1,200 rpm. Available in a 200 to 1,500 hp range, the three-phase motors are also available in NEMA 449T though 05812 frame sizes.

Motors and Drives January 1, 2010

Direct drive fan

ADD Direct Drive Tubeaxial Fans from Continental Fan do not use belts or pulleys and features a capacity range up to 61,000 cfm.

Motors and Drives December 1, 2009

Load break switch

The UL 508-listed FSLBS, industrial-grade load break switch from Ferraz Shawmut features IEC-compliant technology that is available in 16, 25, 40, 63, and 80 A sizes. The load break switch is suitable as a motor disconnect for up to 40 hp. The switch features box terminals that are rated for two wires each, solid and stranded, as well as front and side operation.

Motors and Drives November 1, 2009

Adjustable frequency drive

The M-Max series of sensor-less vector adjustable frequency drives from Eaton use a 32-bit microprocessor and insulated gate bipolar transistors to provide quiet motor operation and high motor efficiency. The drive includes a digital display and operating and programming keys, which display drive monitoring information along with adjustment and diagnostic information.

Motors and Drives November 1, 2009

Air curtain controller

The Intelliswitch 2 air curtain controller from Berner International Corp. needs no integration with external devices because its operating switch, timer/delay, thermostat, and 10-speed fan control are built in. The controller is available with a microprocessor that features 16 MHz clock speed, 64 KB of program memory, 4 KB of RAM, and accurate analog/digital conversion.

Motors and Drives September 14, 2009

Higher property values drives energy efficiency retrofits in commercial buildings

Research finds that higher property values for commercial buildings is the main motivation behind energy efficiency retrofits.

By Source: Reuters and Pike Research
Motors and Drives September 1, 2009

High-efficiency motors and transformers CD-ROM

This CD-ROM from Copper Development Assn. offers a wealth of information to save you money and help you comply with recent regulations including the Energy Independence and Security Act (ERISA) and the Dept. of Energy's rulemaking. It explores how more efficient products are made, how they differ from standard-efficiency products, and why they're worth a premium.

Motors and Drives July 1, 2009

Energy-optimized circulators

The 115 V ALPHA circulator by Grundfos Pumps Corp. can automatically respond to changing needs in hydronic heating systems. The magnetized rotor makes the circulator more efficient with less heat and energy waste. The circulator offers a flow range of 0 to 21 gpm and a head range from 0 to 19 ft. The circulator can handle fluid temperatures from 36 to 230 F with a maximum working pressure of 15...

By Consulting-Specifying Engineer staff
Motors and Drives June 29, 2009

BAS, lighting company partner

Lagotek and Advanced Control Technologies have entered into a partnership.

By Source: Solid State Lighting Design
Motors and Drives March 10, 2009

DC motor speed control

TightDrive motor-mounted speed control for PMDC motors from Bison Gear and Engineering offers point-of-use speed control that can handle harsh industrial environments. It can be field-mounted easily on the company’s PMDC gear motors up to 1/6 hp and offers a 20:1 speed range with maximum output of 90 V.

By Consulting Specifying Engineer Staff
Motors and Drives March 1, 2009

Exhaust fan

Maintain safe ventilation levels with the Air Smart Fan from Strobic Air. Designed for safety critical applications such as laboratory fume hood exhaust, the fan uses sensors and controls to determine the flow required for safe operation. The fan continually adjusts speed to produce optimal flow and features the ability to sense a fan failure and turn on a stand-by fan to maintain safe exhaust operations.

By Consulting Specifying Engineer Staff
Motors and Drives March 1, 2009

Motors and Drives: Repair or replace?

View the full story , including all images and figures, in our monthly digital edition There are usually two reasons why we think about replacing motors: either our existing motors are humming along just fine but we want better energy efficiency, or they fail. And when they fail, we have to determine whether it makes better sense to repair them or buy new. First, let's consider energy savings. According to the U.S.

