Modern Mining June 2023

SEW-EURODRIVE uses digitalisation and visualisation during early product development to reduce the environmental impact of countless prototypes and experiments. back in 2018 in the IEC61800-9 series of interna tional standards. Add-ons for modular systems As a second related strategy for its portfolio of motors, SEW-EURODRIVE is therefore focusing on expanding its modular system with add-ons devel oped specifically for operation with inverters. Several technologies can be employed for this purpose, such as installing magnets in the rotor. This increases the dynamics of the drives and minimises the size, while further improving efficiency of the drives. This inte grated permanent magnet (IPM) technology will be used mainly in smaller motors. Digitalisation and virtualisation are also being employed to boost SEW-EURODRIVE’s energy efficient designs. Here, there are increasing opportunities to use virtual simulations and digital models during product development. These tools offer valuable insights into how a product will be used – helping developers to focus their energy saving efforts. Preliminary simulations can be run during devel opment projects to help deliver important findings at an earlier stage. This means fewer practical

Above: Energy efficiency ratings should consider both the motion task as a whole and the complete drive system, as is the philosophy adopted by SEW-EURODRIVE. Left: DriveRadar ® ’s focus on predictive maintenance ensures resources are put to the best possible use.

experiments and specially built models or prototypes are required – which saves time and resources. For instance, a virtual simulation of oil flows helps eliminate the need to carry out experiments in a test centre, while fewer prototypes and experiments means less material is used and less CO₂ emitted. Integral to SEW-EURODRIVE’s closed-loop approach to sustainability is a service concept that is based on using resources as sparingly as pos sible. It includes a focus on predictive maintenance that ensures resources are put to the best possible use. As part of its Life Cycle Services, the company can also retrofit plants, systems and components to realise substantial energy saving potential. 

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