The efficiency describes the ratio of the energy converted into mechanical movement to the electrical energy consumed. According to ABB, the new model is approaching the maximum physically possible efficiency of 100 %. Such values are considered particularly technically demanding in industrial applications, as the average efficiency of comparable synchronous motors is 98.2 to 98.5 %.

The motor was developed as part of ABB's "Top Industrial Efficiency" (TIE) initiative. According to the company, this aims to provide devices that exceed the usual efficiency standards without compromising on complexity or performance. The motor is used in an Air Separation Unit (ASU), which liquefies atmospheric air to produce oxygen and nitrogen for the steel production process.

A motor developed for a steelworks in India achieved an efficiency of 99.13% in tests, surpassing the previous ABB record of 99.05%. © ABB

According to ABB's calculations, the operation of the motor could lead to energy savings of around 61 GWh over an expected service life of 25 years - which corresponds to electricity costs of around 5.9 million US dollars. According to the manufacturer, the investment in the TIE-optimized version should pay for itself in around three months. In addition, a reduction of around 45,000 tons of CO₂ emissions is expected. This amount is roughly equivalent to the emissions of 10,000 cars per year.

"This project demonstrates how our products go beyond standards with the Top Industrial Efficiency initiative," said Brandon Spencer, President of ABB Motion. The aim is to help industrial companies reduce operating costs and emissions. According to ABB, there is considerable potential for efficiency, particularly in motors with outputs of over 3 MW, which make up only a small proportion of installed drives worldwide but consume around a quarter of motion-related energy.

According to the company, the new record illustrates the continuous progress made in the electrical and mechanical optimization of large motors. ABB refers to over a century of experience in motor development and comprehensive application knowledge in the industrial environment.