Weg, one of the leading global manufacturers of drive technology, has added a larger IEC 800 frame size model to its energy-efficient W22X series of explosion-proof motors to meet the needs of the demanding energy-intensive applications while complying with anticipated environmental regulations in Saudi Arabia.

The new frame size motors deliver excellent performance with an efficiency of up to 97.4 per cent – up to IE4 energy efficiency standards – and ensure low maintenance and operating costs, making them ideal for applications where harsh environmental conditions demand high reliability and robustness without compromising on energy efficiency, says the company in a release.

Energy efficiency has never been so high on the business agenda across the Middle East, especially now that energy efficiency regulations are being decided. For example, in Saudi Arabia, the yet-to-be-ratified SASO (Saudi Arabian Standards Organization) 60034-30-2013 legislation is expected to stipulate that  electric motors with rated output power between 0.75 kW and 375 kW must at least meet IE2 energy efficiency standards and, from 2017 onwards, must meet IE3 efficiency levels.

“The W22X motor is a testament to our commitment to helping business achieve efficiency while exceeding legal requirements not only in standard applications, but also in hazardous areas, where reducing energy costs is top of the agenda,” says Colin Cox, managing director, WEG Middle East.

“At WEG we are dedicated to offering the highest possible energy efficient products even in demanding applications, enabling our customers to stay one step ahead of the game and achieve significant energy savings and associated costs,” he adds.

One contributing factor to the W22X motor’s high efficiency is its innovative stainless steel tubular cooling system (IEC 60034-6 IC511) which provides optimal air flow and delivers maximum cooling capacity in the stator, rotor, and critical components such as bearings. Additionally, aerodynamically designed fans and fan covers help produce effective air flow with the lowest possible noise level. Hot spots are also avoided by ensuring uniform temperature distribution in the entire frame, therefore providing reliable, high performance over a long service life.