A strategic partnership between ABB and NOVENCO is redefining industrial efficiency by integrating permanent magnet motors and variable speed drives, achieving energy consumption reductions of up to 85% in axial fan systems.
The pursuit of decarbonization and operational cost optimization has gained a new ally. Global electrification and automation technology provider ABB has joined forces with manufacturer NOVENCO to transform the industrial ventilation market. The core objective is to implement a high-performance system that combines expertise in energy-efficient motors with cutting-edge aerodynamic design.
This collaboration has resulted in an optimized line of axial fans capable of significantly outperforming conventional models. By integrating advanced technologies into a single ecosystem, the partnership promises not only to reduce electricity waste but also to extend the service life of equipment, establishing itself as a robust solution for industries seeking to meet their sustainability goals.
Cutting-edge technology driving savings
The secret to this optimization lies in combining ABB’s IE5 permanent magnet motors with NOVENCO’s ZerAx® axial fan line. Classified under the strictest standards of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), these motors are among the most efficient in the world. The use of variable speed drives complements the system, adjusting speed to the plant’s actual demand and providing an additional 25% savings in electrical consumption.
Compared to belt-driven electronically commutated (EC) models, the new system achieves a staggering energy reduction of up to 85%. This technological leap maintains a 92% aerodynamic efficiency for the impellers, ensuring that high performance is not sacrificed for the sake of energy savings.
Modular architecture and sustainability
One of the greatest challenges of traditional systems is premature disposal, as many EC fans feature sealed construction. The new solution proposed by ABB and NOVENCO reverses this logic through a modular architecture. Composed of interchangeable parts—including blades, motors, and drives—the structure allows for targeted maintenance without the need for total equipment replacement. In addition to reducing waste, the components are designed to be highly recyclable, aligning operations with the circular economy and offering a projected service life of 15 to 20 years.
Erich Labuda stated:
“Collaborating with NOVENCO allows us to take this expertise to the system level, offering customers a complete ventilation package where efficiency gains are real and measurable. For companies under pressure to meet their energy targets, the difference is significant and has a direct impact on their bottom line.”
Impact on critical sectors and infrastructure
The versatility of the technology allows for applications in various segments, such as the pharmaceutical industry, infrastructure, HVAC, and the semiconductor sector. However, there is a special focus on data centers, which are facing increasing consumption pressures due to the expansion of artificial intelligence. It is estimated that in a facility with 1,000 fans, switching to this new technology could generate an annual energy reduction of between 15% and 40%.
Lars Erik Knaack noted:
“With current energy costs, many fan modernization projects can achieve a return on investment (ROI) in less than two years. In today’s world, energy efficiency has become a critical business priority.”
As energy costs continue to rise, solutions that offer rapid returns and high performance have become essential. The partnership between ABB and NOVENCO not only meets current operational demands but also projects an industrial future where intelligent energy management is a fundamental pillar of global competitiveness.
