Automation Canada Quarterly Volume 2 Issue 5 - 9

ADVANCING MOTOR EFFICIENCY
DISCUSSING ABB'S EC TITANIUM
IE5 MOTOR WITH MARK GMITRO
The EC Titanium motor by ABB promises 'synchronous reluctance and
permanent magnet technologies for a sustainable, wirelessly connected
solution that improves customers bottom line.' According to Global Product
Manager, Mark Gmitro, the product was inspired by direct customer feedback
requesting an IE5+ efficient product, that could function as a drop-in
replacement for standard NEMA mounted motors. As new system efficiency
regulations emerged, ABB responded to the demand with the development of
the EC Titanium that comes in a motor-only version as well as an integrated
motor-drive packaged solution. This new motor can maintain the required
efficiency levels at both reduced speed and partial load conditions.
As Gmitro explained, " We have had fan, pump and compressor OEMs
request IE5 level efficiency to get ahead of government regulations and
proactively redesign their equipment. This gives them a competitive advantage
in the marketplace for a longer period. "
But the transition has not been seamless-they have met some reluctance in
switching due to the work required in redesigning equipment and updating
application drawings for new technology. At a 15HP design, a tradition
induction motor would become too big. That is why the EC-Titanium was
designed to provide a compact, highly efficient, and quiet operating motor
with minimal redesign.
But how exactly does the EC Titanium stand apart from other motors in terms
of efficiency, and how does it maintain it?
Most notable is the ferrite-assisted synchronous reluctance motor, which
achieves efficiency levels above IE5. These motors are a second-generation
synchronous reluctance motor (SynRM2) and experience no losses in rotor,
and the addition of ferrite magnets results in lower losses in the stator. This
produces the extremely high efficiency and enables the motor to maintain this
efficiency at lower speed and partial load points that are typical for variable
torque applications.
The motor is also capable of running above base speed, producing a wide
flat efficiency region. By allowing manufacturers to select the best pump or fan
design to optimize overall system efficiency, and combined with the unique

C A N A D I A N A U TO M AT I O N

design, the end result is a cool-running motor with excellent power density, a
power factor above 90%, and minimal bearing and winding temperature rises.
In addition, the ferrite assisted magnets means ABB is not using rare earth
magnets in its product. Ferrite is readily available and can be mass-produced
like induction motors.
As for the clientele, ABB predicts that fan, compressor, and pump OEMs will
have the most interest in the EC Titanium. Because these applications
commonly run at partial loads, they have the most opportunity to save energy.
They also predict that, due to the flexible mounting options provided by the
integrated drive and motor, they will see an interest from those working in
situations where cabinet places many be limited.
" A leading American manufacturer of commercial HVAC systems recently
selected ABB's EC Titanium for their next generation of premium and compact
rooftop air handling units, " Gmitro explained. " The customer determined that,
with EC Titanium, ABB offered a better performing motor than other
manufacturers being considered and cited EC Titanium's higher efficiency,
standard, drop-in size and lower cost as additional reasons for choosing ABB.
The availability of a wider range of motor sizes and the support provided by ABB
sales and engineering teams were also important factors in the decision. Their
decision came down to more than the efficiency story; they felt this product has a
lot more capabilities, more flexibility, and allows for innovation in design. "
What's the next step for ABB and the EC Titanium? ABB is introducing
Plenum Use products and C-Face configurations to support HVAC and
pumping applications. In the future, they are looking to use the technology to
expand the offering portfolio for the product line to include a 575V motor only
version that will carry the CE certification in addition to cUL markings.

VOLUME 2, ISSUE 5

9
https://new.abb.com/ca https://new.abb.com/motors-generators/nema-low-voltage-ac-motors/variable-speed-ac/ec-titanium-integrated-motor-drive
Automation Canada Quarterly Volume 2 Issue 5

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Automation Canada Quarterly Volume 2 Issue 5
