Eaton''s Ground-Breaking Variable Speed Starter Wins German Industriepreis 2015

SLOUGH … Power management company Eaton has won the Electrical Engineering category of the German Industriepreis 2015 with its new PowerXL DE1 Variable Speed Starter (VSS). Eaton''s VSS combines the benefits and simplicity of a conventional fixed-speed starter with the ability to vary the speed of the motor.

Government efficiency requirements such as those set out in the ErP Directive, combined with increasing levels of machine automation have seen a significant growth in the use of applications with variable speeds. However, conventional variable speed drives are often too complex for these applications, whilst starters don''t provide the option to control speed. The PowerXL DE1 VSS provides machine and system builders with a cost-efficient and highly reliable new device class for motor control that will be particularly useful for helping them to increase energy efficiency in applications where fixed-speed starters were previously used.

The Industriepreis 2015 panel of professors, scientists, industry experts and specialist journalists recognised that the PowerXL DE1 VSS fills this gap in the market, further prompting the decision to present Eaton with the Industriepreis award – which saw a record number of entrants. The award recognises ideas and products which are innovative, production-ready and modern, as well as help users be more profitable and efficient.

The VSSs have been designed for straightforward ‘out of the box'' operation without the need for adjustments or parameter setting. At the same time, users have at their disposal a universal configuration module that allows the most important parameters to be set using only a screwdriver - no keyboard, software or manual are needed. This means they require up to 80% less commissioning time and cost up to 70% less to install than conventional VSDs.

The PowerXL DE1 VSS brings together technical, economic and ecological benefits. The new device is a technological pioneer, creating cost efficient applications and providing simple and efficient support to the implementation of ecological design directives.

More information about PowerXL DE1 can be found at www.eaton.eu/de1 .

You can find more information about the Industriepreis at www.industriepreis.de/2015 .

Eaton''s s electrical technology business is a world leader in production and engineering services for energy distribution, secure and uninterrupted power supply, machine and building automation, systems and engine protection, lighting management, security management, cable management as well components for tough conditions and highly explosive areas. Eaton has global solutions, placing it in a great position to answer the biggest challenges facing energy management today.

Eaton is an energy management company and posted revenues of USD 22.6 billion in 2014. Eaton offers energy-efficient solutions, which help customers use electrical, hydraulic and mechanical power more efficiently, more securely and more sustainably. Eaton has approximately 102,000 employees and supplies customers in more than 175 countries. More information is available at www.eaton.com