SIMOTICS is Siemens' motor brand. In medium and high voltage it groups the SIMOTICS HV C (compact), HV M (modular) and HV HP (high power) lines, and H-compact motors still appear on installed nameplates. In low voltage, the 1LE1 platform covers SIMOTICS GP and SD, and the 1LA7 remains widely installed. This sheet summarizes each line and what is tested and protected on it.
What it is and where it is used
SIMOTICS is the motor brand of Siemens. In medium and high voltage, the SIMOTICS HV drives pumps, compressors, fans, mills and extruders in oil and gas, mining, water, chemicals and power generation. Siemens now divides that family into SIMOTICS HV C, SIMOTICS HV M and SIMOTICS HV HP. Many motors of the H-compact and H-compact PLUS series are still found in industrial substations.
In low voltage, the 1LE1 platform gives rise to SIMOTICS GP and SIMOTICS SD, and the aluminum-frame 1LA7 is still in service in many plants. Siemens presents the 1LE5 as the new generation of SIMOTICS SD.
For the operating principle and protection, see induction motor and its protection.
Variants: SIMOTICS HV C, HV M, HV HP, H-compact, 1LE1 and 1LA7
| Model | Application | Main difference |
|---|---|---|
| SIMOTICS HV C | High voltage, compact motors | Ultra-compact, water-jacket cooling; air-cooled and pressure-resistant versions |
| SIMOTICS HV M | High voltage, process industry | Modular, modular cooling, short lead times and standards such as API |
| SIMOTICS HV HP | High power | Up to 70 MW according to Siemens |
| H-compact / H-compact PLUS | High voltage | Earlier SIMOTICS HV series, widely installed; the manual is identified by the order number |
| 1LE1 (SIMOTICS GP / SD) | Low voltage | IE1 to IE4 platform with the same power-to-shaft-height assignment |
| 1LE5 (SIMOTICS SD) | Low voltage, severe duty | New generation of SIMOTICS SD |
| 1LA7 | Low voltage | Aluminum frame, earlier generation still in service |
In low voltage, Siemens also groups the SIMOTICS XP (explosion-proof), DP (definite purpose) and FD lines.
Main features
- Cooling: water jacket, air-to-air or air-to-water in high voltage, and self-ventilation in low voltage. It sets the installation environment and the maintenance work.
- Modularity: the HV M is configured in modules, which eases spare parts and delivery times.
- Efficiency: the 1LE1 platform covers IE1 to IE4 without jumps in shaft height, which helps in replacements.
- Drive: many SIMOTICS motors work with SINAMICS converters; the insulation and bearings must suit that supply. See Siemens SINAMICS drive.
- Instrumentation: RTDs in windings and bearings, space heaters and vibration sensors on large machines.
Data published by Siemens for the SIMOTICS HV line
Siemens product pages (in English and in regional versions) allow some data of the high-voltage line to be pinned down:
- Family range. Siemens states that SIMOTICS HV motors cover 150 kW up to 100 MW and more, to IEC and NEMA standards, with different cooling systems, protection classes for hazardous areas and optional degrees of protection up to IP66.
- SIMOTICS HV M. A steel-frame series with modular cooling for petrochemical, steel and power generation; Siemens presents it for use with SINAMICS medium-voltage converters. A regional Siemens page lists shaft heights of 450 to 710 mm, power of 250 to 5300 kW, 4 to 8 poles, cooling methods IC 01, IC 81 W and IC 611, and protection degrees IP23, IP55 and WP II. That page does not give the rated voltage, so confirm it in the catalog for the model.
- SIMOTICS HV C. An air-cooled series with closed internal circulation (IC 411), up to 3.2 MW according to Siemens.
- SIMOTICS HV HP. The highest-power series, up to 70 MW, in asynchronous or synchronous versions and for high or low temperature.
- SIMOTICS HV Waterline. Uses IC 611 cooling as standard, according to its brochure.
These figures are what Siemens announces; the real power of each motor depends on voltage, cooling and shaft height, and is confirmed with the order number on the nameplate.
