Heavy-Duty Just Got Lighter | Infinitum’s New Aircore Motor

Infinitum has reimagined ruggedized motor operations with the release of the new Aircore Heavy Duty (HD). By replacing the conventional copper-wound iron stator with a lighter, more efficient printed circuit board stator and an integrated VFD control system, Infinitum has unlocked a new level of performance.

The air-core technology at the heart of this design delivers substantial improvements in energy efficiency, power density, and reliability while also minimizing noise, material use, and waste. A closer examination of the Aircore HD reveals its transformative potential for heavy-duty applications and its contribution to a more sustainable future.

Reducing Energy Consumption From Motors

The hum of industrial motors is quintessential to modern manufacturing, but it comes at an environmental and monetary cost. Traditional motor systems guzzle electricity, contributing significantly to energy bills and emissions. Driven by initiatives to lower both forms of expense, manufacturers are under immense pressure to find cleaner, more efficient ways to power industrial operations.

The components of the Aircore Heavy Duty motor system; note the use of the green PCB stator. Image used courtesy of Inifinitum

Features and Benefits

The Aircore Heavy Duty series provides options for power outputs from 5 to 15 HP in a form factor that weighs less than 150 lbs for the largest models (less than 70 lb for the smallest model) compared to over 300 lb for many 15 HP motors. The new HD product lineup isn't just about impressive specs; it's about tangible benefits for users. Infinitum's claim of up to 25% greater efficiency translates to real energy savings and lower operating costs over the lifespan of the motor.

Compact Design

The compact design is another major plus, being 50% lighter and 60% shorter than traditional solutions. This opens up new possibilities for installation and design, making the most of valuable space. Perhaps most importantly, the PCB stator offers a 10x improvement in reliability compared to conventional copper-wound stators, significantly reducing downtime and maintenance headaches.

Efficient Material Use

Its rugged exterior ensures reliable operation even in harsh outdoor or wet environments. The Aircore Heavy Duty also contributes to a more sustainable future by using 66% less copper and eliminating iron from the stator. Using these components in the Aircore motor ensures that they do not end up in a landfill, as all components can be remanufactured and reused.

Integrated Controls

Beyond its core benefits, the Aircore Heavy Duty incorporates several advanced features. An integrated VFD optimizes performance and energy consumption. The rightsizing capability allows customers to specify the precise horsepower and RPM requirements, rhetorically minimizing power waste.

The Aircore Heavy Duty in action: powering fans and pumps in various applications. Image used courtesy of Infinitum

Comprehensive communication support, including Modbus RTU, BACnet MSTP, and analog protocols, ensures integration into existing systems. Operators have precise control over the Aircore Heavy Duty's performance. The control system allows for fine-tuning to meet specific needs, with real-time monitoring of key metrics like carbon emissions, energy consumption, heat, vibration, and overall performance. A modular design further simplifies service and repair, minimizing downtime.

Mounting Options

Thanks to its compact size, the motor can be mounted in various ways, with direct pump mounting yielding a 10-15% improvement in efficiency.

Aircore Motor Applications

The Aircore Heavy Duty is designed for various demanding applications, including HVAC equipment, vertical-inline pumps, and coolant distribution units (CDUs) used in data centers. Its suitability for data centers, particularly those supporting AI workloads, is especially noteworthy. The increasing energy demands of AI-driven computing make efficient cooling solutions like the Aircore Heavy Duty essential for sustainable data center operations. Beyond these core applications, the motor is well-suited for any high-power application where efficiency, reliability, and sustainability are paramount.

The Aircore Heavy Duty represents a significant leap forward in motor technology. Its design and advanced features position it as a key enabler for a more sustainable future across a range of industries.