Press release: High-speed motor made in Dresden
Dresden, August 9th, 2022 - There are applications in which pumps and compressors require drive speeds and performance that cannot be met with classic electric motors. Reduction gears or steam and gas turbines are currently used. At this point, VEM GmbH offers a compact and powerful alternative with the new high-speed motor series.
The power/speed curve runs from the smallest engine with an engine output of approx. 1000 kW at up to 20,000 rpm to the largest engines with approx. 30,000 kW at 5,000 rpm. Even higher outputs of up to approx. 46,000 kW at 3,600 rpm are being considered. The energy density in the rotor can be up to 10 times that of a conventional 2-pole motor with 3,000 rpm. This can only be controlled by using completely new cooling concepts.
Speeds of 17,000 rpm
During the first prototype tests, speeds of 17,000 rpm were achieved. "The development goal is motors in the range of up to 30 MW at 5,000 rpm. We will also look at the use of magnetic bearings. With this bearing technology, the rotor dynamics can be actively and positively influenced during operation," explains Roland Ehrl, Executive Sales Director Large Drive Systems at VEM. Users, manufacturers and system integrators of compressors and pumps, OEM's in the field of oil & The focus is on gas and retrofitting turbines.
Compact, efficient and low-maintenance
The high-speed motors as direct drives are not only more compact than geared drives or turbomachines, the elimination of the gearbox also eliminates the associated power loss. Drive systems with high-speed motors are highly efficient and can be precisely controlled. This supports the globally required reduction in CO2 emissions. High-speed motors require just as little maintenance as conventional electric motors. This is another advantage over geared drive systems, but even more so over steam or gas turbines. The advantages mentioned reduce the life cycle costs compared to all other types of drive.
High-speed drive systems from a single source
High-speed motors are generally operated on converters; high speeds would not be possible when operating on the mains. The coordination of the drive system is very important here. VEM works with selected partners to ensure the optimal system design of the high-speed drive system. VEM therefore always supplies the complete drive system and guarantees its functionality.