Optimizing High-Speed Motors with KEB

This is the second part of our short series on how KEB VFDs can be used in high-speed motor applications. In our last post, Advanced Control for High-Speed Motors, we discussed the benefits of KEB technology in high-speed applications.

In this post, we’ll talk about options you have for optimizing high speed motors with KEB products, and commercial benefits of a partnership with KEB.

KEB Sine Filter Technology to Maximize Your System’s Efficiency

High speed motors may run with very small rotor clearances on the bearings. Rotor heating becomes a concern as any elongation or expansion of the rotor due to excess heat can cause the rotor to impact the bearing.

In applications requiring very low harmonics on the output waveform, KEB produces a line of high speed sine filters to filter the output voltage and current waveform to a near sine wave to keep the rotor heating to a minimum.

KEB SCL software is designed to run with an output sine filter. The software also incorporates an electronic filter to avoid resonance issues between the drive/sine filter/motor combinations.

Using the KEB Simulation Tool

The KEB Simulation Tool is essential for designing high-speed motor and bearing systems, which can be prone to limitations like resonance and excess heating under certain operating conditions. Selecting the correct components is paramount to ensuring system reliability.

KEB utilizes this simulation program, which incorporates the motor’s design data, to assist in component selection. KEB engineers can run simulations with or without output filters to predict the expected output voltage and current waveforms without risking damage to physical components.

 
This powerful technology allows for the identification of potential system resonance points, enabling engineers to take proactive steps to minimize issues in the actual system. By utilizing this tool, KEB engineers can collaborate with customers to deliver the optimal solution in terms of technology, efficiency, and cost.

KEB VFD Solutions for Optimal Performance

High speed motors are used for their high efficiency and high power density. Many high speed, high power motors utilize liquid cooling for maximum power output. In addition to the traditional air cooled VFD heatsink, KEB drives are also available in liquid cooling configurations.

Read More: How to Choose the Best VFD Cooling Method for Your Industrial Machine

 
When running at higher output frequencies, there is additional heat that must be dissipated. Liquid cooling provides an efficient way to remove this added heat. KEB has options for utilizing water/glycol cooling or refrigerant cooling.

Why Partner with KEB

Partnering with KEB offers significant advantages for machine builders focused on high-speed motor applications. Unlike manufacturers who rely on one-off, custom drive designs limited to a single motor type or narrow application scope, KEB utilizes standardized drive hardware and topology to control high-speed motors. This strategic approach provides two key benefits:

• Economy: Our use of standard components benefits from economies of scale, delivering a cost-effective solution to you.
• Quality: The increased production volume and maturity of our standard hardware ensure higher quality and reliability across the board.

KEB is not a boutique drive manufacturer; we are a global manufacturer with over 50 years of experience. This extensive history provides machine builders with critical assurance:

• Global Certifications: Our products carry leading global certifications, including UL and CE, ensuring compliance and ease of integration into international markets.
• Comprehensive Support: We provide up-to-date documentation and an extensive global support network to back every product we sell.

Perhaps most importantly, KEB is proven in the field. We have over 200,000 installed drives specifically operating high-speed machinery, demonstrating the reliability and robust performance of our solutions in the most demanding applications.

If you’d like to learn more about KEB control and automation solutions, you can contact us using the form below.