Optimizing Drive Systems for Energy Savings

Overview:

Several areas should be considered when looking for potential opportunities to reduce energy consumption via the drive system.

The use of a common DC bus architecture as an alternative to individually powered AC drives will conserve energy by sharing the normally wasted regenerative energy from unwinds and other regenerating driven sections. In addition to sharing and saving energy, true common DC bus systems also conserve energy by eliminating many of the typical energy wasting system components.

Utilizing active front end (AFE) power sections to reduce system power factor and harmonics. Active front end power sections provide near-unity power factor and produce minimal harmonics. AFE's can also compensate for the effects of poor power quality issues.

Reducing mechanical losses with direct drives, certain power transmission components can waste significant energy.

Optimizing drive sizes and tuning through mechatronic practices and tools. Oversized drives will use more power and adversely affect the system power factor. Poorly tuned drive systems can be a common source of energy waste.

Retrofitting older DC drive systems with more efficient AC drive systems. AC Drive systems offer greater energy efficiency over older DC technology. Some AC drives can automatically reduce their magnetizing current under low load conditions

Utilizing energy efficient motors for across the line applications and AC drives in front of the motors in place of mechanical dampers and valves.