AEMT Awards 2024

ABB: IE5 SynRM Liquid-Cooled Motors

The ABB IE5 SynRM Liquid-Cooled Motors set a new benchmark in industrial efficiency and sustainability. Designed for demanding applications, these motors offer ultra-premium energy efficiency, reducing energy losses by up to 40% compared to IE3 motors. Their innovative design minimizes environmental impact, enhances reliability, and lowers maintenance costs, making them an ideal choice for industries aiming to improve energy efficiency and reduce CO₂ emissions.

EMiR SOFTWARE: Smart Site

The Smart Site app from EMiR Software provides quick access to important information and resources that are essential for electro-mechanical engineers. This includes access to technical specifications, manuals, schematics, and other relevant documents that engineers may need while working on projects. Having all this information readily available on a smartphone that links real-time with information with the EMiR Job Management system saves time and improves efficiencies in the engineering process.

INNOMOTICS MOTORS AND LARGE DRIVES: IE5 Permanent Magnet Motor

As global industries strive to achieve sustainable and energy efficient processes, Innomotics Permanent Magnet (PM) Motors, conforming to the IE5 efficiency class, represent future-proof and leading-edge drives for motion applications. Innomotics IE5 PM Motors were developed and released for sales in November 2023. Energy consumption is increasing, and energy costs are rising every day.  Industry is looking for ways to boost sustainability, and one of Innomotics contributions is via the PM motor range. With overall system optimisation, Innomotics can help customers achieve up to 60% of energy savings.

INNOMOTICS MOTORS AND LARGE DRIVES: Perfect Harmony GH180 Variable Speed Drive

The GH180 Product is a Medium Voltage Variable Speed Drive (MV VSD) which is aimed at both OEMs and End Users who need to drive Electrical Machines at variable speed and is available in ratings of100kW to 25.6MW with output voltages between 3.3 to 11kV. Whilst there are numerous MV VSD products on the market, the GH180 is, by virtue of its unique topology, uniquely placed for applications where supply harmonics, long cable lengths and high availability are an issue, and is particularly well suited to retrofit applications where switch room space is limited, and existing motors are to be retained. The GH180 MV VSD is the market leader for MV VSDs in the UK with an installed base of more than 20,000 units worldwide, and is now manufactured globally in the US, Germany, China and Brazil to meet global demand.

MEGGER BAKER: ADX Static Motor Analyser

The Megger Baker Instruments ADX Static Motor Analyser is a multi-function, fully automatic analyser, used by motor rewinders, motor OEMs, service providers and industrial end users. The ADX is used to verify the winding circuit and the condition of the insulation systems within motors and generators and is used as a QA tool in the workshop, and a reliability tool when testing motors on-site. Our customers rate the ADX extremely highly and comment about the ease of use, speed of testing and in particular cloud database functionality and the professional test reports.

MENZEL GREAT BRITAIN: Pedestal Bearing Mounted 20 Pole Slip Ring Motor

This product stands out in the marketplace due to the fact, that major OEMs migrated away from bedplate mounted, forced oil lubricated pedestal bearing designs during the 1980’s in favour of more compact integrated arrangements without heavy bedplates to a single lift self-contained oil lubricated or anti-friction bearing designs. The product utilizes standard designs available today however this 2023/24 development gives users the advantageous option, not available from End Frame bearing arrangements, to replace legacy assets directly onto 50-60year-old foundations whilst maintaining existing mechanical interfaces. Throughout industry there are 50-60year-old assets still operating that are beyond their life expectancy. Having this option to minimize downtime and sitework during replacement of large machines is attracting increased opportunities to showcase Menzel’s breadth of capabilities.

BEDFORD PUMPS: Providing Bangladesh with largest Submersible Pumps in the country

Bedford Pumps have completed a groundbreaking project to supply the largest submersible pumps in the

country to Bangladesh. The three 230kW, 1400mm diameter fish-friendly axial flow pumps each pass 5,500 litres per second, providing vital re-excavation and renovation for waterlogging problems, and provide protection to a city plagued by regular flooding from coastal tide surges further compounded by the annual monsoon season.

