Savings of 40% energy costs are being achieved at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire laundry thanks to a new drive solution installed by ABB.

Cleanliness is a must in all hospitals, with the laundry services playing a big part – they are essential, but expensive. When several motor failures spawned an estimated £3000 repair bill for the University Hospital of North Staffordshire, a potential arose to save money and power.

ABB motor service partner HG Rewinds was called in when the motor on one of the hospitals’ ironing machines failed. The firm carried out a detailed survey of the machine, drawing up a wiring diagram and performing an energy audit to find the best solution. The company recommended a 22 kW, four-pole ac motor and variable speed drive from ABB.

To minimise disruption to the laundry services, the installation was carried out over a weekend. The new system allows four different speeds for ironing different types of laundry, giving more accurate control than the formerly manual. It is planned to retrofit the two remaining ironing machines with the same system when they break down in the future.

Source

Electrical and Mechanical Contractor