ACS 1000 variable speed drives increase energy efficiency at sugar plant
The ACS 1000 variable speed drives were installed at the Santa Matilde sugar plant in Honduras, replacing five 750 kW steam turbines. By controlling the cane mill with the drives and induction motors, the plant reduced steam consumption, increased electricity generation, and achieved higher overall energy efficiency.
The solution provides several benefits: efficient power use, reduced maintenance, optimized speed control, overload protection, faster restart after shutdowns, longer equipment life, lower noise, and resilience to power‑supply disturbances. Customer Jorge Arriaga reports significant revenue gains from selling excess energy to the grid.
| Inverter type | Three-level Voltage Source Inverter (VSI) |
|---|---|
| Cooling | Water cooling 2.3K, 3.3kV, 4OKV, 4.16 KV (optional 6.0kV‑6.6kV) |
| Motor type | Induction motor |
By replacing steam turbines with the ACS 1000 drives and induction motors, the plant reduces steam use for milling and redirects it to generate electricity, raising overall energy efficiency.
The drive estimates shaft torque and, in case of overload, reverses the mill to remove excess cane and resume normal operation.
The ACS 1000 uses a three‑level voltage source inverter, water cooling (2.3 kV‑4.16 kV, optional up to 6.6 kV), and is designed for induction motors.