By Michael R. Olson, ABB Inc., New Berlin, Wis.
Motors and Drives March 1, 2009

AC motor

The Baldor Reliance RPM ac motor features compact, square laminated steel frames for inverter and vector duty applications. Available from stock in totally enclosed fan, blower cooled, and drip-proof designs, the motors are available in 3-1,000 hp. The motors handle industrial applications in frame sizes that are up to three times smaller than traditional NEMA or IEC motors.

By Consulting Specifying Engineer Staff
Motors and Drives December 1, 2008

Motor protection system

GE Digital Energy has upgraded its motor protection system to include remote resistance thermal detector (RTD) support, embedded IEC 61850 communications, enhanced security features, and ambient temperature monitoring and alarming. Programmable logic allows users to create custom control applications, establish alarm set points, and define allowable upper limits. The system can monitor up to 12 RTDs without the need for point-to-point wiring and auxiliary devices. GE Digital Energy Circle 458.

By Consulting Specifying Engineer Staff
Motors and Drives July 1, 2008

VFDs and Motors: Making the right match

Variable frequency drives (VFDs) and electric motors are strange companions: The VFD is a static device, delicate, intolerant of wide variations in environmental conditions; extremely adjustable and controllable by microprocessors; capable of being monitored and controlled from remote locations; and a product of modern electronic engineering and precision—the beauty.

By Syed M. Peeran, phD, PE, Senior Electrical Engineer, Camp Dresser & McKee, Cambridge, Mass.
Motors and Drives June 16, 2008

E-Clipse Bypass from ABB Drives

E-Clipse Bypass from ABB Drives actor bypass features both a service switch that disconnects the drive for service, and a main disconnect switch or circuit breaker. The dual switch eliminates downtime, as the motor/load never needs to go offline. Included in every bypass shipped are Modbus RTU, Johnson Controls N2, Siemens FLN, and BACnet communications protocols.

By Consulting Specifying Engineer Staff
Motors and Drives June 13, 2008

Bring TAB specs in line

For the best test and balance results, perform a specification checkup on each project.

By National Environmental Balancing Bureau Test and Balance Committee, Gaithersburg, Md.
Motors and Drives March 19, 2008

Brushless adjustable speed control from Baldor

The new control, BMC-Series, has models available from 1/4 to 3 hp

By Consulting Specifying Engineer Staff
Motors and Drives March 5, 2008

Drives for HVAC applications

New guide highlights the manufacturer's VLT Micro, VLT 2800, and VLT HVAC drives.

By Consulting Specifying Engineer Staff
Motors and Drives February 20, 2008

Motor management and protection system

Motor management and protection system combines primary motor protection requirements with additional functionality.

By Consulting-Specifying Engineer staff
Motors and Drives February 20, 2008

AC Drives for 1/8- to 25-hp motors 

AC drives from Yaskawa feature maintenance monitors to ensure drive health and on-line tuning to maintain harmony with the motor.

By Consulting Specifying Engineer Staff
Motors and Drives February 1, 2008

AC drives – 2008-02-01 – 2008-02-01

The AF-6 Series from GE Consumer & Industrial includes the AF-60 LP Micro Drive for small motor controls, the AF-600 FP Fan & Pump Drive for HVAC and pump applications, and the AF-650GP General Purpose drive for mixer control and material handling applications. The series features several upgrades including: built-in process PID controller and communication network for Modbus RTU, Metas...

By Consulting Specifying Engineer Staff
Motors and Drives January 17, 2008

Ask the experts: Motors/drives harmonics

Ask the experts : Motors/drives harmonics Variable frequency drives (VFD) are great for saving energy, but they can create distortions in power systems and electronic equipment that make them unpopular with owners and operators. Solutions exist, however, in packaged VFDs and in specified “extras.” What are your challenges with harmonics? What’s the biggest issue for you?Click here to post your question for the experts to answer.

