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How to choose or troubleshoot a variable frequency drive
Proper VFD installation requires selecting the right enclosure, ensuring voltage compatibility, addressing harmonics and mitigating common faults for optimal performance and longevity.
Testing shows drive to motor cables significantly influence system performance
Learn about early misconceptions and lack of standardization around VFD cables
Case study: Motors replaced at potable water plant
Sensors, VFDs and enclosures ensured reliable motor performance
How do you specify the best motor? It depends
Selecting the most appropriate motor depends on many things for an engineer
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.
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
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.
Understand the history of electric motors
Electrical engineers should understand the basic history of motors before specifying them in various applications
Cutting production costs through improved motor management
Energy-efficient motors and variable speed drives (VSDs) can help reduce production costs through greater energy efficiency.
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.
Evaluate noise in electric motors
Determining the source can be more difficult than correcting it.
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.
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.
VFDs from the inside out
Variable frequency drive (VFD) vocabulary words: These 50 terms can help properly apply VFDs.
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.
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.
Trends in the LV drives market
Market research shows three trends influencing the drives market: functional safety, predictive maintenance and efficiency regulations.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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)
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.
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.
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.
When are VFDs essential?
Engineers should understand variable frequency drive technologies, and the key considerations for designing a VFD to control a motor
Three steps to size motors
Proper motor sizing precludes equipment failures, ensures efficiency and reduces maintenance issues.
VFD: Swap it or upgrade?
There’s a lot to know behind the process of replacing a drive.
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.
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.
Back to basics: VFDs and harmonic mitigation
Variable frequency drives (VFDs) have problems with application and operations; learn how to mitigate common issues.
Your questions answered: Electric motor basics
The Sept. 27, 2017, “Electric motor basics” webcast presenter addressed questions not covered during the live event.
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.
Fire pump models
Armstrong added two horizontal split case (HSC) models with tilted parting design to its fireset pump line.
Generation 5 pump motors
Armstrong Fluid Technology pump motors meet the IE5 efficiency standard.
Integrated VFD/motor
Grundfos's MLE integrated VFD/motor includes permanent magnet motor technology.
Laboratory exhaust fan line
Greenheck’s Vektor line of laboratory exhaust systems now offers a direct drive arrangement.
Cooling tower motor selection software
Baldor's cooling tower motor selection software offers stock packages and cost savings analysis.
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.
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.
Industrial lighting
UTB series features 28,000 lumens, LED drivers, and an OP16 opalescent reflector, as well as smooth opalescent appearance.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
VFD for HVAC systems
The P-Series line of variable frequency drives is available from Cerus Industrial.
Motor shaft voltage test kit
The AEGIS shaft voltage test kit measures and documents the voltages of motors controlled by variable frequency drives (VFDs).
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.
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.
Sizing motors right the first time
Determining load horsepower, wiring, and breaker size for safe and efficient installations.
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.
Computer-aided product selection program
Greenheck has released Version 4.6 of its Computer Aided Product Selection Program (CAPS).
Electronic overload relays
Finalist in Equipment Level Sensors and Controls in Consulting-Specifying Engineer's 2011 Product of the Year competition
VFD-controlled motor with shaft grounding ring
Finalist in HVAC/R in Consulting-Specifying Engineer's 2011 Product of the Year competition
Vibration tester
Finalist in Test Instruments, Meters, and Data-loggers in Consulting-Specifying Engineer's 2011 Product of the Year competition
Suction pumps
The CRN-H stainless steel horizontal end suction pumps from Grundfos can bolt directly into a traditional ANSI pump.
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.
Suction pump
The Grundfos CRN-H and CRNE-H stainless steel horizontal end suction pumps allow for seal changes in less than 1 hr.
HVAC product selection software
Greenheck's AMCA-certified Computer Aided Product Selection Program receives update, offering Revit Drawing files for many of its products.
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.
Leading the charge
Meet Robert Linder, PE, a mechanical engineer with a focus on commissioning, retrocommissioning, energy audits, and overall problem solving.
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).
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.
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.
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
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 – 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 – 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
BAS, lighting company partner
Lagotek and Advanced Control Technologies have entered into a partnership.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Bring TAB specs in line
For the best test and balance results, perform a specification checkup on each project.
Brushless adjustable speed control from Baldor
The new control, BMC-Series, has models available from 1/4 to 3 hp
Drives for HVAC applications
New guide highlights the manufacturer's VLT Micro, VLT 2800, and VLT HVAC drives.
Motor management and protection system
Motor management and protection system combines primary motor protection requirements with additional functionality.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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 ...
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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."
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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...
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.
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.
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...
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.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
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.