SUSTAINABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES GMBH

Variable-speed Gearbox for Pumps & Compressors

SETCON is an electro-mechanical variable-speed gearbox designed to control the speed of large pumps, compressors, fans and blowers. With the highest overall efficiency, compared to other geared VSDs, SETCON is an outstanding and reliable variable-speed drive for your application.

Why SETCON

  • Highest Energy Efficiency

    SETCON technology achieves outstanding efficiency — far above conventional variable-speed systems. The result: lower power consumption and reduced operating costs.

  • Robust Low-Voltage Frequency Converters (20% of total power)

    Designed for reliability and simplicity, SETCON systems use small, durable Frequency Converters that ensure smooth, efficient, and low-maintenance operation.

  • Allows Synchronous Motor Integration

    Enables grid stabilisation and reactive-power support — a key advantage for industrial applications.

  • Standardized Gearbox Design

    Manufactured to ISO, API or AGMA Standards for proven quality and reliability.

Technical Data

Rated power:1 MW – 15 MW (18 MW)
Input shaft:1 500 rpm / 1 800 rpm
Output shaft:up to 15 000 rpm
Variable speed range:50 % – 100 % (Pumps)
70% – 105% (Compressors)
Area classification:Non-Ex, Ex
Energy efficiency:up to 97 %
Integrated LOS:SET Std. / API 614
MPS:SET Std. / API 670
Soft Start Main Motor:yes, integrated

Set-Up Drive Train

1. Gearbox incl. lubrication unit
2. Servos (ASM)
3. 4Q LV- Frequency Converter (e.g. 690 V)
4. Control Unit incl. PLC
5. Main Motor (e.g. 10 kV)
6. Driven Machine (e.g. pump)

Functional description

The SETCON® System consists of a Gearbox incl. differential gear (planetary gear) (1), Servos in combination with a low-voltage Frequency Converter (2+3) and a Control Cabinet (4). The constant power supply is done by an electric motor as the medium-voltage Main Motor (5). The variable output is transmitted to a Driven Machine (6) e.g. a Pump or Compressor. The medium-voltage Main Motor (5) is connected directly to the MV-grid and drives the planetary gear’s ring gear at constant speed. The differential gear’s sun wheel transmits the variable speed through an optional high-speed gear unit (offset alignment) to the Driven Machine (6). The differential gear’s planet carrier is connected to the Servos. The speed of the Servos (2) is controlled firstly in order to ensure the speed at the Driven Machine (6) is variable when the speed of the Main Motor (5) is constant, and secondly to control the torque in the entire drive train.

Gearbox Arrangement

Operation modes

Why SETCON Is One of the Most Reliable VSD Systems?

Key Reliability Features of SETCON

  • Mechanical Simplicity & Robustness

    Fewer components and reduced complexity-built for demanding applications. Features a standard planetary gear stage for main power transimission. Side Noet: Complete geargbox assembly < 10 days

  • Conservative Design with High Safety Factors

    Gearbox design exceeds ISO, API, and AGMA safety standards to ensure long-term reliability and operational security.

  • Standard low-voltage Motors and VFDs

    Equipped with low-voltage Motors and VFDs from top-tier manufactures, backed by thousands of global references.

  • Patented SETCON Safety Lock (SSL)

    Passive, self-activating overspeed protection for Motors, Bearings, and Gears-no active braking systems required.

  • Redundancy "One-Servo Mode"

    SETCON can be operated only with one Servo/VFD string under reduced load, sufficient for most operations.

  • Proven Track Record

    Global references, including units in continuous operation for over 5 years without downtime. SET is a registered vendor with ARAMCO, PDO, Sulzer, and others.

Areas of Appication: Pumps, Compressor, Blowers, Fans

Key Reliability Features of SETCON

Power Generation:

  • Boiler feed pumps
  • Fan drives
  • Cooling and condensate pumps

Oil & Gas:

  • Water injection pumps
  • Crude oil pumps
  • Pipeling pumps / compressors
  • Gas lift compressors
  • Process compressors
  • LNG fuel / flash gas compressors

and many more.

Energy Efficiency Comparison

incl. Main Motor, excl. Pump