INNOMOTICS MOTORS AND LARGE DRIVES: CCGT Power Station - Main Cooling Water Pumps VSD Retrofit

This project has allowed the client to provided precise speed control of the Main Cooling Water Pumps against a set point of Steam Turbine Vacuum. This means that only the required amount of water is pumped to the condenser, eliminating wasted pumping energy - this is significant since the absorbed power varies with the cube of pump speed (Affinity Laws) and that the pumps run 24/7. Precise control of the vacuum means that the steam turbine always runs at the optimum operating point which leads to further improved efficiency across the cycle. These efficiency improvements clearly have environmental benefits in terms of reduced energy consumption/resource utilisation and improvements in carbon footprint.  For a generating station, saved energy can be sold to customers generating further revenue and strengthening the business commercially. The project also improved the reliability of the pump motors, which had previously been suffering from serious reliability issues due to stresses on start-up using the original DOL starters, and mechanical resonances when running.

INNOMOTICS MOTORS AND LARGE DRIVES: Drax BOFA Fan Drive System Upgrade

The project has greatly reduced the number of failures and down time of the Boosted Over Firing Air Fans (BOFAs). Each generating set requires both BOFAs running at full load to allow the full 660MW of generation to be achieved. With the old system, failure of a single semiconductor device would mean complete loss of the associated BOFA Fan which would lead to reduced generation of 330MW, in order to remain within NOx limits. With the new drive systems, in the event of failure of a semi-conductor device, the affected fan can continue to run at half load. This means that generation output of approximately 500MW can still be maintained until the failed unit can be repaired.  With a wholesale electricity price of 90MW/kWh, this represents a significant commercial benefit to the client. The increased availability of the new system also has significant environmental benefits with the daily average NOx emissions reduced to 160mg/m2 against a limit of 200 mg/m2. The new drive systems have also had benefits in terms of reduced maintenance requirements, particularly around the cooling water system, with the new system experiencing vastly fewer failures.

IPS, NEWCASTLE: Emergency AC Motor Repair

As a leader in operating reliability, IPS delivered mission-critical solutions for this emergency repair project. By swiftly tackling challenges that others couldn't, IPS provides rapid service and minimises downtime. Through innovative repair and re-manufacturing solutions, IPS sets the standard for problem-solving, ensuring businesses remain operational.

MENZEL GREAT BRITAIN: Hazardous Area 10 MW Ex ec Certified Motor for the Middle East

When a Middle East Refinery lost one of its main Production Assets the implications of down time and diminished revenue in getting the plant back up and running were extreme. With Menzel’s unique stocking policy of over 20,000 motors and the commitment of staff to work through the weekend, a fast and flexible response was required from Menzel with maximum focus on the customer's needs including taking advantage to upgrade the Hazardous Area, Ex certification, modify the replacement shaft to match the existing situation and to ensure minimal site work, construction of a base frame to guarantee a match for the existing mechanical interfaces. The customer’s aspirations were met in an astonishing delivery time of only 12 calendar days with the new unit air freighted to the Middle East! Menzel Elektromotoren GmbH has manufactured and distributed electric motors since 1927. The company moved to a new, purpose-built factory this year and specializes in large electric motors, including special models, within the shortest possible time.

BROTHERS-EMR

Most UK processing companies are reporting a shortage of skilled maintenance workers. Therefore Brothers-EMR are supporting clients in this respect by providing both workshop repairs and on-site support. In addition, by offering a repair or replace option to customers, due to the falling costs of new machines, cost effective choices given can enable informed decisions to minimise downtime, assess energy implications and work within maintenance budgets. Full reporting of repairs undertaken facilitates accurate asset history.

