What is said to be world’s first IE4
synchronous reluctance motor and
drive package (SynRM) from ABB
has replaced an induction motorbased
variable-speed drive package at
South Staffs Water, resulting in an
additional 6% energy saving.

The installation meant removing
the existing drive and replacing it
with an ABB drive, ACS850, featuring
a more powerful core processor that
enables operation with the synchron –
ous reluctance motor along with the
next generation direct torque control
(DTC), which avoids the need for
encoders and speed feedback devices.

The SynRM has also resulted in a
75% reduction in audible noise:
down from 78 to 72.3dBA when
running at 1450rpm.