California, USA.
- 6/1/2005
- Calnetix LLC. (dba Calnetix) announced today the formation of a subsidiary company, Direct Drive Systems, Inc.. Direct Drive Systems (DDS) will produce and service a line of high-speed, high-power motors, generators and power electronics that are significantly more efficient and lower in cost compared to conventional machines. DDS’s technology allows its machines to turn up to twelve times faster than the speed of conventional motors. Power is function of torque (size) and speed, therefore, for the same power level, DDS can build motors significantly less in size, weight, steel, and cost. DDS’s high speed direct drive units offer a number of benefits over gas turbines and conventional speed geared electric motors and generators, including:
- Lower up front equipment and installation costs
- Greater reliability and lower maintenance requirements (no gearbox)
- Higher operating efficiencies
- Smaller size - 20% of the size and weight of conventional electric motors
- Significantly lower life cycle costs
DDS has developed and successfully tested its Frame 2 (2 MW) product operating at 23,000rpm and has secured long term contacts with large global OEMs in the energy and natural gas sectors. Production of the Frame 2 will commence in the first quarter of 2006.
The worldwide market for DDS’s products is over $7 billion per year.
The three principle markets DDS will initially pursue are the US natural gas pipeline compression market, the offshore oil and gas platform market, and shipboard power generation market. “With its proprietary high-speed motor technology that was first developed by our parent company - Calnetix, Direct Drive Systems has a unique opportunity to revolutionize the rotating machinery industry,” said Thomas R. Smith, DDS’s new president. “High speed motors and generators in larger power sizes have been talked about for decades. DDS intends to make them a reality”, Smith added.
About Calnetix
Calnetix, a privately held high tech company based in California, USA, is the industry leader in high speed motors, generators, magnetic bearings, and integrated magnetic drive systems. The company's products are utilized in distributed power generation, power conditioning, gas processing, semiconductor manufacturing, medical equipment and other industries worldwide.
About Direct Drive Systems
Direct Drive Systems, Inc. (DDS) will produce a line of high-speed high-power motors and alternators. These particular motors and alternators are significantly more efficient and cost effective compression and generation solutions to the several multi billion dollar industries. DDS has developed its first 2MW (2600 HP) 23,000 rpm product and has secured long term contracts with two large global OEMs. DDS will develop machines up to the 30MW power range.
