Power Drive Efficiency have developed an energy saving drive for three phase AC induction motors. The drive addresses fixed speed variable load motor applications such as conveyors. Such applications are currently limited in energy efficient solutions. PDE’s drive in a preliminary concrete mixing application demonstrated an average energy saving of 43%. To conduct a secondary pilot over a longer time frame, the drive requires re-design to meet CE and EU certification. In addition the redesign will consider efficiency of manufacture at larger volumes, in preparation for commercial production. The drive currently exists in one size (75kW). For PDE’s technological benefits to reach a greater market the redesign will cover an additional 9 drives sizes (11kW – 315 kW). It should be understood the principles of the drives design will be constant across scale however appropriate certification must be acquired for all drive sizes before being viable for commercial pilots.

Power Drive Efficiency Ltd. (www.powerdriveefficiency.com) is currently developing a novel motor controller. It is based on a patented technology that employs sophisticated algorithms to monitor motor performance and dynamically adjust the driving parameters, resulting in an increase of motor efficiency of up to 40%. The energy-saving controller is used with an existing motor, and can be installed as either an upgrade (replacing the old controller), or in parallel (allowing the operator to switch between the two). It can be used either in an altogether new installation (i.e. new factory design), or as a retrofit into existing factory application. Key benefits of using such a controller are in energy savings, prolonged life of the motor, and improved asset usage information for plant managers. Given that approximately half of all power generated in the UK is used to drive electric motors, the energy savings benefits and environmental impact of adoption of this technology in selected market segments is potentially significant.