Evaluation of adjustable speed drive systems for injection mold machines. Final report
- Jacobs-Sirrine Engineers, Raleigh, NC (United States)
Adjustable speed drives (ASDs) offer the users of plastic injection mold machines the opportunity to save a significant portion of the electrical energy used in the molding process. By using a total system approach for the ASD application, speed control can be used to improve energy efficiency and provide many other benefits. In a specific installation, 38% of the electrical energy used by the mold machine hydraulic pumps was saved and the total electrical demand for the mold machine was reduced 23%. In order to maximize energy savings using speed control, the mold machine must be properly adjusted by the lead operator. Although ASDs have a high potential to save electrical energy and demand, these savings are operator dependent. Every machine was confirmed to be properly adjusted before testing began. Revolutions per minute (RPM) of the hydraulic pumps and motors were reduced by 40%, which translates into a large increase in expected service life. Noise of the pump/motor was reduced by 6 dBA. Mold machine setup time was significantly reduced using the memory feature of the ASD control system. Harmonic concerns were addressed in the total system installation and met the IEEE 519-1992 guidelines without significantly affecting costs. The total system approach methodology worked well on this project and resulted in a demonstration project that showed the benefits of using ASDs with injection mold machine hydraulic systems.
- Research Organization:
- Electric Power Research Inst., Palo Alto, CA (United States); Jacobs-Sirrine Engineers, Raleigh, NC (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- Electric Power Research Inst., Palo Alto, CA (United States)
- OSTI ID:
- 95200
- Report Number(s):
- EPRI-TR--105149
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Adjustable drives boost nuclear plant reliability
Technology Demonstration: Magnetically-Coupled Adjustable Speed Drive Systems