A new, completely enclosed water-cooled AC motor for draw works and top drive applications was introduced by GE Transportation at OTC 2010.
Offshore staff
HOUSTON -- A new, completely enclosed water-cooled AC motor for draw works and top drive applications was introduced by GE Transportation at OTC 2010.
Instead of using conventional blower cooling, the motor is designed to be completely enclosed to eliminate moisture and air circulation, both of which can affect windings in conventional exposed motors. Unlike air-cooled motors, the GE water jacket motor is cooled by water circulation both through the shaft as well as through the frame.
The new motor has a 50% smaller envelope and the same footprint as current GE IP56 motors, and provides the same interfaces for installation, allowing it to be retrofitted to existing installations where additional axial length is available.
GE Transportation says the motor produces less noise, helping to alleviate health and safety concerns aboard drilling rigs, both on land and offshore. Also, it has the potential to offer increased reliability, particularly under extreme weather conditions, the company noted.
