Rockwell's Medium-Voltage Drive Technology Helps West Fraser Reduce Annual Energy Bill

Rhea-AI Summary

Rockwell Automation has implemented an energy-saving solution at West Fraser's plant in Cowie, Scotland, using Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) technology. The installation includes a CENTERLINE 1500 medium-voltage motor control center and three PowerFlex 6000T medium-voltage VFDs for fan applications.

By reducing motor speed by 25%, the solution achieved approximately 60% reduction in motor energy consumption, resulting in annual savings exceeding $266,000. The Intelligent Packaged Power (IPP) solution provides real-time equipment data access, enabling better decision-making while helping West Fraser progress toward its carbon-reduction goals.

Positive

• Implementation led to 60% reduction in motor energy consumption
• Annual cost savings of $266,000 for West Fraser
• 25% reduction in motor speed achieved through VFD technology
• Enhanced operational insights through real-time data monitoring

Negative

• None.

News Market Reaction

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On the day this news was published, ROK gained 1.86%, reflecting a mild positive market reaction.

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NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / December 12, 2024 / Industrial applications that run things like pumps, fans, conveyors, and compressors are responsible for more than 50% of the world's total electricity consumption. One option to dramatically reduce that drag on resources is variable frequency drives (VFDs). These devices can adjust the frequency and voltage of the power supply, which can help improve the motor's efficiency and even extend the life of the motor.

Rockwell Automation helped West Fraser, a diversified wood products company, make significant gains towards energy saving targets through an Intelligent Packaged Power (IPP) solution featuring VFDs. An IPP solution simplifies the integration between process and electrical systems-giving workers immediate access to real-time data on the equipment and how it is operating so they can make better decisions faster.

West Fraser's plant in Cowie, Scotland, began using a CENTERLINE® 1500 medium-voltage motor control center (MCC) and three PowerFlex® 6000T medium-voltage VFDs across three of the site's energy-intensive fan applications. As a result of reducing motor speed by 25%, West Fraser lowered the motor's energy consumption by approximately 60%, translating into an annual savings of more than $266,000.

This is just one example of how VFDs can have a profound, positive impact in reducing energy consumption and cutting carbon levels.

Through deployment of a complete Intelligent Packaged Power (IPP) solution from Rockwell, West Fraser is inching closer to its carbon-reduction targets, gaining enhanced operator insights, and enjoying greater asset resilience.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Rockwell Automation on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:
Spokesperson: Rockwell Automation
Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/rockwell-automation
Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Rockwell Automation

View the original press release on accesswire.com

FAQ

How much did West Fraser save annually using Rockwell's (ROK) VFD technology?

West Fraser achieved annual savings of more than $266,000 using Rockwell's VFD technology by reducing motor energy consumption by approximately 60%.

What energy reduction did Rockwell (ROK) achieve at West Fraser's Scotland plant?

Rockwell's solution achieved a 60% reduction in motor energy consumption by reducing motor speed by 25% at West Fraser's Cowie, Scotland plant.

What specific VFD products did Rockwell (ROK) implement at West Fraser?

Rockwell implemented a CENTERLINE 1500 medium-voltage motor control center and three PowerFlex 6000T medium-voltage VFDs for fan applications.

How does Rockwell's (ROK) Intelligent Packaged Power solution benefit customers?

The IPP solution simplifies integration between process and electrical systems, providing real-time equipment data access for better decision-making and enhanced operator insights.