WEG has developed a new line of super premium efficiency motors for customers targeting energy savings. According to a press release issued by WEG, the environment-friendly motor range consumes less energy thanks to zero energy (joule) losses from its rotor, which translates into lower total cost of ownership, reduction in CO2 emissions, and a faster return on investment for the customer.

The WQuattro, the release explained, is a hybrid motor integrating a conventional three-phase distributed winding, and a rotor with an aluminium cage and internal high energy magnets. This combination, the press release continued, makes the WQuattro ideal for direct- on- line starting and acceleration up to synchronous speed. With this type of operation, the motor speed does not vary with load, despite overload variations, or cases of voltage drop, as long as the mains frequency is kept constant.

In addition, the release claims, there is no requirement for positioning/speed sensors or special protection relays, while the low bearing temperatures that result from synchronous operation ensure longer life and reduced maintenance for the motors. The hybrid design, WEG has further claimed, exceeds the requirements of the impending IE4 Super Premium Efficiency classification across its entire output range.

According to WEG, where the speed of the motor needs to be adjustable, the WQuattro can be used with inverters (V/F and Vector types), offering an extended speed range with constant torque. In addition, the inverter control also offers the benefit of multi-motor operation, where several motors can operate in sync fed by the same inverter. WEF has claimed that the new motor is easily retrofitted into existing applications as it employs the same frame size for output as standard induction motors.

The WQuattro line is available in four and six pole versions, with frame sizes from 80 to 132S, and outputs of 0.37kW up to 7.5 kW. The motors benefit from class F insulation, and are suitable for operation on 230/400, 400/690 or 525V supplies.