Water Cooling Drives by SAEL support energy savings in paper mills
After securing orders for two new turnkey winder projects, Tecnopaper and the Italian Olona paper mill and Relife paper mill selected SAEL as sub-supplier for liquid-cooled drives and automation systems, including the DCS-Winder SAEL solution for drive and automation management.
The choice of SAEL was made by mutual agreement, thanks to the company’s extensive expertise in winder drives and automation, confirmed by numerous successful installations with leading international paper groups. The mills specifically selected SAEL’s Platform One drive, a system developed exclusively for paper industry applications. Already familiar with SAEL’s technology, the customers also requested the adoption of liquid-cooled inverters, currently the only available drive solution capable of delivering substantial energy savings. The decision was supported by the flexibility and scalability of the Drive system and the DCS Scalink platform, which is always integrated into SAEL applications and remains fully compatible with future mill upgrades.
Performance is ensured by the advanced drive control system, whose processor integrates all dedicated functions required in the paper industry. These include high dynamic regulation during machine transients – such as acceleration and deceleration phases – where maintaining precise and stable web tension is essential. The inclusion of SAEL’s “mechanical shaft” regulation further enhances the system, providing optimal performance in winder operations.
Tecnopaper has consistently confirmed its trust in SAEL, relying on the company’s high-performance drives and automation systems for rewinders. The water-cooled solution allows the electrical panel to be positioned close to the machine without concerns regarding environmental conditions. The sealed design of the panel protects it from temperature variations, acidic air, and dust—factors that previously required costly air-conditioned environments. Energy savings are further achieved by eliminating air-conditioning units and all auxiliary fans for the panel and inverters.
SAEL’s Platform One drive has been conceived with a modular, advanced architecture to ensure non-obsolescence and long-term adaptability. Specifically designed for paper mills, the system can be easily upgraded with the latest technologies, ensuring its continued efficiency without the need for full replacement.
The new DCS Winder system, featuring two 22-inch screens integrated into the operator desk, will allow the paper mills to manage the entire machine with greater efficiency. This solution provides operators with a comprehensive and dynamic view of the process, enabling complete control of production and ensuring optimized operation. Start-up is scheduled in the coming weeks.
