ABB appoints A1 Electric Motors for energy efficiency offering

ABB Australia’s Motion business has announced that its authorised partner, A1 Electric Motors, has become a National Distribution Partner for ABB’s synchronous reluctance motor (SynRM) solutions and packages with IE5 efficiency.

From 1 February 2021, the company is authorised to provide customers the complete supply and installation services available in ABB’s SynRM motor and drive portfolio nationwide. Based in Northern Victoria, A1 Electric Motors has an already established long professional history supplying and supporting ABB’s motors, drives and ABB Ability digital technologies to customers in Victoria.

In comparison with traditional electric motors, ABB’s synchronous reluctance motors are said to consume less energy, allowing users to reduce their operational costs and achieve their environmental targets through reduced carbon emissions.

“We’re excited to expand our reach across Australia with ABB’s energy-efficient solutions,” said Chris Cheong, Director at A1 Electric Motors. “Variable speed drives together with electric motors can reduce electricity consumption by up to 25%, which is huge because electric motors usually make up the bulk of a plant’s energy consumption.”

A1 Electric Motors has already worked with Campbell’s Australia by installing ABB’s synchronous reluctance motor and variable speed drive in a refrigeration compressor at the Campbell’s plant in Shepparton.

“The numbers clearly showed a 14% reduction in energy costs, whereas I expected savings around the 6–7% mark,” said Mark Hyland, Environmental and Safety Manager at Campbell’s Australia.

“Now we can help a wider customer base to recognise those same benefits,” said Cheong.

Rory Paltridge, Division Manager for Motors and Generators at ABB in Australia, said, “A1 Electric Motors was a highly sought-after partner for our national distribution program. ABB looks forward to witnessing an even greater expansion of the value they provide to an extended geographical base, not just in the food and beverage industries, but also across water, wastewater, and all the processing application customers looking to go electric and digital.”

Image: A refrigeration compressor driven by ABB’s synchronous reluctance motor and variable speed drive at the Campbell’s Australia plant. Installed by A1 Electric Motors.