ABB’s synchronous reluctance motor and drive package wins Automation Award
23 February 2012
ABB’s highly energy-efficient synchronous reluctance motor and drive package, which represents a breakthrough that combines best-in-class energy efficiency and customer value, won the 2011 Automation Award. - the most important prize in the automation sector in Germany, being presented every year at the SPS/IPC/DRIVES trade show in Nuremberg.

ABB won the 2011 Automation Award for its highly energy-efficient synchronous reluctance motor and drive package. The Automation Award, started by AUTOMATION trade magazine in Germany, has become the Oscar of the automation sector. An independent jury made up of recognised specialists had nominated ten products in the run-up period. Out of these “Top Ten products” the visitors could choose the winning innovation during the trade show.
The main feature of the motor is the innovative design of its rotor, which has no windings, unlike traditional synchronous designs. The rotor thus suffers virtually no power losses and the rotor temperature remains lower than in conventional rotors. ABB has succeeded in using this technology to achieve better power density and higher energy efficiency. The package includes a matched motor and drive with dedicated software. Optimised for variable speed operation it offers smooth, efficient process control, and optimal use of energy.
“With this package you get the performance of permanent magnet motors without the use of magnets,” said Steve Ruddell, head of global marketing at ABB’s Motors and Generators business unit. “The extraordinarily high energy efficiency and power density of these packages can be attributed to the innovative rotor design and the optimised drive control.” The package is available in two variants:
Package 1: Super premium efficiency class IE4
This package, consisting of a super premium efficiency synchronous motor and matched frequency converter, is designed for maximum efficiency.
Package 2: High power density and compact size
This package, a high-performance synchronous motor and matched frequency converter, is designed for maximum performance.
Contact Details and Archive...