By Consulting Specifying Engineer Staff
Motors and Drives January 1, 2008

Motor current tool

The C396 Electronic Overload from Eaton directly measures motor current and models thermal conditions in the motor. The system identifies excessive current because it reacts to motor stress conditions with speed and reliability. The C396 is available as a stand-alone device with a range of 0.1 to 150 amps, which may be increased to 1,500 amps with an external current transformer kit.

By Consulting Specifying Engineer Staff
Motors and Drives January 1, 2008

ICM Controls starting relays

The Universal Motor Starting Relay is a wire-for-wire replacement for all standard relays that operate a single-phase motor with a voltage range of 110 VAC to 502 VAC. The relay is ideal for installations in HVAC, commercial refrigeration, heat pumps, and single-phase motor applications up to 10 hp. The relay offers a patented differential voltage sensing technology that ensures exact starting ...

By Melissa Hillebrand, Associate Editor
Motors and Drives December 18, 2007

Motors shipments slip in third quarter of 2007

The National Electrical Manufacturers Assn.’s motors shipments index dropped 4.5% between the second and third quarters of 2007, and was down 3.1% on a year-over-year basis.

By Consulting Specifying Engineer Staff
Motors and Drives December 1, 2007

Protecting Motors Against Drive-Induced Damage

Due in large part to an increased focus on energy savings, the use of pulse-width-modulated (PWM) variable-frequency drives (VFDs) to control AC motors has grown dramatically in recent years. But this increased use of these drives is not without its downside when it comes to power quality. While they offer low operating costs and high performance, VFDs can cause motor problems.

By William Oh, General Manager Electro Static Technology, Mechanic Falls, Maine
Motors and Drives November 27, 2007

NEMA publishes MG 1-2006 revision 1 2007 on motors and generators

The National Electrical Manufacturers Assn. (NEMA), Rosslyn, Va., has published MG 1-2006 Revision 1 2007, “Motors and Generators.”

By Consulting Specifying Engineer Staff
Motors and Drives September 18, 2007

A $20 billion rush in federal IT spending anticipated for fourth quarter of 2007

Spending on information technology in the final months of the U.S. federal government’s fiscal year 2007 is expected to reach over $20 billion—over 33% of the 2007 total for federal IT spending.

By Consulting Specifying Engineer Staff
Motors and Drives August 14, 2007

NEMA publishes revisions to motors and generators standard

The National Electrical Manufacturers Assn. has published "MG 2-2001 Revision 1, 2007 Safety Standard and Guide for Selection, Installation, and Use of Electric Motors and Generators."

By Consulting Specifying Engineer Staff
Motors and Drives February 1, 2007

Spotlight: Leading Change in On-Demand Manufacturing

Manufacturers are challenged daily to make their products on-demand for customers who seek customization. Manufacturing suppliers often watch this trend from a distance while delivering their traditional product lines in a traditional assembly process. Emerson Motor Technology joined the on-demand manufacturing world with an announcement at the AHR Expo in Dallas that it had converted its South...

By Bob Vavra, Editor,Plant Engineering
Motors and Drives August 15, 2006

NEMA Releases 2006 Motors And Generators Standard

The National Electrical Manufacturers Assn. has published MG 1-2006, Motors and Generators. MG 1-2006 provides more than 500 pages of manufacturing and performance data related to electric motors and generators, and is designed to assist users in the proper selection and application of motors and generators.

By Consulting Specifying Engineer Staff
Motors and Drives July 1, 2006

A Drive for All Spaces

The biggest challenge with mixed-use facilities is that they employ multiple systems in one building to accommodate different types of space. Commercial facilities run constantly for extended hours, often with different technologies, where residential facilities generally use more localized systems, with limited runtime. In a mixed-used facility with both of these space types, loads will vary and move around the building throughout the day. The building will experience a large pickup in load early in the morning to accommodate residential occupants getting ready for work.

