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General MagnaDrive Questions Q. How does speed control reduce energy consumption? A. In industrial fluid or air handling systems, significant energy savings can be realized by matching the speed of the load (such as a pump, fan or blower), to variable process fluid requirements. An example would be a pump that must move changing volumes of water in the course of a production shift. The energy and financial penalty of running a pump, fan or blower faster than necessary to accomplish the work at hand is severe. Conversely, the savings available through matching the load speed to system requirements can be very high. MagnaDrive's technology provides energy savings up to 70%. For more information see Energy Savings Q. What are the major market segments for MagnaDrive? A. Applications currently benefiting from use of MagnaDrive's technology include: pumps, fans, blowers, centrifuges, and bulk handling equipment. Industries served include: water and wastewater treatment, pulp and paper manufacturing, power generation, oil & gas processing, cement, mining, chemical & food processing, irrigation, maritime and HVAC systems. These installations are demonstrating significant energy savings and reduced system vibration. Q. How does the MagnaDrive technology work? A. In a typical ASD application, the ASD is installed between a motor and the load the motor is driving, generally a pump, fan or blower. The drive consists of two independent components that have no physical contact. One component, a precision rotor assembly containing high-energy permanent magnets, is mounted on the load shaft. The second component, a copper conductor assembly, is connected to the motor shaft. Relative motion between the magnets and the copper creates a magnetic field that transmits torque through the air gap between the components. In effect, the magnetic "pull" between the magnets on the load side of the drive and the copper on the motor side creates the coupling force. Varying the width of the air gap changes the coupling force, so the amount of torque transmitted between the motor and load can be continuously adjusted. This allows precise and efficient speed control for optimum performance, including "cushioned starts." The result is a much more efficient use of energy. Because there is no direct mechanical connection between the motor and load, the MagnaDrive ASD also eliminates the costly wear-and-tear of vibration. The MagnaDrive Coupling works on the same principle, but with a fixed air gap for constant speed applications. For more information see How does ASD work? Q. What is a "cushioned start"? A. Because there is no direct mechanical connection between the motor and the load, the motor can be started independently from the load. The load can then be slowly accelerated to operating speed. Reducing motor in-rush current at start-up prevents damaging heat build-up in the motor, as well as voltage sags and brownouts that create problems for other electronic equipment in a facility. In addition, utility demand charges are greatly reduced by reducing the motor in-rush current, and motors can be sized for optimal operating torque rather than higher starting torque. Q: How long have your products been available and how many are installed and running? A: The first MagnaDrive products were sold in 1999. Sales of MagnaDrive's technology have been doubling every year. Nearly 5,000 units have been installed. Q: What is the lead-time to get a MagnaDrive product? A: Small, Medium, and Large ASDs and Couplings are available about 4-6 weeks from the product specification date. Mega size products require about 10-12 weeks. Q: What is the life expectancy of the MagnaDrive's products? A: Between 15 and 30 years depending on the duty cycle and proper maintenance. Q. What is MagnaDrive's relationship with the United States government? A. Early funding for MagnaDrive was supplied by a grant from the US Department of Energy (DOE). Also, DOE testing demonstrated that MagnaDrive’s products reduce energy usage by up to 70%. The DOE operates several MagnaDrive units in critical applications at nuclear facilities. MagnaDrive is deeply grateful to the DOE for their ongoing support. The US Navy and US Air Force also utilize MagnaDrive technology. The Navy operates well over 1,000 units across ten different ship classes in its fleet. General MagnaDrive Questions | Competitive Questions | Operational Questions | Magnet Questions FAQ | Contact Us | Home Copyright © 2008 MagnaDrive Corporation, All Rights Reserved.