Despite the introduction of energy efficiency classes IE2, IE3 etc. and the subsequent information that is now available, finding the most resource-efficient drive solution is not easy. A simple catalog based choice will often miss out on potential savings and therefore motors should be carefully selected according to the actual load profile of the application. To avoid inefficient drive specifications, NORD Drivesystems concentrates on power reserves which are derived from various sources. Firstly, the power a motor can generate in compliance with its temperature class is higher than the rated output as given in the catalog and on the motor type plate. Secondly, performance classes rise gradually; for a 3.7 kW output, for instance, it takes a 4 kW motor. Many customers will even select the next motor in size. This kind of “bigger is better” approach is anything but efficient.

NORD-sponsored racing team successful in its first race in Australia

In recent years, the German drive technology manufacturer NORD Drivesystems has been very active in the steel industry in China and India. NORD has supplied 2,500 geared motors to the Shanghai Baosteel Group Corporation for a heavy plate mill in Pudong which produces, amongst others, sheets for the ship building industry.

Long relegated to mere tech demonstrations and R&D facilities, solar thermal installations built around a central tower are now making the leap to full-scale production sites. Leading the way is Gemasolar in the south of Spain. In order to ensure precise and reliable operation of the plant’s mobile heliostats that focus the sunlight, the vast array comprising 2,650 mirrors is equipped with 5,300 robust geared motors supplied by NORD Drivesystems.

NORD-sponsored racing team presents single-seater for Solar Challenge

Gravel plant cuts costs and reduces maintenance expenditures by using geared motors. In many gravel pits, stone crushing plants and similar operations, motive power for conveyor belts is provided by shaft and belt drives. Until recently, this was the situation at the gravel plant of NorStone AS in Tau, located in the southwest region of Norway. Recently NorStone, a subsidiary of HeidelbergCement AG, decided to change to robust geared motors. This option promised lower investment costs and increased operational reliability, along with better process security. Reduced energy consumption thanks to higher efficiency was also anticipated.

The inauguration of NORD’s new Australian subsidiary, NORD Drivesystems Pty. Ltd., will take place on 6 October 2011 in the presence of NORD founder G. A. Küchenmeister, Mark Alexander, Managing Director of NORD Drivesystems Australia, and Gernot Zarp, Head of International Sales at NORD. NORD Drivesystems Australia commenced operations in 2010 with the construction of an assembly hall in the Melbourne suburb of Derrimut and started manufacturing gearboxes and electric motors. Investments into an extension of the paint facility and a modern drying room followed at the beginning of 2011.