Drake’s Brewing Company, an innovative, high quality Craft beer producer participated in a CalNext study to evaluate the energy savings potential of ultra-premium permanent magnet (PM) motors in variable speed applications. The goal was to determine whether increasing motor efficiency alone could provide meaningful cost and energy savings beyond what is already achieved with variable frequency drives (VFDs).
WEG was selected as one of the motor manufacturers supporting this initiative, supplying a 7.5 HP Sync+ motor and a CFW500 VFD to replace an existing induction motor on a chiller distribution pump at the brewery. With a variable torque load, this system was an ideal candidate for demonstrating the advantages of Sync+ technology, which maintains a flatter efficiency curve over the full speed/load operating range, reducing energy loss at lower speeds over non-PM technologies.
The project faced initial challenges with firmware updates and installation adjustments, but once operational, the system delivered measurable energy savings over 7,975 annual runtime hours. Given California’s high electricity costs ($0.31/kWh), the efficiency improvements translate into meaningful cost reductions. A rapid turnaround was essential, and WEG expedited the prototype build with air freight delivery to ensure the system was installed before the brewery’s deadline.
Beyond the immediate benefits for Drake’s Brewery, these findings could influence future incentive programs for high-efficiency motor upgrades across various industries. If California utilities move forward with rebates or subsidies based on this research, businesses could be encouraged to transition to ultra-premium motor solutions, reducing operating costs while improving sustainability. WEG’s involvement in this initiative reinforces its leadership in high-efficiency motor solutions, helping customers achieve long-term energy savings through advanced motor and VFD technology.
