VIDAR is a new type of motor that embeds variable-speed intelligence directly into the motor with the potential to deliver reduce costs and energy consumption, while extending the life of industrial pumps, fans and fluid process systems.
In this installment of “How They Made it Work,” Dan Kernan, vice president and general manager, VIDAR, provides insight into the benefits of switching out industrial motors with VIDAR, which replaces AC-to-DC-to-AC VFD technology with a streamlined AC-to-AC approach.
Company:
VIDAR
Technology:
VIDAR embeds variable-speed intelligence directly into the motor using patented AC-link technology that replaces conventional AC-to-DC-to-AC VFD technology while installing seamlessly into an existing industrial fluid delivery system. It eliminates the need for mechanical controls, providing a more efficient, easier-to-maintain industrial solution.
Significance in chemical operations:
Purpose built for the harshest of environments, the smart motor allows for automatic speed adjustments based on deman. This potentially reduces common wear-and-tear concerns posed by the processing of corrosive materials by eliminating the flow restrictions caused by downstream control valves and manual controls.
In one case, a chemical company installed VIDAR in its chlorinator pump to address the excessive current draw, overheating and wasted energy experienced with their conventional fixed-speed motor and control valve. The VIDAR motor easily fit into their existing fluid-processing system, reducing power demand from 33 hp to 20 hp, while eliminating nuisance tripping and ensuring system reliability. The integration also allowed for automatic speed adjustments based on demand, reducing the pump motor RPMs to 1,160 and motor current from 40 amps to 20 amps — resulting in an overall energy savings of $10,041 per year.
Challenges addressed:
Switching out conventional motors with VIDAR can help solve various challenges for industrial customers — including wasted energy costs, space restrictions, inconsistent flow rates, frequent downtime and high maintenance costs and inefficient mechanical controls.
Space Savings: VIDAR combines the motor and VFD while removing the DC stage from AC-to-DC-to-AC VFD technology using a patented AC-link approach. This shrinks the VFD by 60% and eliminates bulky capacitors without requiring additional enclosures or extra space.
Energy Reduction: VIDAR smart technology eliminates manual controls and runs at variable speeds based on the exact energy needed to complete the task. This means replacing a conventional motor, which runs at full speed regardless of demand, with VIDAR reduces energy use and CO2 emissions by 50%.
Less Downtime: VIDAR was designed to offer precision motor speed control for flow-rate consistency for optimal operational flexibility and efficiency. Additionally, the modular makeup of the technology and engineering to withstand corrosive environments can significantly reduce maintenance frequency.
Unique features:
The motor is compact and completely integrated and utilizes a high-efficiency synchronous reluctance magnet-assisted design using IEEE-841 specifications. It also meets CSA Class 1 Division 2 for hazardous areas and meets IEEE-519 power quality standards. It offers 10%-15% cooler temperatures than induction motors and ultra-low harmonics for the safety and convenience of operators.
