The drive towards energy efficiency is not as straightforward as it might appear and it is important to recognise and overcome any barriers to reap the benefits, says Heikki Kervinen.

Andrew Fallows considers this frequently asked question on the issue of speed control and offers some advice to engineers.

Brian Bannister argues that it is better for OEMs to build in compliance to electric motor energy efficiency requirements now, to avoid the need for future product redesigns, and to provide customers with immediate energy saving benefits.

Mike Lomax examines the role of intelligent drive systems in optimising machine configuration and performance and aiding the adoption of Industry 4.0.

Amir Janjua offers advice on choosing a brushed or brushless DC motor.

Control Engineering Europe reports on how increasing use of the Internet of Things (IoT) concept by a drives manufacturer is offering advantages for its customers – including improved data analysis, increased productivity and enhanced reliability.

Chris Middleton explains why you should consider replacing geared motors on conveyor systems with drum motors.

All new motors placed on the market – between 0.75 kW to 375 kW – are now required to meet the IE3 efficiency level. Control Engineering Europe finds out what needs to be done to stay ahead of the regulations.

Manufacturers today are chasing efficiency figures which could only have been dreamed of 10 years ago. However, it is important to look beyond the motor for increased drive train efficiencies. 

When a winch controlling a high-powered drill broke down on a ship mining samples off the coast of Japan a rapid solution was needed because downtime was costing the company $30,000 every day.

French test systems experts BIA rely on multiple motors and drive systems to help achieve accurate results.

Control Engineering Europe looks at a selection of applications in which variable speed drives have offered production or energy saving efficiencies.

Jonathan Wilkins, of European Automation, discusses the intricacies of the IEEE 519 standard and how it affects plant maintenance strategy and operations, especially those sourcing obsolete components. 

Jonathan Wilkins, of European Automation, discusses the intricacies of the IEEE 519 standard and how it affects plant maintenance strategy and operations, especially those sourcing obsolete components. 

Andy Love, service channel manager at ABB, explains the rationale behind the company’s new Authorised Value Provider programme and what this initiative means to industry across Europe.

The IE2 regulations effectively cleaned-up the lower efficiency end of the market – if an application requires a motor to operate rarely, then its energy consumption is not so critical and users will want the cheapest machine they can buy that will be reliable. The IE2 regulations are intended to make sure that new motors being supplied into these conditions still meet a minimum standard of efficiency.

When Mixing Solutions, a supplier of industrial mixing machinery, needed a test system that would allow it to accurately determine the current consumption and other electrical characteristics of its products, two AC variable speed drives from Vacon provided a solution.

Control Engineering Europe finds out more about the benefits offered by integrated drive systems. Increasingly, automation and drives systems are being integrated to form system solutions with the aim of optimising the value added along the entire process chain. "Drive systems, sensors, and automation are now becoming a driver for change," explains Ralf-Michael Franke, CEO of Siemens Drive Technologies Division.

Currently there are three trends dictating the development of electric drives in the industrial automation sector – speed and ease of specification, simplified control and maintenance, and machinery safety. Nigel Dawson, Festo GB’s Product Manager for Electric Drives, looks at these trends.

Avelair, a compressed air system manufacturer, is seeing improved motor management control, data availability and safety enhancements, thanks to Simocode Pro V motor control solution from Siemens Industry.