ABB has launched a 50-person Energy Appraisal Team that can provide an analysis of the energy saving potential within a plant's motor-driven applications.
The team comprises ABB engineers and selected technical partners, all of whom have practical experience of carrying out energy appraisals over the past 20 years and have attended ABB's intensive energy saving training course. The team provides organisations with a free, no obligation energy appraisal, in which a plant's installed motor base, is examined, within half-a-day, and applications that can benefit from the installation of variable speed drives identified.

'This is by far the largest and most professional Energy Appraisal Team for motor-driven applications in the UK,' claims Steve Ruddell, division manager for ABB's discrete automation and motion business. He continued: 'ABB is never more than 45 minutes away from any industrial or commercial site in the UK. What makes this team extra special is that they take the time to understand a customer's process by getting to grips with the impact of all motors when applied to fans, pumps and compressors.

'We have gone to great lengths to get every aspect of an energy appraisal correct. From the sophistication of the energy analysis tools we use, through to the uniforms that all our Energy Appraisal Team will now wear. And in between, each engineer is equipped with an energy appraisal toolkit. The toolkit reflects the level of detail and experience that we apply to each appraisal.'

Mr Ruddell believes that there has never been a better time for industry to consider the merits of drives and high efficiency motors. 'What is clearly needed is a team that can respond rapidly to industry and commerce and give quick, practical and cost-effective answers to reducing energy bills.'

During an energy appraisal, ABB's engineers may also review existing business operations and technology to identify the scope for improvements in energy efficiency and reduced CO₂ emissions.

The benefits include:
• Low-cost or no-cost investment opportunities in reducing energy consumption and CO₂ emissions
• The scope for employing available technology, including drives and electric motors for applications such as pumps, fans and compressors
• Availability of suitable energy loans and grants that may apply to the organisation's sector and specific technologies

Other benefits of an energy appraisal also include:
• Clearly identified energy savings and CO₂ emissions reduction
• Estimated payback times
• Review of current maintenance schemes and spares holdings

Following an energy appraisal, ABB offers advice on:
• Retrofitting drives to current fixed speed motor applications
• Replacing drive or motor components as part of a preventive maintenance plan
• Upgrading entire drive systems to the latest technology or to extend the functionality of existing drives and motors
• Recycling of all removed drives and motors to the latest legislation

To find out more about the Energy Appraisal Team or take advantage of a free no obligation appraisal, email: energy@gb.abb.com (ref: Free energy appraisal)