Electricity + Control September 2016

ROUND UP

DRIVES, MOTORS + SWITCHGEAR

New benchmark for IE3 energy-efficiency compliance in Africa

Energy efficiency and sustainability are becoming more and more important in the development and re-engineering of industry prod- ucts, especially due to stricter legal requirements. On 1 January 2015, the second stage of Regulation 640/2009 came into effect, stipulating increased energy efficiency in asynchronous ac motors. This meant that all two-, four- and six-pole asynchronous motors with a power rating of 7,5 kW to 375 kW introduced into the Euro- pean Union, Switzerland andTurkey must meet the requirements of energy-efficiency class IE3. Less energy-efficient asynchronous motors are no longer permitted for this power range, with a few exceptions. On 1 January 2017, the IE3 requirement will come into effect for all asynchronous motors with a power rating of 0,75 kW to 375 kW. While South Africa does not face the same regulatory pressure as the EU, SEW-EURODRIVE has decided to raise the benchmark locally by launching its new DRN series as its standard range of electric motors. “We also have to take into account our customers across our borders. For example, if we supply an African OEM carrying out an overseas project from SouthAfrica, the IE3 require- ment has to be met.We not only supply the local market, but have to take our export obligations into account as well,” National Sales Manager Norman Maleka comments. “The approach we have adopted with our customers is to highlight the energy-efficiency component.”

The challenge for SEW-EURODRIVE was to develop an IE3 motor that can replace an IE2 motor without any problems, high cost or effort.This meant reducing energy losses while retaining the same motor frame size. The solution was the DRN series, which is as small, light and compact as the comparable DRE series.The weight and dimensions of the IE3 motors have only changed marginally, while the entire brake portfolio, unique built-in encoders and all additional features are all still available.The new IE3 motors comply with all global design specifications and standards. “In South Africa, we will basically bring the DRN series in as a complete range, and not present the option of the earlier range. It will be a standard. If a customer purchases our gearmotor, the mo- tor itself will be IE3 compliant.This means we will set the benchmark once again,” Maleka explains. “What is equally important is the fact that the DRN series is downward compatible with our previous motors, regardless of the energy class. It fits right onto our gearboxes, which means no additional effort on the part of our customers.” Another feature providing extra benefits for customers is the development of a global stator. “The new IE3 series will be beneficial to us from a stockholding point of view. It also fulfils our mandate of bringing in the latest, most energy-efficient products into the local market. We are looking forward to seeing how the local market will receive the new range.” Enquiries:Visit www.facebook.com/SEWEurodriveSA

SEW-EURODRIVE National Sales Manager, Norman Maleka.

The new DRN series will be launched officially at Electra Mining Africa 2016 from 12 to 16 September 2016, at the SEW- EURODRIVE stand in Hall 6 J20. The companywill unveil a range of new products under its ‘The Future Starts Now’ campaign.

Motor protection relay brand now with IEC 61850 The Reyrolle Rho-C type 7SR17 Motor Protection Relay provides comprehensive, configurable motor protection with enhanced functionality and performance through a user friendly interface.There is no limitation to the size of 3-phase induction motor that the Rho-C can be applied. Current and optional voltage inputs may be supplied with this unit which provides for a comprehensive, integrated protection and metering solution. Prevailing tough economic conditions can cause mines to operate modern motors close to thermal limitations. The Rho-C thermal algorithm has therefore been optimised to match the thermal overload characteristics of all types of motors and cooling systems. In addition, IEC 61850 has recently been added to the suite of supported protocols for integration into modern substation automation systems.

Enquiries: Marcel Kelly.Tel. +27 (0) 11 457 1600 or email marcel.kelly@woodbeam.co.za

Electricity+Control September ‘16

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