FENFLOW

Fenflow Engineering Limited boasts more than 50 years of experience in the engineering industry, offering specialised knowledge to fulfil your requirements. Our committed team focuses on the supply, repair, maintenance, and refurbishment of pumps, valves, motors, gearboxes, weed screen cleaners, as well as heat exchangers and pressure gauges, on site or in our Spalding workshop. Additionally, our fully equipped machine shop is adept at handling diverse machining tasks and reverse engineering obsolete components.

HIDROSTAL

Hidrostal’s 20,000sq.ft Service & Distribution Centre is their flagship national hub for service, refurbishments, repairs and spare parts of their centrifugal pumping systems and technologies. Sited as “one of the cleanest workshops, suitable for a best practice location” the facility, which was the first in the UK to become an ATEX approved repairer, has space for storage and maintenance for key customers and holds rationalised stock of modular parts to provide pumping solutions within a 3-day turnaround.

IPS, NEWCASTLE

At IPS, we operate reliable and mission-critical services. Our Newcastle-based service centre addresses complex challenges, providing expert repair, replacement, and re-manufacturing solutions. With a focus on minimising downtime and maximising efficiency, IPS delivers exceptional service to keep industries running.

KIRKBY LINDSEY ELECTRICAL

Kirkby Lindsey has been rewinding, overhauling, repairing & supplying rotating electrical equipment in & around the Hull area since 1948.  Quality assured to ISO9001, H&S to ISO45001 & Environmental to ISO 14001. They are also a fully certified IECEx service facility. With a team of experienced, highly skilled engineers available 24/7, showing first-class attention to the needs of the customer to help minimize down-time, they have built a reputation as a trusted & responsive partner.

MKE ENGINEERING GROUP

The breadth and depth of MKE’s engineering capability has provided excellent customer support over many years. Recognised by a variety of industry leading suppliers to repair, install and distribute their specific product. MKE also add to their list of accreditations each year. 

WESTIN DRIVES

Westin Drives, a service centre in Huddersfield, has built a century-long legacy of excellence. Offering a wide range of services, we specialise in motor and pump repairs, CNC and manual milling, turning, and batch production. With our sister companies, Westin Pumps and Westin Engineering, we deliver innovative, high-quality solutions for both marine and industrial sectors.

ABB

ABB Limited excels in providing advanced industrial solutions that enhance efficiency, productivity, and sustainability. With a strong commitment to quality, environmental sustainability, and health and safety, ABB’s innovative products, such as the IE5 SynRM Liquid-Cooled Motors, deliver significant energy savings and reduced CO₂ emissions. Their robust technical support and customer service ensure exceptional performance and reliability, making ABB a trusted partner in industrial transformation.

MENZEL

Menzel Elektromotoren GmbH has manufactured and distributed electric motors since 1927. The company moved to a new, purpose-built factory this year and specializes in large electric motors, including special models, within the shortest possible time. Their range comprises high and low voltage motors, DC motors, transformers, and frequency inverters. Services include motor production and fast delivery of pre-engineered stock motors to specific requirements. In order to ensure fast deliveries at all times, the company maintains an extensive inventory including more than 20,000 motors with a maximum performance of up to 15,000 kW. Qualified experienced engineers, and state-of-the-art production and testing facilities ensure Menzel, provide excellent reliability. Menzel operates subsidiaries in the UK, France, Italy, Spain, and Sweden, and cooperates with numerous partners worldwide.

PREFORMED WINDINGS

Preformed Windings is honoured to be a finalist for the Supplier of the Year Award. As a global leader in high-voltage diamond coils, we prioritize quality and innovation, delivering exceptional products to the renewable energy sector. Our game-changing solutions, such as QualCoil H, have revolutionized hydropower efficiency, contributing to significant CO2 reductions. With a commitment to sustainability and partnerships, we create a positive impact in the industry, supporting job creation and advancing the circular economy while fostering a collaborative work environment.

