Aeration Blower Systems Cuts Energy Costs by up to 40%

SKF (UK) recently announced the launch of an energy efficient high speed motor on magnetic bearings system for aeration blowers in wastewater facilities that can reduce energy consumption by up to 40 percent. In wastewater facilities, the aeration blower system can demand as much as 80 percent of the plant’s total energy consumption, so the SKF solution offers the potential to make huge energy savings. When used in a 350 kW blower it may also result in annual savings of 500,000 kWh, which equals a 375-ton reduction in CO2 emissions. The SKF solution for aeration blower systems is included in the SKF BeyondZero portfolio.

“SKF has developed a new, innovative, sustainable solution that targets the market challenges faced by the water and wastewater industry,” says Vincent Megret, Managing Director, SKF Magnetic Systems.  “The SKF solution for aeration blower systems meets the demand for energy efficiency, and the need for reduction of maintenance and service costs, as well as the requirement to comply with air quality and safety standards. Compared with a traditional blower, the SKF solution in a 350 kW centrifugal air blower offers payback on investments in one year from energy savings alone.”

The SKF solution for aeration blower systems comprises a high-speed permanent magnet motor (PMM) available in sizes 75 kW-350 kW, active magnetic bearings (AMB) and integrated AMB control system. The solution has a number of features that enhance performance; for example, unlike traditional induction motors, the PMM maintains efficiency at half-load and half-speed operation. The SKF solution for aeration blower systems also uses less mechanical parts than traditional drive systems, which means reduced maintenance, while powerful built-in monitoring and diagnostic capabilities maintain high performance and reliability.

The SKF solution for aeration blower systems is one of many products in the BeyondZero portfolio that enable OEMs to make the shift to energy efficient solutions.