World’s first magnet-free IE6 motor for hazardous areas now available

According to ABB, it has become the world’s first manufacturer to offer an IE6 Hyper‑Efficiency motor certified to ATEX and IECEx requirements for use in hazardous areas.

The new IE6 Increased safety motor, based on ABB’s magnet- and rare earth- free synchronous reluctance (SynRM) technology, offers up to 60% lower energy losses than the IE3 induction motors commonly used in Zones 1 and 2. This enables operators to realise a major boost in energy efficiency and avoid carbon emissions in industries where gas, vapour, or dust might be present, such as chemicals, marine, oil & gas, pharmaceuticals and food & beverage.

The IE6 SynRM Increased safety motor is certified for use with variable speed drives (VSDs) to offer accurate control and high efficiency throughout the whole speed range, even at partial loads. This makes it a sound upgrade choice for standard IE3 induction motors in pumps, fans and compressors.

Based on estimates assuming a 110kW motor operating 8,760 hours/year at 75% average load, and an assumed energy cost of €0.20/kWh, over a typical 20-year service life, the energy savings from upgrading just one motor to IE6 would be €87,520. This would result in an eight-month payback period and 57,540kg of avoided CO₂ – that’s equivalent to 37 petrol-powered passenger cars driven for a year.

Commenting on the launch, Stefan Floeck, President IEC LV Motors at ABB, said: “With the world’s first IE6 Hyper‑Efficiency SynRM motor for hazardous areas, we now have the ideal solution for customers who must drive down their operating expenses while meeting stringent sustainability targets.”

The new IE6 SynRM Increased safety motor covers ratings from 110kW, with IE5 versions available for up to 90kW. As well as increased reliability and reduced maintenance, SynRM technology enables a more cost-effective installation. In Zone 1, cooler running can allow the use of an Increased safety SynRM motor, where a flameproof motor with a special enclosure would be the traditional choice. Furthermore, in Zone 2, the improved loadability of SynRM motors enables more power from the same size as an equivalent induction motor. This could enable a smaller, lower-cost motor to fulfil the same duty.

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