January 2009
An estimated 65% of electrical energy is used by electric motors, the workhorses of modern industry. Even though these motors efficiently convert electrical energy into mechanical energy, some 20% is lost by wasteful throttling mechanisms in many industrial processes. ABB's Pieder Jorg, Panu Virolainen and Roelof Timmer discuss variable speed drives (VSDs) - the most effective method of controlling a motor's speed under variable load conditions - and the significant reductions in the amount of energy consumed that can be achieved.
For more information contact:
Nicoline Venter
Marketing and Communications
ABB South Africa (Pty) Ltd
Automation Products
Phone: +27 11 236 7616
Mobile: +27 11 236 7615
email: Nicoline.Venter@za.abb.com
Regular Features
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On the cover
Industry forum
Product and services round up
Nota bene
Computer-aided engineering
Nampak upgrades its time and attendance system
Nampak, Africa’s largest packaging company, has recently upgraded its time and attendance system with a Kronos solution implemented by Bytes System Integration. The new system has work force management capabilities and includes the possibility of linking to the enterprise resource planning system, to allow for improved cost and management accounting.
Wnbracing 2D to 3D migrations
Toughing out the economic slowdown
A bright future for stainless steel?
Innovative Engineering
South Africa's 'Joule'
The first South African developed electric vehicle was launched at the Paris Motor Show late last year.
Modern metals technology
The role of hydrogen in initiating cracks during the qunech hardening of steel
This paper, by Corrie la Grange, describes the major role of hydrogen in initiating and propagating cracks – specifically quench cracks – during the heat treatment of steel.
Plastics, rubber and materials processing
Polymer bushings and slide bearings
Igus GmbH, based in Cologne, Germany, is an international company specialising in polymer bearings and energy chains. It has recently re-launched its polymer bearing range in South Africa.
Pitfalls in 'price-alone' buying strategies
Perspex processing developments
Power transmission, bearings and bushes
High capacity cylindrical bearings for wind turbines
SKF engineers have designed a new cylindrical bearing with a unique feature –a bearing able to increase load-carrying capacity substantially while maintaining its standard boundary dimensions.
Voith Vorecons for Medupi
ABB drive solutions for K4 rock hoist
Special report
Eskom's revised energy outlook
Carol Dalglish talks to Andrew Etzinger, Eskom’s general manager, demand side management, and reports on Eskom’s revised energy plan in the light of the cancellation of the Nuclear 1 project.
