Retrofit Siemens drives
Power plant modernizes critical condensate pumps with Schneider Electric Altivar Process Modular 900 Drives. This upgrade results in 10% energy savings, ensures reliability for decades to come, and integrates seamlessly into the existing infrastructure, providing additional space for a cable compartment.
Cost-effective
Simple retrofit
To ensure operational reliability, a leading power plant decided to upgrade their 20-year-old Siemens drives that drive two essential condensate pumps. These older drives, based on the now obsolete GTO technology, no longer had available spare parts, creating a potential business risk with significant financial implications.
Given the excellent condition of the current switchboards and circuit breakers, replacing only the power modules seemed the best solution. Here, the Schneider Electric Altivar Process Modular drive modules were chosen, with a supply voltage of 690V. The compactness of these modules not only allowed integration into the current cabinets, but also provided additional space for a new cable compartment, simplifying installation and reducing costs.
Altivar Process Modular
From 110 to 2,600 kW
Altivar™ Process Modular drives are fully prepared to be quickly installed in cabinets. By connecting modules in parallel, high-power drive solutions can be created with minimal dimensions that can withstand harsh environments.
As sustainability becomes increasingly important, companies can make smarter choices by not always buying new. By using existing equipment longer and upgrading, they not only operate more efficiently but also contribute to a more circular and environmentally friendly business.
Invisible revitalization
Thanks to this modern upgrade, the plant now consumes 10% less energy. In addition, the reliability of the system is guaranteed for decades to come, bringing both economic and operational benefits to the power plant.
Learn more
Do you also have an old - and for you important - drive that you want to modernize? Then get in touch with us. We guarantee an answer.
Advantage new technology
Durable upgrade
The exact difference in power consumption between old Gate Turn-Off (GTO) transistor drives and modern Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) controlled drives depends on many variables such as the specific designs, applications, operating conditions and power ranges.
In this project, it provided the following benefits:
Switching speeds: IGBTs can switch faster than GTOs. This means that IGBT drives can often operate more efficiently at higher frequencies, which can result in less power loss.
Power losses: IGBTs typically have lower conduction losses than GTOs, especially at lower currents. This can lead to higher drive efficiency, especially in variable load applications.
Cooling: Because of the lower power losses of IGBTs, the drive's cooling system can often be smaller and more efficient than in a GTO drive.
Control and protection features: Modern IGBT drives often include advanced control and protection features that can make the drive operate more efficiently and securely.
Maintenance: IGBTs typically have a longer life and require less maintenance than GTOs, which can lead to less downtime and thus higher overall efficiency.
Although modern IGBT drives are in many cases more efficient than older GTO drives, it is difficult to give an exact percentage without a specific comparison of the two technologies in a given application. It is not uncommon to see improvements in efficiency of a few percentage points to possibly even 10% or more, as was achieved in this project.
Contact
READY TO IMPROVE YOUR PERFORMANCE?
Overhaul 30MVA generator
We proudly and professionally performed major maintenance on a 30MVA generator, essential for cogeneration.
Retrofit Siemens drives
Replacement of an old Siemens drive of 1,100 kW at 690V. For a quick conversion while retaining existing components, we apply the Schneider Electric Altivar Process Modular 900 series drive.
Lifetime extension
During lifetime analysis measurements, we found an upcoming problem in a particular generator set. A planned intervention extended the service life to 2035.
Waste-to-energy plant
Upgrade from ABB ACS800 to ACS880 with SPIT: big savings and increased reliability. Project completed successfully and on time!
Diesel engine replacement
How do you electrify a diesel powered forestry machine? SPIT know it. Even including battery storage system!