Magnadrive Corporation
In comparison to Variable Frequency Drives, lack of harmonics, elimination of drive-induced vibration, increased alignment tolerances, more efficient motor operations, insensitivity to power quality and "soft" start and stop are characteristics of the drive resulting in significant reductions in equipment and maintenance costs and/ or increased efficiency.
There are also significant differences between the MagnaDrive ASD and old technology eddy current drives. An eddy current drive is electromagnetic; it consumes electrical energy as it continuously energizes its electromagnets. MagnaDrive is mechanical, using rare earth magnets. It is about 10 - 15% more efficient throughout its operating range, and its "disconnected" technology results in vibration reduction.
In a variety of industrial and commercial applications, the MagnaDrive ASD has achieved energy savings of up to 66%. Widespread adoption of the MagnaDrive technology has the potential to substantially reduce global energy requirements by boosting industrial energy efficiency, thereby releasing energy to satisfy the increasing needs of the information technology world.
How The Technology Works
In a typical application, the MagnaDrive ASD is installed between a motor and the load the motor is driving, generally a pump, fan or blower. The drive consists of two independent components that have no physical contact. One component, a precision rotor assembly containing high-energy permanent magnets, is mounted on the load shaft. The second component, a copper conductor assembly, is connected to the motor shaft. Relative motion between the magnets and the copper creates a magnetic field that transmits torque through the air gap between the components. In effect, the magnetic "pull" between the magnets on the load side of the drive and the copper on the motor side creates the coupling force.
Varying the width of the air gap changes the coupling force, so the amount of torque transmitted between the motor and load can be continuously adjusted. This allows precise and efficient speed control for optimum performance, including "soft" starts. The result is a much more efficient use of energy. Because there is no direct mechanical connection between the motor and load, the MagnaDrive ASD also eliminates the costly wear-and-tear of vibration.
MagnaDrive ASDs are currently available for motor sizes up to 500 HP with motor speeds up to 3600 RPM. The size range will be expanded in the near future. The voltage of the application is immaterial to performance or cost, as is power quality.
In addition to the MagnaDrive ASD, MagnaDrive currently markets dynamometers and will soon offer MagnaGuard over-torque prevention couplings based on the same breakthrough technology.
Founded in 1999, privately held MagnaDrive Corp. is based in Seattle, Washington. Its MagnaDrive ASDs are currently installed in over 30 systems in several different industries, including water/wastewater treatment, pulp and paper, HVAC, material processing, irrigation, food processing, and power generation. The Company intends to become a major international supplier of adjustable speed drive technology and will further develop and implement the significant potential of other applications of the MagnaDrive technology.