ACS 1000 variable speed drives reduce energy consumption and operating costs at Australian mill
Grange Resources replaced aging slip‑ring motors and liquid starters with four ABB ACS 1000 medium‑voltage variable speed drives. The new drives provide smooth ramp‑up, coordinated load sharing, and remote monitoring, allowing continuous 24/7 operation of the dual‑pinion autogenous mills.
The drives reduce energy consumption by 310,786 kWh per month (≈A$15,540 savings) and lower maintenance by eliminating brush changes and mechanical wear. Integrated DriveMonitor™ gives real‑time diagnostics, helping maintenance personnel troubleshoot and plan service.
| Rated power per drive | 2.5 MW |
|---|---|
| Inverter type | Three‑level voltage source inverter (VSI) |
| Air cooling range | 315 kW – 2 MW |
| Water cooling range | 1.8 MW – 5 MW |
| Converter efficiency | > 98 % |
| Motor type | Induction motor |
Each drive is equipped with DriveMonitor™, an intelligent remote monitoring and diagnostics system.
The inverter typically achieves greater than 98 % efficiency.