No rare earths, no compromises: synchronous reluctance motors
Motor for maximum independence and optimum performance
Rare earths are found in many electric motors. They enable permanent magnets, which in turn are relevant for the respective performance and efficiency of the motor. However, the availability of rare earths is subject to noticeable fluctuations – and this has an impact on supply chains as a whole. With synchronous reluctance motors, KEB Automation demonstrates a way to become material-independent. But that is not the only advantage these motors offer.
The use of rare earths in motors has proven itself for several reasons – be it low efficiency losses or optimised heat resistance. In view of the increasingly limited availability of this raw material, however, it is also worth taking a look at synchronous reluctance motors that do not use rare earths. ‘Technically, the synchronous reluctance motor is based on a rotating magnetic field, but without permanent magnets,’ says Kerim Demirtas, sales engineer at KEB Automation. ‘Synchronous reluctance motors and asynchronous motors are similar in design. The rotor has areas with air and areas with iron. This means that the physical properties vary along the different directions within the rotor.’
Simple and cost-effective
The rotor utilises the reluctance torque (differences in magnetic conductivity). The reluctance is essentially determined by the areas on the rotor sheet that are filled with air and form a magnetic barrier. The result: areas are created through which the magnetic flux prefers to flow. The fundamentally simple mechanical design of the motors and the resulting less complex maintenance are, in addition to robustness, characteristics of the synchronous reluctance motor that save time and money in practice. In addition, maintenance can often be carried out on site by the machine manufacturer itself. All these points make the motor an exciting option for a wide range of applications.
The technology behind synchronous reluctance motors is in demand in extruder applications in the field of plastics technology, for example. But the motors are also used in packaging systems, wire and sheet metal processing, and woodworking machines. Speed-controlled pumps, paper and cardboard production lines, machine tools and recycling systems are further possible applications.
The way to optimum motor performance
At KEB, the focus is on complete system solutions, so that plant and machine manufacturers can obtain complete solutions for automation and drive tasks from a single source. This is why synchronous reluctance motors are ideal for use in conjunction with KEB drive controllers.
Combining synchronous reluctance motors with COMBIVERT F6 drive controllers makes sense for a number of reasons. This combination creates an optimally coordinated drive system in which control, motor parameters and application-specific aspects are interlinked,’ says Demirtas. Depending on the requirements of the application, both inverters and motors are available in different power classes and can be individually tailored. Users also benefit from sensorless safety technology and high efficiency.
Good to know
Rare earths also play a role in the field of brakes that should not be underestimated. With a patented friction system, KEB has a solution in its portfolio that is independent of rare earths and 100 per cent made in Germany.
