720718Preparing an AC electric motor controller for market: An energy saving motor controller requires industrialisation and product range extension prior to market entry.ClosedGRD Development of PrototypeInnovate UKPower Drive Efficiency have developed an energy saving drive for three phase AC induction motors. The drive addresses fixed speed variable load motor applications such as conveyors. Such applications are currently limited in energy efficient solutions. PDE’s drive in a preliminary concrete mixing application demonstrated an average energy saving of 43%. To conduct a secondary pilot over a longer time frame, the drive requires re-design to meet CE and EU certification. In addition the redesign will consider efficiency of manufacture at larger volumes, in preparation for commercial production. The drive currently exists in one size (75kW). For PDE’s technological benefits to reach a greater market the redesign will cover an additional 9 drives sizes (11kW – 315 kW). It should be understood the principles of the drives design will be constant across scale however appropriate certification must be acquired for all drive sizes before being viable for commercial pilots.