Siemens offers line of energy-efficient industrial motors

Siemens Energy & Automation Inc. recently introduced three new lines of AC motors designed to meet or exceed NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers Association) standards. Offered in aluminum and cast-iron frame configurations, these motors include high efficiency and industry-leading NEMA Premium efficient designs to help motor users lower energy costs and extend service life. The unique die-cast copper rotor and special stator designs provide the added efficiency of these motors.

The three new product lines include general-purpose die-cast aluminum, general-purpose cast iron and severe-duty cast-iron frame motors for use in a wide variety of industrial applications. Siemens die-cast aluminum frame motors have been developed to provide a high degree of mounting flexibility for general purpose applications such as air handling, conveyors, pumps and compressors. Cast-iron frame motors are available for general-purpose and severe-duty applications. A definite-purpose version, exceeding the demanding requirements of IEEE Standard 841, also is available for durability and energy efficiency in critical petroleum, chemical and paper processing environments.

“Siemens is committed to providing our customers with the finest technology available to help lower operating costs through superior motor performance,” said Anne Cooney, vice president of Siemens’ Power Conversion Division. “We are making a multi-million-dollar investment over the next few years to grow our NEMA motor business in North America. The features, functionality, operating efficiency and service life that our products provide, will only translate to benefits for our distributors, OEMs and end-users.”

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, motor-driven equipment accounts for 64 percent of the electricity consumed in the U.S. industrial sector, and within the nation’s most energy-intensive industries, motor systems consume approximately 290 billion kWh per year.

“Siemens has more than 14 decades of motor design experience, and our latest NEMA motor innovations will provide significant energy and cost savings to these industries,” said John Caroff, Siemens marketing manager for low-voltage motors. “These savings can be realized simply by using energy-efficient equipment and sound energy management practices.”

All three lines of Siemens motors are available in either high-efficiency or NEMA Premium ultra-efficient designs, offering ratings up to 10 percent higher than NEMA Premium standards, to help users significantly reduce facility energy costs. For example, a 5 percent efficiency gain over a 20 horsepower motor’s 20-year life can yield $12,500 in energy savings. With tens to hundreds of motors in a single plant, the savings realized through added motor efficiency can have a significant impact on a company’s profitability.

The new motors offer unique benefits through:

• Industry-leading die-cast copper rotor technology, resulting in best-in-class efficiencies and lower total cost of ownership

• A combination of specially designed cooling fins, polypropylene fan and internal cooling scheme minimizes heat build-up within the motor for longer life

• Highly refined rotating assembly that incorporates anti-friction bearings, polyurea-based grease, dynamically balanced rotor and precision-machined mating surfaces for reduced vibration

• Specially designed insulation system that meets NEMA Class F standards with a Class B temperature rise at 1.0 service factor for long service life and meets NEMA standard MG 1-2003, Part 31 standards for compatibility with variable-speed drive operation

• Exclusive bolt-on foot design for general purpose aluminum frame motors permits rapid change to NEMA mounting positions F-1, F-2 and F-3 allowing a high degree of mounting flexibility

The new lines of motors are available up to 20 horsepower, and future plans include expanding the die-cast aluminum motor line to 30 horsepower. The cast-iron frame motor line will be increased to 400 horsepower over the upcoming months, and definite purpose designs will be added such as U.L.-listed explosion-proof motors.