Patent boost for REO as choke gets green light
A component manufacturer in Shropshire has won a patent for a key piece of its technology.
Craven Arms-based REO UK has obtained the patent for the water cooling of chokes for use in a variety of industries.
Used in railway, renewable and regenerative applications, the new chokes are designed to improve size and efficiency, helping customers make energy savings.
And according to bosses at the manufacturer, which employs seven people in Shropshire is part of a larger German group, the technology will open up new potential for the business.
"We are continuing to work with customers in rail, renewable and regenerative applications to help put energy back into the national grid as well as ensuring that the energy we create is cleaner and more sustainable," said managing director Steve Hughes.
"The patented water cooled chokes are more efficient and contribute to us achieving this goal by helping our customers reduce their energy costs and achieve a higher return on investment."
Chokes, typically used with variable speed drives for smoothing, regulating and limiting current, provide greater control and reduced energy consumption in motors.
The last few years have seen a shift in the industry from air-cooled to water-cooled chokes, as a result of their improved lifespan and lower operating temperatures.
Now, to cater for the design and power requirements of its customers, REO makes equipment for water cooling and encapsulation, used in a range of chokes for low and high power applications.
It helps the choke unit manage heat more efficiently, while also removing hot-spots, the company says.
Its design also allows it to be retro-fitted to existing equipment comfortably, while it can also be used on train locomotives where weather sealing is needed because of high speeds and harsh conditions.
The company has supplied to the rail industry in the past, including components for a bullet train in China last year. The drive components help the China Railway High Speed train reach speeds of up to 218mph, covering 1,428 miles between Beijing and Ghuangzhou in eight hours.
