SIEB & MEYER drive controllers reduce energy demand of refrigeration and air conditioning systems

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Efficient Cooling Starts with the Drive System

The demand for refrigeration and air conditioning technology is increasing around the world. Apart from rising ambient temperatures, the main reason for this development is the growing volume of computing power for industrial digitalization and AI applications in need of cooling. At the same time, pressure is mounting to keep the power consumption of these systems as low as possible. Drive controllers by SIEB & MEYER ensure precise speed control of high-speed compressors, which contributes to the efficient operation of air conditioning and refrigeration systems. Thanks to their high efficiency, the devices themselves also boost the efficiency of the overall system.

Modern refrigeration and air conditioning systems perform far more tasks than merely cooling a room. They ensure smooth production processes, protect sensitive technical infrastructure and create defined environmental conditions for the industry, data processing centers or laboratories. With the growing cooling demand, the importance of energy efficiency is also increasing because refrigeration systems are among the largest energy consumers in many places. This promotes approaches that adjust the energy consumption to the actual energy needs.

An important requirement for such approaches is the speed-based control of the compressors. To this end, frequency converters enable flexible power control so that the cooling capacity is continuously adjusted to meet the current demand. 

Efficient control of high-speed compressors

For industrial and process cooling as well as air conditioning systems, manufacturers increasingly use turbo or centrifugal compressors. These units operate with speeds above 100,000 rpm and therefore place high demands on the drive technology. In addition to high rotating field frequencies, a control system with low losses is crucial. Low rotor heating helps to improve the operating characteristics of high-speed motors and to maintain their performance over the long term.

SIEB & MEYER develops drive controllers especially for such high-speed applications. The devices provide rotating field frequencies of up to 6,000 Hz and enable precise control of synchronous and asynchronous motors. High switching frequencies in combination with the used control method reduce rotor losses and ensure low motor heating. Moreover, the drive controllers can be adapted to various machine concepts and requirements using the flexibly configurable software drivemaster4.

Solutions for different power ranges

For applications in the lower and medium power ranges, SIEB & MEYER offers the device series SD4S. Covering powers up to 44 kVA, SD4S is suitable for high-speed drives with speeds up to 240,000 rpm. For the field of powerful turbo compressors, SIEB & MEYER provides the series SD4M with solutions up to 554 kVA. These devices use three-level technology, which enhances the quality of the motor current, significantly reduces undesired rotor losses and eliminates the need for a sine-wave filter.

Thanks to the combination of precise power control, high dynamics and low motor heating, SIEB & MEYER drive controllers support efficient operation of modern refrigeration and air conditioning systems. In summary, they help to meet the growing demands for energy efficiency and performance.

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