Motion drive solution supports preservation of UK industrial heritage

WEG has contributed to a heritage preservation project at Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet in Sheffield, delivering a motion drive solution that enables the operation of an 1855 steam engine without the use of steam, coal or emissions. The initiative was carried out in partnership with Sheffield Transmission with the aim of keeping this industrial asset in motion while preserving its integrity for future generations.

The Davy Brothers steam engine was historically used to power grinding equipment when water levels were insufficient to drive the waterwheel. After more than 150 years of operation, running the engine on steam became unfeasible due to safety concerns, environmental regulations and operational challenges. However, the museum wanted to maintain a moving demonstration. The challenge was to replicate the engine’s original motion without making any permanent modifications.

Sheffield Transmission and WEG developed a bespoke retrofit system which features a WEG W21 high-efficiency IE3 motor, rated at 2.2 kW, selected for its robustness, smooth torque delivery and flexible installation. Its aluminium frame and multimounting design ensured a discreet installation without machining or structural alterations.

The system is also equipped with a WEG CFW300 variable speed drive that provides control of speed, acceleration and deceleration, allowing the rhythmic motion of the steam engine to be accurately reproduced without imposing mechanical stress on the equipment.

A custom coupling was also developed to connect the motor to the original crankshaft and flywheel assembly, ensuring a fully reversible solution with no impact on the original components.

------------------

This article appeared in Renew magazine. To read more or request your personal digital or print edition of Renew, click here.