This secret is starting to leak now – and quickly. Here are the key facts you should know…
Lately, the need for direct-drive variable speed systems has been growing. That’s because they do not require reduction or multiplier gears, which are indispensible in conventional electric motor drive systems. Therefore, they are economical both in their use of energy and space, along with being easy to install and maintain.
What about when a high-speed machine is needed that runs much higher than 3000 or 3600 rpm?
The best choice for these is a machine based on solid-rotor technology. This is a type of induction machine with a non-laminated rotor construction. What’s so advantageous is the stiffness of the rotor construction, which leads to unmatched stability and balance. And this, in turn, leads to the exceptional reliability of the rotating system.
In its simplest form, a solid rotor is just a machined ferromagnetic steel bar. But for increased performance, additional improvements may be applied, such as slitting, a high conductive end ring and even a rotor cage.
Advantages of the solid-rotor motor construction include:
– High mechanical integrity, rigidity and durability
– High thermal durability
– Simple to protect against aggressive chemicals
– High reliability
– Simple construction; easy and cheap to manufacture
– Easily scalable at large power and speed ranges
– Low noise and vibration levels if the surface is smooth
Every high-speed solid-rotor induction motor must be engineered for a specific end use. But the end results speak for themselves.
Swiss MAN Turbo selected The Switch because no other supplier could meet their requirements for a high-power compressor. The unique solid-rotor technology ensures success thanks to the balance and stability it offers already in numerous applications, for example, in natural gas compression applications. It also is capable of surviving the subsea application with aggressive gases straight out of the well.
When it comes to maintaining balance, we feel there’s only one right way to release the potential of your application.
Panu Kurronen
Product Manager, The Switch Generators