Electric Motor Upgrade for Anglian Water Site

Using a lifting frame with a block and tackle, the existing motor was disconnected and moved away from the area to make way for the new IE3 Gibbons 5.5kW electric motor. The current electric motor was obsolete and had failed due to a cracked casing. Repairing it would have been very costly, so it was decided that replacing the motor would be the best course of action.

To facilitate the new motor, a custommade flange adaptor was designed, manufactured, and then fitted, along with a replacement coupling to connect to the motor shaft. The engineers then took the old motor away to be recycled.

The new motor is more efficient and has a higher IP rating against dust and damp conditions, making it more suitable for the application. Inside the starter cubicle, the slip ring resistors and obsolete control devices were removed. A new ABB ACQ580 variable-speed drive was mounted on the side of the cubicle and then integrated with the existing control philosophy. The ABB ACQ580 will now operate the ramp time of the electric motor that controls the pump, situated 20 feet below.

The Gibbons engineers overcame a slight issue regarding the power factor connection, which required disconnecting; this was mounted behind the cubicle mounting plate, which inhibited access. The mounting plate's lower half was removed, allowing access for disconnection.

The Anglian Water team at Little Waltham now has full control of the electric motor's speed, so they can optimise the pump's control, which will allow for energy savings when necessary.