Efficient cooling starts with the drive

The demand for refrigeration and air conditioning technology is rising worldwide. Beyond increasing ambient temperatures, a primary driver of this trend is the growing volume of computing power requiring cooling for industrial digitalization and AI applications. At the same time, there is mounting pressure to minimize the energy consumption of these systems. Drive controllers from Sieb & Meyer enable precise speed control for high-speed compressors, thereby contributing to the efficient operation of air conditioning and refrigeration systems. Furthermore, the devices themselves enhance the overall system's efficiency thanks to their high operational efficiency.

Today, refrigeration and air conditioning systems perform far more tasks than mere room cooling. They safeguard production processes, protect sensitive technical infrastructure, and maintain specific environmental conditions in industrial settings, data centers, and laboratories. As cooling demands rise, so does the importance of energy efficiency, given that refrigeration systems are often among the largest energy consumers. Consequently, concepts that align energy usage with actual demand are becoming increasingly significant.

A key prerequisite for this is speed-controlled compressor operation. Frequency converters enable flexible power regulation, allowing cooling output to be continuously adjusted to meet current demand.

Efficient control of high-speed compressors

Turbo or centrifugal compressors are increasingly being used in industrial and process cooling as well as in large-scale air conditioning systems. These units operate at speeds exceeding 100,000 rpm, placing demanding requirements on the drive technology. In addition to generating high output frequencies, low-loss control is crucial. Minimizing rotor heating helps improve the operating characteristics of high-speed motors and ensures their long-term performance.

Sieb & Meyer develops its drive controllers specifically for such high-speed applications. The devices provide output frequencies of up to 6,000 Hz and enable precise control of synchronous and asynchronous motors. The combination of high switching frequencies and the employed control method reduces rotor losses and minimizes motor heating. At the same time, the drive controllers can be adapted to various machine concepts and requirements using the flexibly configurable drivemaster4 software.

Solutions for various power ranges

The SD4S series is available for applications in the low- to medium-power range. It covers power ratings up to 44 kVA and is suitable for high-speed drives with speeds of up to 240,000 rpm. For higher-power turbo compressors, Sieb & Meyer offers solutions up to 554 kVA with the SD4M series. These devices utilize three-level technology, which improves motor current quality, significantly reduces unwanted rotor losses, and eliminates the need for a sine-wave filter.

By combining precise power control, high dynamic response, and low motor heating, Sieb & Meyer’s drive controllers support the efficient operation of modern refrigeration and air conditioning systems. In doing so, they help meet the growing demands for energy efficiency and performance in this field of application.