Large scale industrial motors consume 10% of global electricity when powering things like trains, ships and the energy grid.
ABB large motors factory in Sweden explained how it is trying to reduce waste by improving motor efficiency. Even though the gains are very small, from 98.64% to 99.13%, this small increment can lead to large energy and cost savings.
Johan Karlson, Vice President for High Sped Synchronous Machines at ABB, said: “Even this small percentage upgrade in efficiency corresponds to powering almost 500 household here in in Sweden. So it really matters that even if it’s small change.”
The size of the motors is largely unknown but the machinery is vital to keeping the electricity grid stable.
David Bjerhag, Manager of High Speed Synchronous Motors and Generators at ABB, commented: “We are talking about the size of, three, four meters wide and five six meters long and they typically used in really heavy industries.
“Then we utilise also the same product as a generator for generating electricity. And also, we have a synchronous condenser that helps stabilising the electrical grid.”
Even though the machinery operates behind the scenes, making them more efficient is important to lowering emissions.
Mr Bjerhag added: “ABB says large industrial motors may operate outside the public eye, but at this scale, even tiny improvements in efficiency may translate into major energy savings and lower emissions for heavy industries.”
