At their annual kick-off conference in Berlin on 12 March 2014 the German DENEFF corporate initiative awarded KSB Aktiengesellschaft with a jury prize. In front of some 250 participants the body of experts paid tribute to the Frankenthal-based pump manufacturer for developing the SuPremE synchronous reluctance motor. The motor won the title of most impressive innovation in energy efficiency.
Unlike conventional synchronous motors this drive is made without any magnetic materials, which are made from rare earths and categorised as critical raw materials as their extraction causes severe environmental impacts in their countries of origin. In addition, the SuPremE motor’s efficiency remains high, also especially at low speed, which sets it apart from asynchronous motors.
The jury explained their selection as follows: “By using a new technical approach (design) a high-volume standard mass product (low-voltage electric motor) which is positioned/used on the market has been modified and optimised in efficiency. This drastically reduces the energy consumption for the same applications and conditions.”
“All finalists have proven that innovation is a source of energy that will never run dry, and that saving energy can be made more attractive and easier,” commented Carsten Müller, Member of the German Parliament and DENEFF Chairman of the Board. “KSB has demonstrated most impressively the fabulous spirit of entrepreneurs and inventors on which energy transition can be founded.”
