ABB launches first liquid-cooled IE5 SynRM motor

Customers can use IE5 SynRM Liquid-cooled motors to save energy costs and cut emissions in new projects or as a drop-in replacement for less efficient motors. They are ideally suited to a wide range of industries including marine propulsion and thruster applications.

The new design is the first in the world to combine the high performance from liquid cooling previously offered only by induction motors with the ultra-premium efficiency of SynRM motors.  

A major advantage of the IE5 SynRM Liquid-cooled motors is that they are much more efficient than the traditional liquid-cooled induction motors in current use that offer significant potential for upgrading with energy-saving technology. IE5 motors have 40% lower energy losses than commonly used IE3 motors. As the cost of the energy to run an electric motor throughout its operational life accounts for around 97 percent of a motor’s Total Cost of Ownership, the improvement in efficiency means the payback time for selecting an IE5 instead of an IE3 motor can fall to less than one year.

Reliability is improved by highly effective cooling combined with the cool SynRM rotor and cooling ribs on the bearing assembly that reduces the operating temperature of the bearings. This helps to increase the lifetime of this key component and reduce maintenance needs.

The motors are robust, with tight seals to keep out moisture, dirt and dust, and a smooth outer surface to prevent dust build-up. This makes them perfect for demanding applications that require high power density where space is restricted such as marine propulsion systems and thrusters. Furthermore, the motors do not need fans or ventilation, so they do not disturb the surrounding air or release heat into the local environment. 

The high power output of the liquid-cooled IE5 SynRM offers increased design flexibility. It can enable a machine to be upgraded to deliver a higher power output within the same footprint, or it can allow for a more compact installation footprint while still providing the same output.

The IE5 SynRM Liquid-cooled motors are significantly lighter than competing designs, making them easy to handle and install. A 240 kW IE5 SynRM motor in frame size 315 weighs 870 kg, this is almost half the weight of a corresponding IE3 induction motor.

IE5 SynRM Liquid-cooled motors are available in frame sizes IEC 200-315 in aluminum frames, with steel available on request. The versatile design enables the motors to provide exceptional performance over a range of powers from 37 to 710 kW at 400 V.