Special KSB Pumps Cool Power Electronics of Trains and Wind Turbines
With modern wind power stations and electrically driven locomotives becoming more and more powerful, the integrated liquid-cooled power converters need to be able to dissipate more heat. Responding to this trend, the pump manufacturer KSB has expanded its Etaseco RVP type series especially developed for this application.
Modern high-power trains and wind turbines whose power electronics are cooled by canned motor pumps of the Etaseco RVP series made by KSB. (Image: KSB SE & Co. KGaA)
The zero-leakage canned motor pumps are usually employed in cooling systems, where they circulate a water/glycol mixture at a discharge pressure of up to 6 bar. They are designed for an operating pressure of 10 or 16 bar. The pump sets’ dimensions and comparatively low weight have been specifically designed with small installation spaces in mind.
With their optimised hydraulic system they can handle larger flow rates per size than conventional industrial pumps and achieve even higher efficiencies.
The maximum flow rate for the 50 Hz version equals 44 cubic metres per hour; the maximum motor rating equals 3.4 kW. As an option the motor windings can be protected by a PTC thermistor. A 60 Hz version is also available. The coolant temperature can range from -50 °C to +110 °C, depending on the climatic conditions.
The pump casings are either made of nodular cast iron (EN-GJS-400-18-LT), optionally with cathodic coating, or of high quality stainless steel (1.4408). Where applicable, the pump sets meet the technical specifications DIN CLC TS 50537-3 and the fire protection requirements as per EN 45545-2.
More than 100,000 Etaseco pumps for use in locomotives and wind turbines have been sold worldwide. One of the keys to this pump series’ success is its high MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures) that exceeds 1,300,000 hours.
For larger flow rates, Etaseco pump sets for up to 250 cubic metres per hour are available.
Source: KSB SE & Co. KGaA
