Precision ship positioning system relies on redundant drive technology
One of the world's most advanced survey vessels is now capable of positional accuracy down to ± one metre, thanks in part to bow and stern thrusters powered by variable speed drives.
Propeller head
Ask any engineer about electric motors and most of us visualise low- or medium-voltage three-phase equipment, either precision synchronous motors, driving machines or, more likely, standard asynchronous induction motors running pumps, fans and sometimes compressors. We see them everywhere, on all manner of industrial and utility plant, as well as heating and ventilating systems.
Ocean energy test rig testing get programmable power
A laboratory scale rig at the Hydraulics and Maritime Research Centre (HMRC), University College Cork, is now capable of emulating the variable power testing required at sea, thanks to control equipment from Emerson Industrial.
Passionate about energy
Every engineer knows that energy saving is good. It's almost invariably linked with worthwhile emissions savings and there are attractive financial returns. Also, installing new equipment, instrumentation and/or controls usually solves what are often annoying maintenance and/or operations headaches, as well as resulting in cleaner plant and better working environments.
Ricoh saves £100,000 with plant-wide drives project
Office equipment manufacturer Ricoh reports savings of more than £100,000 per annum on energy costs at its production plant in Telford, since installing ABB variable-speed drives (VSDs).
Saving the earth
In the rush to save energy and reduce emissions, it's easy to forget the sheer range of potential solutions. Dr Tom Shelley reviews some of today's most powerful options
In the driving seat
Motors, drives and controls have been advancing fast, with a goal of improving plant operations, energy efficiency and the bottom line. Steed Webzell explores new systems, emerging best practice and top tips
Synchronous savings
Synchronous motors offer the potential for significant energy savings in high power, heavy load applications. Brian Tinham talks to Marek Lukaszczyk, of Weg, about the pros and cons
Manchester Airport saves 4,000 MWh on ABB drives and motors
A project to upgrade the air handling units at Manchester Airport is saving 4,000 MWh, as well as cutting CO2 emissions by over 2,000 tonnes a year.
Meeting energy-efficiency expectations
Using a digital twin can help manage energy efficiency across sectors, as Mark Venables reveals.