Standards that define a high-voltage motor
The characteristics of a SIMOTICS HV motor are expressed with the codes of the IEC 60034 series:
| Standard | What it sets |
|---|---|
| IEC 60034-1 | Ratings and performance of rotating electrical machines |
| IEC 60034-5 | Degrees of protection (IP code) of the enclosure |
| IEC 60034-6 | Methods of cooling (IC code) |
| IEC 60034-7 | Types of construction and mounting (IM code) |
| IEC 60034-25 | Guide for AC motors fed by a converter |
| IEC 60034-30-1 | Efficiency classes IE1 to IE4 of low-voltage motors |
For oil and gas motors, the API 541 and 547 standards for form-wound squirrel-cage induction motors are also used, depending on power. When a specification names an IC or IP code, that code defines the installation environment. An IC 611 exchanges heat with air through a heat exchanger mounted on the motor, and an IC 411 uses the surface of the frame. An IP23 is not suitable for dusty environments, while an IP55 protects against dust ingress to a greater degree.
What to check before a replacement or commissioning
- Nameplate and order number. They define series, power, voltage, cooling and accessories; Siemens organizes its technical information by that number.
- Supply from a drive. A motor fed by a converter suffers voltage stress on the insulation and bearing currents; the IEC 60034-25 guide and the manufacturer’s manual say what is required. See Siemens SINAMICS drive and harmonics from variable frequency drives.
- Starting. Starting current and voltage drop are studied before energizing; see starting large motors and voltage drop and medium-voltage motor starter.
- Protection. The motor relay protects against overload, locked rotor, unbalance and ground fault; see motor protection relay.
- Insulation and condition. Insulation and partial discharge tests are agreed before energizing a new or repaired motor; see medium-voltage motor testing.
- Instrumentation. Winding and bearing RTDs, space heaters and vibration sensors must reach the control system with the alarms set.
Communications and integration
The motor sends its signals to the protection relay, the drive or the control system. In plants with Siemens equipment, the motor relay is often a SIPROTEC and the drive shares data with the PLC over PROFINET; toward the substation SCADA, the relay reports over IEC 61850, Modbus or DNP3. See motor protection relay.
Frequent technical questions
- Which manual applies to the SIMOTICS HV Series H-compact? The right manual depends on the order number on the nameplate; Siemens publishes them by series and version.
- SIMOTICS HV M: it is the current modular high-voltage line; it is not the same as an H-compact, even if the application is similar.
- 1LE1 motor versus 1LA7: the 1LA7 is the earlier aluminum generation; before a replacement, verify power, shaft height, mounting and efficiency in the data sheet.
- The motor trips on starting: it is usually the relay setting against the starting current, a voltage drop or an insulation fault. We cover it in overcurrent trip on starting or energizing.
How we help
We do not sell or repair motors. At Tiza Group we test medium-voltage motors (insulation, polarization index, windings, impulse and thermography), review their protection and support commissioning, in substations and in industry, in Colombia, or elsewhere on request. See motor testing within testing and commissioning. Write to us through contact.
Related guides
- Induction motor and its protection
- Medium-voltage motor testing
- Motor protection relay
- Siemens SINAMICS drive
- Motor differential protection 87M
- Harmonics from variable frequency drives
- ABB medium-voltage motors
- WEG medium-voltage motors
- TECO-Westinghouse, Toshiba, Nidec and GE motors
References
- IEC 60034, rotating electrical machines; IEEE 43, insulation resistance.
- Siemens, SIMOTICS general brochure (HV C, HV M, HV HP; GP, SD, XP, DP, FD); catalog D 81.1 SIMOTICS GP, SD, XP, DP; 1LE1 operating instructions; catalog D 84.1 SIMOTICS HV.
Frequently asked questions
What is the SIMOTICS HV?
It is Siemens' family of high-voltage motors. The SIMOTICS brochure divides it into HV C (compact motors, water-jacket or air cooled), HV M (modular motors with a modular cooling concept and compliance with standards such as API), HV HP (high power, up to 70 MW) and specialized motors.
What is a Siemens 1LE1 motor?
It is the Siemens low-voltage motor platform behind SIMOTICS GP (general purpose, aluminum frame) and SIMOTICS SD (severe duty). Siemens offers it in efficiency classes IE1 to IE4 while keeping the same relation between power and shaft height, which makes replacement easier.
Where do I find the manual for the SIMOTICS HV H-compact series?
Siemens publishes the operating instructions by line and version on its industry support portal. For an installed motor, the order number (MLFB) on the nameplate identifies the manual and data sheet that apply.