Danfoss iC7 VSDs enhance energy efficiency

Live demonstrations at the Danfoss section of BMG’s Electra Mining Africa stand highlighted the energy-saving potential of combining a Danfoss iC7 variable-speed drive with a BMG IE4 permanent magnet motor.

“In these demonstrations, the motor had a rated current of 1.56 A, but was drawing only 80 mA, while operating without load. By comparison, the no-load current of a similarly sized IE3 squirrel-cage induction motor would typically be between 55% and 65% of its rated current,” explains Sean McCree, Key Account Lead, BMG. “This comparison is particularly relevant to conveyors, feeders, compressors and other machines that may continue running unloaded between production batches, when little or no product is being handled.

“Although industry has widely adopted variable-speed drives to reduce energy consumption on pumps and fans, the potential savings associated with smaller motors can easily be overlooked.

“Permanent magnet (PM) motor technology has also moved beyond some of the limitations traditionally associated with it. Motors are now available in standard IEC frame sizes, at prices increasingly close to comparable IE3 induction motors. The other significant benefit of PM motors is that since they do not generate significant internal heat and they have a potentially higher power density, they can often be used in low-speed applications without forced cooling fans. This makes them even more efficient, as well as cost effective, in these applications and potentially easier to install.

“Advances in drive technology have made commissioning considerably simpler. For the combination we displayed at Electra Mining Africa, commissioning simply involved entering the motor nameplate data into the iC7 VSD and initiating its automatic tuning function.”

These demonstrations gave visitors a practical view of how modern permanent magnet motors and variable-speed drives can improve the efficiency of smaller industrial motor applications, without introducing unusual frame dimensions or complex commissioning procedures.

BMG has made a significant investment in local stock of this range, with 400 V IP20 iC7-Automation models available up to 710 kW. This strategic stockholding enables quick delivery, efficient project support and short lead times.

The launch of the Danfoss iC7-Automation range forms part of BMG’s ongoing strategy of introducing advanced automation technologies that improve productivity, energy efficiency and operational reliability in Africa.