WESTIN DRIVES

Westin Drives is an authorised distributor of leading engineering brands, including WEG, Lenze, Radicon, and Sprint Electric. Our extensive stock available for same day service includes motors, inverters, servo drives, and gearboxes. With our extensive supplier network, Westin Drives can also provide retrofit for obsolete equipment, ensuring customers machines keep on running efficiently.

HIDROSTAL

Hidrostal’s core values include investment in people and sustainability - to this end we take our training programmes very seriously. Hidrostal’s Technical Manager, Nigel Goodall, utilises his 30 years of experience to deliver a full scope, rigorous training programme to both employees and customers. This delivers knowledge transfer and technical training to ensure that our assets are used to their full potential, expanding the lifecycle of the product and minimising their whole life costs.

HIDROSTAL ENGINEERING UK

Hidrostal Engineering UK are working to address the industry wide shortfall in qualified engineers by implementing an extensive and continuous training programme to invest in and develop our employees and apprentices. Machine Shop Supervisor, Ethan Seago, originally a trainee from the British Engineering Manufacturers’ Association, has been instrumental to the project, developing and delivering a comprehensive training plan of the precision skills required for manual machining, CNC programming and metal spraying and even developing his own metrology masterclass.

MKE ENGINEERING GROUP

MKE have been recognised by local providers for the long history of education excellence. MKE have maintained a constant level of 10% of the workforce in apprenticeships, for over twenty years. We enter the 24/25 term with 23, with a total workforce of just over 170. MKE are proud of the long-term nature of our approach as many apprentices remain in our employment for a substantial part of their career.

Paul Korb, Group H&S, Compliance, and Sustainability Manager, ROTAMEC

As a pivotal figure in Rotamec’s Health & Safety, compliance, and sustainability initiatives, Paul has played a key role in shaping our training and apprenticeship programs. With a background in teaching (Cert Ed), Paul’s passion for educating the next generation of engineers makes him an ideal spokesperson for this topic. Over the years, Paul has developed strong partnerships with educational institutions like Weston College, helping Rotamec become one of the first engineering companies to trial the T-Level Scheme. His work has included designing lesson plans and schemes to enhance apprentices’ learning journeys, which have been endorsed by Weston College. Paul’s efforts have earned him recognition, including awards and finalist positions for his contributions to both business and education sectors, particularly in training and apprenticeships.

WESTIN DRIVES

Westin Drives is committed to fostering talent and ensuring our team remains at the forefront of industry advancements. Through continuous training programs, apprenticeships, and skill development initiatives, we invest in our workforce to enhance their expertise. Our focus on upskilling both new and existing employees drives innovation and strengthens our ability to meet the evolving needs of our clients.

James Schooler, ADC ELECTRICAL

James has only just started the second year of his apprenticeship but has already established himself as an integral member for the engineering team. James has a number of excellent qualities but what stands out is his interest in the job, his mechanical understanding, and his willingness to help his peers. He is already helping to inspire the next generation of engineers by collaborating with local schools in the primary engineering program.

Alexander Stewart, BEDFORD PUMPS

In Alex’s mere 18 months with the company his drive, vision and commitment have made extraordinary gains for the business. His problem-solving ability coupled with his tenacity have enabled him to deep-dive into minutia to strip back inherited processes and evolve them into more suitable ones for the company, and his people management skills are second to none. This role as Engineering Manager for Bedford Pumps will likely become a real defining point in his career trajectory.

Christopher Stott, FENFLOW ENGINEERING

Chris is an exemplary team member who embodies the commitment and dedication any business would be glad to have as a part of their organisation. His fresh outlook on existing processes brings a new dynamic to an already experienced team, broadening both Chris’s knowledge and offers fresh views for the current team. Chris has taken the lead on projects and delivered a world class product for our customers.

Faylee Oxenham, HIDROSTAL ENGINEERING UK

Faylee is very much a rising star at Hidrostal Engineering UK.  Since joining the company in 2019 she has reprised and evolved her role within the organisation substantially, advancing from a works administrator to an operational lead with direct line responsibility for five engineers. Faylee has recently taken on additional responsibility for new sales and has received many glowing recommendations from customers and peers alike. Her promotion is testament to her skills, determination, and commitment to excellence.  She is an invaluable asset to the company.

