High energy prices in metal recycling
A large proportion of the costs in industrial recycling are caused by powerful motors that drive numerous machines. However, during the energy crisis, electricity costs have exploded - and will remain above pre-crisis levels in the medium to long term. This not only increases the operating costs of recycling companies, but also jeopardizes the profitability of the industry.
Watch out, dirty and wet!
In metal recycling, things are anything but gentle. The technology used must be able to withstand extreme conditions such as temperature fluctuations, strong winds, moisture and dirt. To survive in this demanding environment, systems must be robust, reliable and durable.
How our frequency inverters are revolutionizing the recycling process
Advantages of our frequency inverters
Frequency inverters from Mitsubishi Electric regulate the speed and torque of the motor to suit every application. This allows the drive to run in an energy-optimized manner even under partial load. Smooth starting and stopping of the machine avoids load peaks and minimises risk of failure.
The use of frequency inverters in the central application areas of metal recycling - shredders, conveyor belts and air treatment - reduces energy costs considerably.
Controlled operation also increases the life time of the machine and reduces maintenance costs. Your recycling system works more efficiently and the quality of your end products is improved.
What you save by using a frequency inverter
Convert easily, save threefold: Frequency inverters reduce costs for energy, penalties and maintenance in equal measure.
Frequency inverters adjust the speed and torque exactly as your machine requires it. The result: significantly lower energy consumption.
7-10 % less energy costs on the main motor of a shredder
50 % less energy costs when used in exhaust air devices.
With the help of our software, you can visualize the data from the inverter and evaluate it to save even more energy.
Lower down payments, avoid fines
The prices charged by energy suppliers are based on the highest fluctuations in consumption. By avoiding peak loads, you can significantly reduce your down payments. High consumption peaks also put a strain on the electricity grid and can lead to supply breakdowns. A system failure costs money and high penalties are payable to energy suppliers. With frequency inverters from Mitsubishi Electric, you can avoid system downtimes and penalties and stabilize the power distribution grid. The IEEE-519 standard for mains harmonic loading is complied with.
Less starting current also increases the life time of your motors. This is because: if a motor starts directly from the line, it requires full load motor current. This excess energy puts a strain on the drive in the long term because it generates an enormous amount of heat. Frequency inverters also work electronically and are therefore very low-maintenance.
Our frequency inverters increase the life time of heavy appliances through smooth starting and stopping.
Extend the life time of your recycling process
Maintenance, wear and tear and replacement are significant cost factors for a recycling system. Frequency inverters reduce these costs in two ways: Firstly, through the optimized operation of the motor, which reduces the load on the machine and avoids consumption peaks. Secondly, the devices function electronically, which means that mechanical drive components are no longer required and maintenance costs are reduced. In addition, frequency inverters are usually housed in control cabinets in a separate room. This protects them from moisture, dirt, wind and extreme temperatures - and therefore also from wear and tear.
Individual integration into your existing system
Recycling systems can easily be converted to low-maintenance frequency inverters.
And it pays off: depending on the condition of the existing system and the development of energy costs, the decision to invest in energy-efficient drive technology can pay for itself in less than a year.
We advise, plan and help with the retrofit.
The retrofit is simple: the old drive technology is removed and the mechanics dismantled. The motor is then connected directly to the frequency inverter and this is connected to the corresponding machine. This is followed by programming.
We will be happy to advise you on the selection of a suitable inverter, the design and the necessary structural measures.
More efficiency through digital solutions
Controlling a recycling plant on the basis of up-to-date and reliable data increases both its efficiency and productivity. With the Mitsubishi Electric Asset Portal, data from the recycling process can be recorded, visualized, analysed and optimized.
Increase engine utilization
A drive controller with data logger, for example, which is set to a frequency inverter, can further increase the overall system efficiency. Flexible control of the frequency inverter makes it possible to increase motor utilization depending on the material feed. This increases the productivity of the recycling plant by up to 30 % and reduces power consumption by up to 20 %.
Predictive maintenance
The Mitsubishi Electric Asset Portal also enables predictive maintenance of your system. This is because the transmitted machine data can be analyzed to identify matches of events that precede a failure. In this way, maintenance measures can be planned and carried out before the machine breaks down.
The right frequency inverter for your system
Optimize your recycling process with our energy-saving and flexible drive technology for shredders, conveyor belts and exhaust air treatment.
Low-voltage frequency inverter and medium-voltage frequency inverter for driving the shredder
- Reduce load peaks
- Reduce wear
- Problem-free conversion
Low-voltage frequency inverter for driving conveyor belts
- Consistent speed
- Overload capability
- Simple installation
Low-voltage frequency inverter for driving the exhaust air treatment of recycling plants
- Output is adapted to the required air flow
- Fast amortization
- Standby mode to save energy
Global market leader in drives and automation
Mitsubishi Electric is a global market leader in the field of drive and automation solutions for industry. Our product portfolio ranges from control systems, drive technology and servo motors to the Mitsubishi Electric Asset Portal - our software solution for the digitalization of manufacturing and the tracking of energy data. With around 149,700 employees, annual sales of around 37 billion euros (5 trillion yen) and a Moody's rating of A2, we rank among the Fortune Global 500 companies.
1 Data refers to the 2023 financial year
For the result, the environment and your customers
Saving electricity improves your company's financial results, but that's not all: your company's ecological footprint and your image also benefit.
Optimize your processes and increase your sustainability.
Sustainable business practices are particularly important for recycling companies. After all, caring for the environment is part of their professional DNA.
Further information for download
I would be pleased to advise you personally
Simply contact me via the contact form or directly via LinkedIn.
Thomas Droth, Business Development Manager Mitsubishi Electric
