Motors and Drives


that leads to less wastage of materials, while also improving end-product quality. It can also improve the performance and extend both the functionality and the lifetime of the drive to provide the best possible return on investment. Many ABB drives, for example, only need a simple upgrade


of firmware to benefit from new software such as ABB’s pump control program. With all the functions generally required by pump users, the pump control program can make it easy to alter a plant’s pumping systems or the way its pumps operate.


l Retrofit: In contrast to replacement, a retrofit will look to reuse as much of the existing drive system as possible, while making it more compact, robust and efficient. It also brings the possibility of adding some features new to the application, such as an improved user interface or fault loggers. In a retrofit project, existing cabling, motors and cabinets


are often retained, while the drive or drive system is replaced either completely or partly. A retrofit is typically carried out during planned production shutdowns to avoid unnecessary disruption. ABB has developed a specific retrofit service for its drives


where ABB engineers assess the current drive installation and recommend the appropriate retrofit kit. By reusing as much of the existing electrical and mechanical components as possible, a typical retrofit kit can cost less than replacing the complete drive and cabinet. Benefits include lower capital expenses, reduced engineering costs, lower labour costs, no production losses and quick project execution.


Quicker payback much easier


A replacement, an upgrade or a retrofit of a drive will usually be undertaken because the process requires new functionality, a serious drive failure has occurred or the original manufacturer is unable to support the product with spares. Whatever the reason for changing the drive set up, a good drive manufacturer will be able to advise on the best route. Also, it is now easier than ever before to get a quick


payback on a drive project - with energy prices rising and drive purchase costs falling to about a quarter of what they


were 20 years ago, there has never been a better time to invest in a drive based application. Many countries also offer financial incentives to support the installation of AC drives intended for use in energy-saving projects.


Fig. 3. The technology developments in ABB’s latest drives range could make the decision to replace, upgrade or retrofit an easy one.


When looking to redesign an application, the motors should not be overlooked. The latest motor designs are more efficient than older ones and are better suited to working with AC drives, leading to even more cost savings. l


Enter 61 or ✔ at www.engineerlive.com/ede


Heikki Kervinen is Market Manager, Energy efficiency, ABB Oy, Helsinki, Finland. www.abb.com/drives


is undergoing unprecedented change. The dynamics driving the change – technological innovation in building design and energy conservation – are altering the market and ultimately affecting equipment and applications. New analysis from Frost & Sullivan,


Electric Drives Market in European HVAC Industry, finds that the market earned revenues of $274.9 million in 2010 and estimates this to reach $611.9 million in 2017.


Escalating energy prices across Europe are underlining the need to implement


Drives: economic concerns spur growth T


he European heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) industry


electric drives to minimise energy bills and achieve better efficiency. At the same time, efforts to minimise its carbon footprint will compel the HVAC sector to limit energy usage.


These trends highlight the importance


of electric drives as an advanced and cost-effective energy-reduction solution to control HVAC components. However, the cost of implementing


electric drives for low-range HVAC applications is sometimes perceived as being too high. To encourage wider use, market participants will need to manufacture low-cost, off-the-shelf solutions for specific tasks.


Declining prices are another market


growth obstacle. Intense competition is causing the prices of drives to drop, affecting the profit margins of manufacturers. This is being exacerbated by the entry of low-cost Asian competitors that have gained a significant proportion of the domestic customer base for European manufacturers over a short span of 4 to 5 years.


Penetration into regional markets in


Eastern Europe is viewed as a strategic response to these challenges. l


For more information, visit www.motors.frost.com


www.engineerlive.com 61


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