Electrical switching & drive systems & components


Magnetic system for centrifugal compressors

4th Quarter 2015 Electrical switching & drive systems & components

SKF has launched a new magnetic system which is an oil- and contact-free drive solution for centrifugal compressors in chillers. Combining a high speed permanent magnet motor and active magnetic bearings with integrated controls, the magnetic system can operate with variable speed drives to deliver energy savings of at least 10% versus conventional centrifugal compressors. In addition, the system’s vibration- and friction-free performance results in extremely low noise.

Electromagnets levitate the compressor shaft, allowing it to rotate without contact. By eliminating the mechanical contact and the losses that occur with oil-lubricated bearings, the magnetic system reduces energy use significantly. By eliminating the need for oil lubrication, the system also improves heat transfer efficiency in the evaporator and condenser.

The permanent magnet motor at the heart of this SKF solution is more energy-efficient than induction motors at full and partial loads and offers a higher power factor and lower current draw. It also operates with a smaller size variable speed drive than induction motors. The system’s active magnetic bearings are capable of speeds in excess of 40 000 rpm, and can accommodate instant and frequent startups and transient surge forces. An active control system tracks and maintains rotor position to within a micron-sized orbit up to 15 000 times per second, eliminating vibration.

High speed permanent magnetic motor solutions from SKF utilise technology pioneered by S2M, a leading producer of magnetic bearings and high speed permanent magnet motors. Acquired by SKF in 2007, S2M has been refining contact-free, levitating bearing technology for more than 30 years.

For more information contact Samantha Joubert, SKF South Africa, +27 (0)11 821 3500, [email protected], www.skf.co.za



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Next-generation oil-free motor systems with active magnetic bearings
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
WEG and SpinDrive are collaborating to integrate SpinDrive’s AMBs and built-in IoT condition monitoring into WEG’s market-leading electric motor offering, creating an oil-free, maintenance-free drive solution.

Read more...
Direct drive with integrated control
Vepac Electronics Electrical switching & drive systems & components
The PSD 40 direct drive is a mechatronic system with integrated control, bus interface and absolute measuring system, with no battery required.

Read more...
Sealed split spherical roller bearings slash MTTR by 70%
SKF South Africa Shaft power components
SKF Cooper sealed split spherical roller bearings have a unique split design combined with a robust sealing system. These innovative bearings enable fast, simple, onsite, in-place bearing replacement or repairs even in hard to reach areas.

Read more...
AI-powered on-premises analytics for industrial drives
Siemens South Africa Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Siemens is introducing a new on-premises analytics solution for industrial drive systems. The software enables users to evaluate drive data entirely within their own infrastructure and meet stringent data-sovereignty requirements.

Read more...
Hydrostatic machine base for ultra-precision grinding centre
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Hyprostatik Schönfeld has developed a high-precision hydrostatic machine base for a new ultra-precision grinding centre for Optotech. The machine platform enables a previously unattainable combination of dimensional accuracy, dynamics and surface quality in the ultra-precision grinding of optical surfaces.

Read more...
Next-generation grease pumps
SKF South Africa Other technologies
SKF has introduced its latest advancement in lubrication technology with the unveiling of a new line of air-operated grease pumps.

Read more...
Innovative drive system for smart logistics
Horne Technologies Electrical switching & drive systems & components
With its new DualGear, Faulhaber presents a high-performance drive system with high dynamics, robustness and precision in a compact, diameter-compliant design.

Read more...
Proportionate specification for hazardous locations
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
As automation spreads deeper into processing, handling and transport operations, motors are increasingly required to operate in spaces that sit on the edge of hazardous zones.

Read more...
Redefining compact motorsport driving simulators
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Leading driver-in-the-loop simulator manufacturer, Ansible Motion has introduced the Delta T1 Sport, the first in a new class of motorsport simulators that offers high-fidelity dynamics, ultra-low latency and a fully immersive experience, all within a compact footprint and accessible price point.

Read more...
The shopping cart that knows the way
Horne Technologies Electrical switching & drive systems & components
How can visually impaired and blind people shop independently in a supermarket? VIRAS supplies the answer: an autonomous shopping cart developed at the Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved