ABB has introduced a range of low voltage water-cooled motors in IEC frame sizes 400 and 450, extending the water-cooled offering up to 1,100kW. The new M3LP motors are more efficient and offer a wider range of optional variations than previous water-cooled models. Water cooling dissipates more heat than air cooling, enabling water-cooled motors to provide more power than air-cooled versions in the same frame size. This makes them especially suitable for use in tight spaces and difficult environments. The efficiency of water cooling is also maintained at lower speeds, which is important in constant torque applications. These advantages make the motors especially suitable for marine applications, water and waste water pumping, printing machines and wind turbine generators.
M3LP motors have steel frames with channels for the cooling water around the stator core. The new design is modular, allowing customers to pick and choose from a wide range of options. For example, four levels of protection are available up to IP56, there are five possible bearing configurations and a similar number of shaft and rotor alternatives. A full listing of the variants is available in a new product catalogue.
ABB water-cooled motors are rated from 75 to 1100 kW and are designed for voltages of up to 690V. They are available with between 4 and 8 poles. The cooling medium is water of tap water quality at up to 5 bar and 40oC; higher temperatures may be permitted by arrangement with ABB.