Cooling tower motor and drive system

ImageBaldor Electric Company, manufacturer of energy-saving industrial electric motors, mechanical power transmission products, drives, and generators, introduces new direct drive technology for the cooling tower industry that is intended to improve reliability, reduce maintenance, run quieter and save energy.  

By combining the technologies of the field-proven laminated-finned frame RPM AC motor with a high-performance permanent-magnet salient pole rotor design, Baldor offers an energy-efficient power-dense product that can directly replace the right angle gearbox and jack shaft installation in many conventional cooling towers. The fan couples directly to the motor shaft and is controlled by Baldor’s VS1 Cooling Tower Drive to provide optimal variable speed performance that runs quieter with reduced energy consumption.
   
Historically, the mechanical components of the fan drive, specifically the right angle gearbox, have been the largest maintenance issue for cooling tower installations.  According to Baldor, its new direct drive arrangement not only eliminates the need for this maintenance, but also eliminates the issue of cooling tower water becoming contaminated from leaky gearboxes.  
   
The totally enclosed-air over RPM AC cooling tower motor is a solution for operation inside the tower’s hot and humid environment. Water ingress along the shaft is prevented with the use of a labyrinth bearing isolator and flinger, while condensation drains relieve any moisture that may collect inside the motor. The electrical system is manufactured using a vacuum pressure impregnation process that is devised to ensure long motor life even in the most extreme conditions.
   
The Baldor VS1 Cooling Tower Drive is specifically designed to work with the cooling tower motor to provide easy cooling tower start-ups. The drive uses unique sensorless algorithms to accomplish smooth, low speed operation. In addition, this drive supports multiple protocols so it can communicate with most building automation systems.
   
Baldor’s new Adjustable Speed Direct Drive Cooling Tower Motor and Drive System is suited for either retrofit or new tower designs.

www.baldor.com


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