Application of Low-Speed Direct-Drive Reluctance Motors in Cooling Towers A Breakthrough by Hiatran Electric

This article introduces the application of low-speed direct-drive reluctance motors in cooling towers, marking the first customer order for Oceanpower's self-developed low-speed direct-drive magnetically assisted synchronous reluctance motor system.

 

Advantages of Low-Speed Direct-Drive Magnet-Assisted Synchronous Reluctance Motors

Low-speed direct-drive motors offer significant advantages by eliminating intermediate transmission links, resulting in a maintenance-free, high-efficiency solution. Unlike traditional asynchronous motor + reducer setups, direct-drive motors provide better performance at lower speeds while simplifying the system and reducing mechanical failures caused by gears and other moving parts.

Most domestic low-speed direct-drive motors rely on rare-earth permanent magnets (PM), which, while efficient, come with high costs due to the use of neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) magnets. Additionally, these magnets are sensitive to price fluctuations and can demagnetize at high temperatures, limiting their application.

In response to these challenges, Hiatran Electric developed a low-speed direct-drive magnet-assisted synchronous reluctance motor (SynRM) that uses rare-earth-free, high-temperature-resistant ferrite permanent magnets. By optimizing motor topology through multi-parameter and multi-objective simulations, the motor maximizes reluctance torque for enhanced performance. This design not only provides the same efficiency as rare-earth PM motors but also offers better thermal resistance and lower overall costs.

 

Cooling Tower Direct-Drive Transformation

The first application of Hiatran Electric’s low-speed direct-drive magnet-assisted synchronous reluctance motor system is in the direct-drive retrofitting of cooling towers. Traditional cooling tower drive systems typically use an asynchronous motor paired with a reducer. However, asynchronous motors are inefficient, and issues such as gear wear and transmission shaft problems further degrade system efficiency. These systems also require regular maintenance to ensure smooth operation.

By replacing the traditional setup with a low-speed direct-drive magnet-assisted synchronous reluctance motor, the system’s rated efficiency is significantly higher. The direct-drive system eliminates the losses associated with intermediate transmission devices, offering a broader high-efficiency operating range. As a result, energy savings of over 30% are typically achieved, delivering both economic and environmental benefits.

 

Applications in Other Industries

Beyond cooling towers, low-speed direct-drive motors have wide-ranging applications across various industries, including powder concentrators, mixers, ball mills, belt conveyors, elevators, traction machines, and wind power systems. Hiatran Electric’s low-speed direct-drive magnet-assisted synchronous reluctance motor system provides a cost-effective, high-efficiency solution, making it the preferred choice for low-speed direct-drive applications.

 

A Milestone in Motor Technology

The low-speed direct-drive magnet-assisted synchronous reluctance motor system, independently developed by Hiatran Electric, represents China’s first low-speed direct-drive reluctance motor. This breakthrough technology fills a significant gap in the application of magnet-assisted synchronous reluctance motors and marks a key milestone in the development of this technology.

By enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and improving reliability, Hiatran Electric’s low-speed direct-drive motor system offers a promising solution for industries seeking to optimize their systems while minimizing maintenance and energy consumption.

The revised version is more concise, focused, and clearer in presenting the key points of the technology and its applications. It also highlights the significance of the breakthrough in a more structured and professional way.