ABB donates drives to power electronics lab
| Published: 08/20/2004 |
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Via donation of new drives from ABB, MSOE students able to work hands- on with latest motor control technology in refurbished power electronics lab
(Access to such technology makes transition and distance from academic learning to workplace environment short and direct, note professors and managers)
Delivery and set up today of 10 new motor drives from ABB Inc. to Milwaukee School of Engineering's Industrial Control Laboratory "both helps complete the extensive retrofit of this facility for students - and gives them hands-on access to the latest generation of electrical motor drive technology, " said Dr. Owe Petersen, professor and interim chairman of MSOE's Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department.
"We are delighted with the technology and the timing," Dr. Stephen Williams, associate professor in the MSOE Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department, told Rick Hepperla, vice president and general manager of ABB Low-Voltage Drives, and staffers who gathered for the official presentation of the equipment. The lab (S-340), located in MSOE's Fred F. Loock Engineering Center, has undergone extensive renovation and refurbishment this summer. "We hoped this lab could be fully equipped in time for the students' return next month and this donation helps us achieve that," Williams said.
Invest in the Present - Solid Grounding Into the Future
"This is giving back, and an investment in a shared vision of the critical importance of educating power electronics engineers able to help lead companies like ABB into ever-brighter technological frontiers," Hepperla said. Highly qualified engineers from the university continue to join and be part of ABB's New Berlin, Wis., and global operations, he said, "so it is particularly satisfying - and important - to continue to support an academic institution [m1] that is graduating this level of talent."
Short Distance From Test Lab to Application Lab
The AC drives are being installed into eight refurbished student test benches, and will be used rigorously as part of the Electrical/Electronics Communication curricula, according to Dr. Glenn Wrate, director of the master of science in engineering program at MSOE.
Adjustable Speed Drives (ASDs) are used in any application in which there is mechanical equipment powered by motors; the drives provide extremely precise electrical motor control, so that motor speeds can be ramped up and down, and maintained, at speeds required; doing so utilizes only the energy required, rather than having a motor run at constant (fixed) speed and utilizing an excess of energy. These benefits help motor users realize 25 - 70 percent energy savings, according to ABB experts.
"Students will program the drives, and operate motors that simulate real-world installations and loads," Wrate said. "Beyond an introduction to the technology, they drill on into the equipment's performance characteristics, in order to understand what control features they will be able to access, modify and offer customers in the workplace. This makes the distance between the academic test lab and an engineering company's application work team very short." Because of MSOE's historic, close ties to business and industry, student projects across all disciplines "are industry-oriented to give students ‘real-world' experience that distinguishes them from graduates of other universities," Wrate noted.
The proprietary technology called Direct Torque Control, built into five of the industrial drives ABB donated, is an example of what Dr. Wrate points to. "DTC delivers full torque - twisting power - to a motor at zero speed, and, in engineer-speak, that is a remarkable capability, " said Cliff Cole, director of marketing at ABB Low-Voltage Drives. The five additional controllers are from the company's most recent standard drives line -- "so new that they continue to be in introduction to the marketplace now, " Cole noted.
Founded in 1903, MSOE is an independent university with about 2,400 students. MSOE offers 16 bachelor's degrees and six master's degrees in the engineering, engineering technology, architectural engineering and building construction, computer, business and health-related fields.
ABB Inc., Automation Technologies, Automation Products, Low-Voltage Drives, is the world's largest manufacturer of electric motors and drives. In the USA, an integrated channel of sales representatives, distributors, and system integrators allow ABB, New Berlin, Wis., to supply a complete line of energy-efficient electric drives, motors and engineered drive systems to a wide range of industrial and commercial customers. Products manufactured include AC and DC variable speed drives for electric motors from 1/8th through 135,000 HP, and application-specific drive system solutions to meet diverse customer needs (http://www.abb-drives.com).
ABB is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 115,000 people. The company's U.S. operations employ about 9,000 in manufacturing and other facilities in 40 states.
ABB Media Relations
Ken Graber
262-780-3873 phone
262-785-8501 fax