Key players in the energy transition

High-speed drive solutions are often key technologies for reducing CO₂ worldwide. An essential component in the implementation of these applications are frequency converters, which support their special requirements. The SD4x product family from Sieb & Meyer, Lüneburg, can do exactly that and is therefore the enabler of these future-oriented applications in many cases.

“Thanks to our focus on frequency converters for high-speed motors and generators, we can work with our customers to provide process solutions with the highest system efficiency,” explains Torsten Blankenburg, CTO of Sieb & Meyer AG. “Our SD4x product family makes a direct contribution to significantly improving the efficiency of various climate-friendly applications and ultimately saving energy and therefore money.”

What this looks like in practice is shown, among other things, by the example of a wastewater treatment plant that is ventilated with turbo compressors or turbo compressors. The main characteristic of this application is the round-the-clock operation of the compressors, 365 days a year. Accordingly, system efficiency is an important issue, and keeping the engine as warm as possible is the big challenge. Sieb & Meyer solves these requirements by using 3-level power amplifier technology. Although this is more complex and expensive compared to the classic 2-level power stage, it can increase the efficiency of the turbo compressor or turbo compressor by several percentage points.

Flywheel storage for fast charging stations

Another application example for multi-level converters from Sieb & Meyer are special fast charging stations for regions with a weak network structure. These work in conjunction with a flywheel storage system that provides the energy required to charge the electric vehicle and stores energy again between charging processes. The big challenge here is, on the one hand, the high vacuum under which the rotor of the flywheel mass storage works and, on the other hand, its contactless magnetic bearing. Heat can only be dissipated via radiant heat. “This means that this system requires the lowest possible heating so that it can work properly,” explains Torsten Blankenburg. “Our frequency converters produce a minimum of heat so that they optimally support such applications.”

Improved data center efficiency

A much-discussed topic is currently the use of artificial intelligence to increase the efficiency and reduce CO₂ of processes. However, the energy requirements of the necessary digital infrastructure and its cooling are often neglected. For example, annual CO₂ emissions from German data centers have increased from around 5.7 to 7.7 million tonnes over the past decade. What is therefore in demand are, among other things, highly efficient air conditioning units that can ideally be operated with low-risk refrigerants. The use of turbo technology and frequency converters from Sieb & Meyer in combination with water as a refrigerant offers a sustainable solution.

Green electricity generation independent of wind and sun

A central issue in the energy transition is the generation of green electricity independently of wind and sun. Solutions here include ORC systems (Organic Rankine Cycle) or micro gas turbines for biogas. When generating electricity from biogas and waste heat using the ORC process, high-speed generators can be operated efficiently with frequency converters from Sieb & Meyer. Here, too, these make a significant contribution to enabling these processes and ensuring optimal efficiency.