The new energy-efficiency directive for electrical devices issued by the European Commission has set up challenges for users of drive technology. NORD Drivesystems offers solutions compliant with the new norms.
The European Commission has now issued a stricter energy-efficiency directive for electrical devices. This extension of the directive’s field of application will increase its impact and ecological sustainability. The exceptions of the 2009/640/EC Directive will be changed substantially as early as autumn 2013. One aspect will be particularly important for most users: the new definition of the range of very high and very low ambient temperatures in which conventional motors may be used. Up until now, IE1 motors could be used in applications with ambient temperatures below -15° C or above 40° C. In the future, the exception only applies to extreme temperatures below -30° C or above 60° C.
NORD Drive systems, one of the world’s leading producers of drive technology for mechanical and electronic solutions is geared-up to accept this challenge. Many recently completed conversions show that NORD drive components with an IE2 or higher rating can be easily integrated. The one-off additional costs are usually redeemed within a short time, since on average energy costs make up 80 per cent of a drive system’s TCO.
Established in 1965, NORD has over 35 subsidiaries worldwide and offers systems suitable for various types of conveyors with almost all grades, lengths and speeds. Variable speed geared motors with frequency inverters are used for small bucket elevators, while unregulated single speed geared motors provide higher performance required for larger systems. With an efficiency of about 95 per cent, the gear units are available in a shaft, foot or flange mounted versions to suit varied applications. The maximum capacity is up to 200 kW with a maximum torque of 50,000 Nm.
Some of the drives are designed to operate in explosive environments (adhering to ATEX Zone 21 or 22). Primarily mid-size geared motors are used; helical, parallel and bevel geared motors up to 45 kW, mostly with protection class IP55 are also available depending on the respective task. Drive systems are designed based on the UNICASE concept for special applications. All bearing seats and sealing surfaces are machined in a single stage on the latest CNC machining centres. The benefits include extremely high reliability and exceptional sealing with safe handling. The system can handle very high torques combined with high axial and radial load. Apart from this, the systems produce very less noise, require very little maintenance and have exceptionally long operating life.
Customer appreciation
- Holcim, one of the largest producers of construction materials worldwide, has relied on drive technology from NORD since the last ten years. Geared motors from NORD of different performance classes are used in its cement plants, six concrete factories and three quarry systems. Happy with the performance of NORD products in heavy- duty applications, both companies have now signed a three-year-contract for the exchange of older drives.
- "We value the drive technology from NORD for its high reliability and efficiency. Service and delivery availability are also the best. We have been operating NORD products in our quarries for more than ten years without experiencing any problemș РNenad Mackic, facility manager at the Sumber quarry.