ABB has unveiled the first magnet-free Synchronous Reluctance Motor (SynRM) to achieve IE6 hyper-efficiency, significantly reducing energy losses by 20% compared to IE5 motors. This advancement aligns with ABB’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. SynRM motors offer the efficiency of permanent magnet motors without the complexity, using no rare earth metals and being easy to integrate as replacements for older models. Part of ABB’s EcoSolutions™ portfolio, these motors support informed, sustainable choices with verified environmental declarations.

Highlight Points

• ABB has introduced the first magnet-free Synchronous Reluctance Motor (SynRM) to achieve IE6 hyper-efficiency, reducing energy losses by 20% compared to IE5 motors.
• SynRM motors are part of ABB’s extensive portfolio, which includes Permanent Magnet (PM) and Magnet-Assisted SynRM (PMaSynRM) motors.
• The new IE6 SynRM motors offer a straightforward replacement for legacy IE3 induction motors, facilitating upgrades to more energy-efficient systems.
• SynRM technology combines the efficiency of PM motors with the simplicity and service-friendliness of induction motors, requiring no rare earth metals and minimizing power losses.
• ABB’s SynRM motors are part of the ABB EcoSolutions™ product portfolio, providing transparency about product circularity and environmental impact.
• ABB also offers PM and PMaSynRM technologies to meet a wide range of application-specific needs.
• ABB Motion aims to accelerate a sustainable future with innovative, energy-efficient, and decarbonizing solutions for various industrial segments.

Why SynRM?

What is the significance of ABB’s new SynRM motor achieving IE6 hyper-efficiency?

• The new SynRM motor achieves a 20% reduction in energy losses compared to IE5 motors, marking a significant advancement in energy efficiency for industrial applications.

What makes SynRM motors an attractive option for industrial facilities?

• SynRM motors offer high energy efficiency, simplicity, service-friendliness, and require no rare earth metals, making them easy to integrate and environmentally friendly.

How does the new IE6 SynRM motor facilitate upgrades in industrial facilities?

• The IE6 SynRM motor is the same size as equivalent IE3 induction motors, allowing for straightforward replacement and upgrades to more energy-efficient systems without extensive modifications.

What are the benefits of ABB’s SynRM motors being part of the ABB EcoSolutions™ product portfolio?

• Products in the EcoSolutions™ portfolio provide enhanced transparency about their circularity and environmental impact, helping customers make informed and responsible decisions.

Why does ABB offer multiple motor technologies including PM and PMaSynRM alongside SynRM?

• ABB recognizes that different applications have specific needs and offers a comprehensive range of technologies to provide the best solution for each use case, ensuring maximum efficiency and reliability.

Technology Behind SynRM Motors

Synchronous Reluctance Motors (SynRM) are designed to offer high energy efficiency by utilizing the reluctance torque generated by the rotor’s anisotropy (difference in magnetic reluctance). Unlike traditional motors, SynRM rotors have neither magnets nor windings, which minimizes power losses and avoids the use of rare earth metals. The technology leverages the simple construction and ease of maintenance typical of induction motors while achieving performance levels close to those of permanent magnet motors.

• Rotor Design: The rotor in a SynRM is designed with a special layout of magnetic and non-magnetic materials to create paths of low and high reluctance. This design maximizes the reluctance torque.
• Magnet-Free: By eliminating magnets, SynRM motors avoid the environmental and supply chain issues associated with rare earth materials.
• Efficiency: SynRM technology can achieve high efficiency due to reduced power losses in the rotor. The motors are designed to operate with variable speed drives (VSDs), optimizing energy use across different operating conditions.
• Simplicity and Maintenance: The absence of rotor windings and magnets simplifies the construction and maintenance of SynRM motors, making them more robust and reliable over time.

The advancement to IE6 efficiency in SynRM motors reflects ongoing innovation in motor technology, aimed at meeting future energy efficiency standards and supporting sustainability goals.