By Steve Gonzalez, CEM, Senior Product Manager, Honeywell, Environmental and Combustion Controls Div., Golden Valley, Minn.
Motors and Drives February 21, 2006

FEMP Designates NEMA Premium Motors as Standard for Federal Facilities

The Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) has accepted a recommendation from the National Electrical Manufacturers Assn. (NEMA) to make mandatory federal purchase of NEMA Premium motors in federal facilities. “Adoption of NEMA Premium by FEMP as the federal motors efficiency standard clearly signals our country's willingness to save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said Emerson Motor Company's Rob Boteler, chairman of NEMA’s Motors and Generators Section Energy Management Task Force. “NEMA fully expects many industrial and commercial motors users to follow the federal example and specify only NEMA Premium motors.” FEMP issued federal notice last week of a new standard to all federal agencies on the procurement of premium efficient motors.

By Consulting Specifying Engineer Staff
Motors and Drives June 24, 2005

A Case Study in Rx for Maintenance-Intensive Cooling Towers

Metal cooling towers lined with galvanizing or other coatings have been around for a long time—in many instances, far too long. Like an aging fighter, decades-old metal cooling towers frequently become high-maintenance, while performance drops off sharply. Over time, these towers are increasingly thin-skinned and inefficient, and can cause unscheduled process disruptions. Secondary damage can also be caused by chronic “leakers,” and outdated tower fans and motors often consume more energy than necessary.

By Consulting Specifying Engineer Staff
Motors and Drives March 8, 2005

Smoke Control for the Home Office

In the design of the U.K. Government’s new Home Office headquarters, an effective, well-designed smoke-control system was essential, being that each of the facility’s three buildings contained full-sized atria. Specified by an M/E team from Flack + Kurtz, U.K., fans are connected to each of the atria roof plenums with a capability of extracting a total volume of air equivalent to four air changes per hr. in the atrium and a single largest floor. The uppermost two levels of offices in each building are separated from the atrium via full height glazing to create a smoke reservoir in the atrium.

By David Stillman, Managing Director, Flack + Kurtz (UK) Ltd., London
Motors and Drives November 8, 2004

Industry Roundup: NEMA Motors, ABB Drives, Honeywell Health and More

• The National Electrical Manufacturers Association recently released state-level shipment data on its NEMA Premium program, which demonstrates a significant increase in each of the six reported categories. The data show that in 2001-2002 the total net units shipped went up approximately 30%. In 2002-2003 there was a 14% increase over the previous years, suggesting a growing demand for premium-efficiency motors. • Carrier Corporation, Farmington, Conn., and New Berlin, Wis.-based ABB, Inc.

By Consulting Specifying Engineer Staff
Motors and Drives November 1, 2004

Exploring China, but Building at Home

This month's special report "Going Abroad," p. 36, addresses the trend of many U.S. M/E/P engineering firms pursuing overseas opportunities in the manufacturing sector. Ft. Smith, Ark.-based motor and drives manufacturer Baldor is no exception. In fact, according to Randy Breaux, the company's director of marketing, Baldor exports nearly $10 million worth of product to China alone.

By Staff
Motors and Drives November 1, 2004

More than One Criteria

Surge suppressors are rated by their single-pulse, maximum surge current per mode. However, a number of other criteria should be considered, such as how they respond to the various ANSI/IEEE waves and the relative let-through current resulting from each of the waves—i.e., B3, B3/C1 combination wave and C3.

By Ken Lovorn, P.E., Lovorn Engineering Associates, LLC, Pittsburgh
Motors and Drives July 1, 2004

BACnet Bags Big Backers

Proponents of the BACnet open communications standard received some good news recently, as two major international HVAC and controls manufacturers announced they are committing to the protocol as their primary vehicle of interoperability. ABB's Low-Voltage Drives division announced BACnet is now available as a loadable option in the company's all-new drive for HVAC, ACH550 DriveIT Low Voltage A...