Joseph Tasker, INNOMOTICS MOTORS AND LARGE DRIVES

Joe is a natural engineer having taken a keen interest in engineering and the STEM subjects from an early age, graduating with a first-class honours degree from the University of Nottingham in 2018. Joe initially joined the Siemens Graduate Scheme in 2018 having been affiliated to the company via the Undergraduate Academy. The E3 Academy was launched in 2008 and supports selected high potential students studying power Electronics through University, providing both financial bursaries and summer placements at participating companies. Joe was awarded E3 Student of the Year award in 2016.

Wilson Onazi, PREFORMED WINDINGS

We are delighted that Wilson is up for the Rising Star Award, he has deservedly been recognised for his exceptional contributions as Technical Proposals Manager here at Preformed Windings. In just nine months, Wilson has leveraged his expertise to secure critical contracts through meticulously crafted proposals. His innovative problem-solving and strategic insights have enhanced the company's competitive edge and reputation for excellence. Committed to professional growth and industry best practices, Wilson fosters strong client relationships and champions a collaborative team environment, embodying the qualities of a true rising star in the industry.

Thomas Blyth, ROTAMEC

One of Rotamec’s brightest young engineers. Tom’s journey is a testament to the success of apprenticeship programs and their impact on businesses like ours. Starting in 2020 with a BTEC Level 3 Advanced Engineering Diploma at Weston College, Tom quickly impressed with his dedication and enthusiasm. After completing his course, Tom was promoted to a junior engineer position, spending time in the repair and fault diagnostic department. His passion led him to specialize in the rewind department, where he continues to refine his skills. Tom’s achievements don’t stop there—he has completed the AEMT EX course and is one of the youngest engineers at Rotamec to take on this advanced training. Not only is he advancing his career, but Tom is also giving back by helping train work experience students, T-Level participants, and apprentices within the business. His story is an inspiring example of how apprenticeships can fuel both personal and professional growth in the engineering sector.

ACORN INDUSTRIAL SERVICES

A paper manufacturing plant encountered high costs and long lead times in replacing two critical FAG bearings, risking production delays and increased CO₂ emissions. ACORN's Bearing Product Manager Andy Fletcher and Regional Sales Manager Phil McLaughlin proposed refurbishing the bearings instead, saving £55,300 and reducing CO₂ emissions by 10,358.8kg - the equivalent to five London to Sydney flights. Their innovative approach demonstrated how businesses can achieve both cost savings and environmental benefits through smarter solutions.

AECOM

This project is an existing well-known high-end commercial shopping mall located in Chongqing, China. With

the application of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation analysis and market leading new technologies and products, we have been able to provide a better air quality environment through low energy/cost effective HVAC system solutions to the large scale semi-open commercial building areas.

IPS, NEWCASTLE

IPS partnered with Newcastle University to assess the carbon footprint of motor and generator repairs versus replacements. This collaboration provided valuable data on the environmental benefits of repair, guiding customers towards sustainable decisions. By promoting transparency and a lower carbon future, we continue to assist other businesses in discovering their own impact.

SURREY M&E

The SME Energy Centre was created to allow local communities understand and promote sustainable energy solutions. The SME Energy Centre aims to empower individuals to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a greener future. Through education, consultation, and practical guidance, the Centre strives to be a catalyst for positive change in the way we approach energy consumption. Join us at the SME Energy Centre and be a part of the movement towards a more sustainable and environmentally conscious society. We offer a welcoming environment where visitors can explore various energy-efficient technologies, discuss possibilities, and make informed decisions for their homes or businesses. Collaborating with local architects and councils, the SME Energy Centre is committed to educating clients, schools, and the general public on the benefits of renewable energy.

• Winner will be announced on the night of the 21st November at the AEMT Awards 2024 as determined by the 2024 Judging Panel.