SET GmbH and Sulzer Pumpen (Deutschland) GmbH are modernising the existing variable-speed drive of a 12 MW boiler feed pump by installing a SETCON gearbox.
Austria / Vienna [21.08.2026] – Wien Energie is modernising the boiler feed pump drive at the Simmering power station. An ageing BHS planetary gearbox and a 6.3 kV power converter cascade are being replaced by a highly innovative SETCON variable-speed gearbox. Sulzer Pumpen (Deutschland) GmbH is acting as the main contractor, responsible for project and site management, whilst the mechanical and electrical retrofitting is being carried out by SET GmbH in Klagenfurt. As part of this project, the 12.4 MW drive motor is also being overhauled by an external partner company.
The SETCON gearbox is characterised by latest variable-speed control method – a technology which, in addition to improving plant availability, also increases the plant’s overall efficiency. Furthermore, the technology impresses with its ideal utilisation of installation space through space-saving, robust low-voltage variable-frequency drive (LV-VFD) technology, thereby optimising maintenance and operational reliability.
Another key advantage of the retrofit is that the booster pump, main motor and boiler feed pump will continue to be used and remain in their current positions. The existing BHS planetary gearbox will be replaced by the variable-speed SETCON gearbox, whilst the lubrication and cooling systems will be retained as far as possible. This makes it possible to carry out the entire retrofit within the power station’s regular, short shutdown period.