By Staff
Motors and Drives June 1, 2004

The Cold Facts — A Case of Overheating Motors

Motor failures can be a mystery, especially when their causes originate outside a facility's walls. That's the conundrum that faced a small motor shop recently, when a spate of failures sparked an investigation of the seemingly random breakdowns. The machinists called for assistance from the motor-rewind shop that had been repairing the failed models—a not-unusual resource for those facin...

By Staff
Motors and Drives April 1, 2004

Fans Blowin’ Up a Storm

Fans and blowers are the workhorses of building mechanical systems. But while they may not exactly be the most glamorous equipment, surprisingly, this equipment is often the focus of continuing research and development. Presented here are not only some recent innovations in fan and blower products, but also some useful new specifying tools for fans and blowers.

By Staff
Motors and Drives February 1, 2004

AHR Expo Sets West Coast Attendance Records

New attendance records were set at the 2004 AHR Expo in Anaheim, at least for a West Coast show. With more than 22,000 registered visitors—not including exhibitor personnel—the '04 event set a new record, while the number of exhibiting companies (1,652), and net sq. ft. of exhibit space (324,590) also topped previous West Coast records.

By Staff
Motors and Drives May 1, 2003

Corvette Summer

Sometime in the early or mid-'70s I was sitting in my dentist's office looking at MotorTrend or some such magazine, reading an article that showed some concepts of what the future Corvette might look like. At the time, the current model was the Stingray, which I thought was a very cool car. Looking at those prototype renderings, however, I thought, "What dope came up with this idea?" Several ye...

By Jim Crockett, Editor-in-Chief
Motors and Drives November 1, 2001

What’s On CCTV?

Even the best designed and installed camera system is nothing more than a security tactic or tool that should help answer the question: What is the owner interested in protecting?For example, when trying to protect the exterior building perimeter, parking lots, utility connections and other outdoor items, exterior cameras must be used.

By Jeffrey A. Lupinacci, RCDD, LAN Specialist, Senior Security Designer, Brinjac Engineering, Harrisburg, Pa.
Motors and Drives August 15, 2001

“Motor Decisions Matter” Campaign Launched

A coalition of motor manufacturers, utilities, trade associations and government agencies have teamed up to promote energy conservation for motors.

By Staff
Motors and Drives August 1, 2001

Do the math: efficient motors alone don’t add up

It's a distinct probability that sometime in your career you've read an article on energy conservation and increasing motor efficiency. The whole point of these essays is to provide instruction or influence readers to get into the mindset to conserve resources and decrease pollution—noble causes.

By Ken Lovorn, P.E., President, Lovorn Engineers, Pittsburgh
Motors and Drives July 12, 2001

Research Shows Copper Rotor Efficiencies for Motors

Motors using new die-cast copper rotors can reduce energy loss by 15 to 23 percent, compared with the current industry-standard motors using aluminum rotors, according to the Copper Development Association (CDA), New York.

By Staff
Motors and Drives January 1, 2001

Modifying Engine Exhaust for Savings

Electric and steam-turbine drives for chillers are common practice. However, the use of gas-engine-driven chillers, particularly in a high-rise city building, is unique.When it came to a chiller retrofit for the Time & Life building in Manhattan, this selection required an analysis of the gas-engine exhaust, noise and vibration potential and the cooling tower and riser capacity.

By Consulting Specifying Engineer Staff
Motors and Drives October 1, 2000

Variable Speed at Alliant Energy

Using the basic design concepts employed at Harley-Davidson University (see page 28), an enhanced version was developed for the Alliant Energy World Headquarters located in Madison, Wisconsin. This 320,000-square-foot building currently under construction is a working model for the efficient energy-management policy of this utility company.

By Consulting Specifying Engineer Staff

A Letter From The Editor

Consulting-Specifying Engineer is written and peer reviewed by engineers and industry professionals. These engineers design, specify and commission mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP), fire/life safety, lighting and controls systems for nonresidential buildings. Consulting-Specifying Engineer covers codes and standards, smart and high-performance buildings and design specifications in a variety of commercial buildings.

Amara Rozgus - Consulting-Specifying Engineer